My Story

I always believed that as clinicians, we can only contribute for someone’s healing when we take into account each person individually, holistically (body, mind and spirit) and when we are open to understanding their personal, social and environmental context. At the beginning of my career, I worked in the field of medical oncology in one of the largest cancer centres in Lisbon (Portugal), where I saw, for the first time, how physically and psychologically vulnerable people diagnosed with cancer and their families really feel. At that time, I developed a special interest in the area of ​​palliative care as it is characterized by a more comprehensive approach to the person, focusing on their priorities, they social context and emphasizing the importance of a good patient-doctor relationship. In 2020, I was diagnosed with cancer myself, which propelled me to study different areas of medicine/health that are more focused on the whole person and not just the disease. From there I did a certification in lifestyle medicine, and I took courses in integrative and functional medicine, health coaching and yoga for people with cancer. All of these experiences gave me valuable tools to use in a consultation setting and support each person in finding their own path to a healthier life. Having completed a PhD also gives me the ability to critically analyse the most recent scientific research in these areas and apply it, when appropriate, in the clinical context.