A recurrently used lie becomes a truth for the unwary, but it is still a lie. This is the case of the repeated idea that the Medical Association is a corporatist institution that only defends the interests of the medical profession. This perception, although understandable, is far from reality.
The Order of Doctors is essentially the group of doctors and, therefore, reflects what happens in the profession: a day-to-day life with priority to the defense of patients, in the search for the best care, with respect for human life. I am a doctor and I know that my mission, first and foremost, is to give the best to patients. I also know that my Order, of which I am leader, is as committed to this as I am.
Doctors are one of the most regulated and evaluated professions in the world. Every doctor, in their daily work, knows that they are subject to scrutiny that no other professional is subject to. This does not happen by chance: all steps in medical training are properly defined and evaluated, creating a professional spirit that has the natural consequence of giving patients the best that is possible.
The Medical Association’s fundamental mission is to regulate the practice of medicine, ensuring that all doctors comply with the highest standards of technical competence and ethical conduct. This regulatory function is neither optional nor negotiable – it is a legal and moral responsibility towards Portuguese society.
The role of the Order in medical training is exemplary and internationally recognized. Portugal trains excellent doctors, sought after all over the world, thanks to the rigor of the training process established by the Order, from the approval of medical school curricula to the certification of medical specialties. Internships last between 4 and 6 years depending on the specialty. Around 1,500 interns are currently undergoing training under strict supervision, completing detailed training programs, carrying out periodic assessments and defending their CVs before specialized juries. This process ensures that each specialist is fully prepared to practice safely and competently.
When a patient is treated by a doctor in Portugal, you have the guarantee that this professional meets all the required training, ethical and deontological requirements. This security does not exist by chance.
The Order’s Disciplinary Council plays a crucial role in protecting patients. Far from protecting incompetent or negligent doctors, this body rigorously investigates all complaints presented, applying sanctions whenever necessary. Every year, dozens of disciplinary proceedings result in warnings, censures, suspensions and, in the most serious cases, expulsion from the Order – which is equivalent to a definitive ban on practicing medicine.
The Code of Ethics establishes clear rules on the doctor-patient relationship, professional secrecy, medication prescription, conflicts of interest and many other aspects of medical practice. Any violation of these rules is subject to disciplinary proceedings.
Portugal today has one of the most respected medicines in Europe, with quality indicators that place us at the top of international rankings. Our doctors are recognized for their technical competence and ethical rigor. This reputation is the direct result of the regulatory work of the Medical Association.
We live in times of populism that are almost impossible to successfully confront through the truth, but it must be noted that the epithet of corporatist associated with doctors in the most negative dimension of the term is inappropriate and unfair – that of a practice of hiding negligence and error and defending their own at any cost.
The Order of Doctors exists so that the Portuguese always have the guarantee that, when they look for a doctor, they are in the hands of a competent, ethical and duly qualified professional. This is its primary mission, and that is why it deserves the recognition and respect of society as a whole.
João Dias Ferreira
Southern Regional Council of the Order of Doctors