Fernando Cerqueira Magro: Vida e Obra do pioneiro da biópsia renal em Portugal

Abstract

Introduction Fernando de Carvalho Cerqueira Magro Gomes Ferreira was born in Porto, on November 17, 1920. He distinguished himself with excellence in the specialty of Internal Medicine, teaching at "Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto" and having participated in many research projects, which became promoters of the development of medical knowledge. Methods Visits made to the records of the FMUP Library and to the archive of the "Reitoria da Universidade do Porto". Interviews with some of his colleagues and disciples, Professor Manuel Pestana and Drs. João Quinaz, José Alberto Mergulhão and Moura Reis, and to D. Teresa Coimbra, his daughter. Data from the public internet domain was used. Results Fernando Cerqueira Magro was a pioneer in Medicine, nationally and internationally, having had the main role in introducing the practice of kidney biopsy in Portugal, and an important role in hemodialysis, kidney transplantation and Geriatrics, among the main ones. A prestigious clinician and researcher, he held the positions of Director of two Services at Hospital de S. João. He stood out at the same time in teaching, managing two courses at this Faculty. Discussion Being strongly influenced by Professors Rocha Pereira and Ferraz Júnior, he had an invaluable impact on clinical practice, teaching, research and management of health services. Conclusion Words are insufficient to describe the importance that Cerqueira Magro had in Medicine. His pioneering work and his proactive and entrepreneurial spirit led him to defend and create a legacy that is still impactful today and recognized by his peers.