O Pioneirismo do Professor Universitário e Obstetra, António Gonçalves de Azevedo

Abstract

Introduction: António Gonçalves de Azevedo, born in 1903, in Matosinhos, was a University Professor, Physician and Researcher. He held the position of Director of FMUP. He is recognised as the pioneer in the introduction of the use of the vacuum extraction in Portugal. This dissertation aims to pay tribute to the life and work of this Professor. Material and Methods: A presential research was carried out at the FMUP Library and online at the University of Porto (UP) Archives and Repository. Three interviews were conducted with family members, close colleagues and disciples of the Professor. Results: He graduated as a Doctor from the Faculty of Medicine of Porto with distinction. He became a specialist in Gynaecology and Obstetrics, having Professor Morais Frias as his Master. He held important positions in the Júlio Dinis Maternity and in the São João Hospital. He had a prolific academic career in the Faculty that trained him, where he was Cathedratic Professor and later Director. He founded the Gynaecology Service at the Luanda University Hospital. He introduced the obstetric suction cup and investigated about the use of this auxiliary method of birth. Discussion: He retired from the Faculty of Medicine in 1973, as a cherished and respected Professor, for his honesty, humility and objectivity. He left a school of disciples prepared to continue to guarantee the best obstetric care. He maintained his clinical activity and dedicated the rest of his time to his family. Conclusion: We can consider that the great legacies of this inescapable figure in Portuguese Obstetrics were the pioneering work in the introduction of the obstetric suction cup and his human figure, which gave him the merit he deserved as a Professor and Doctor.