A Vida e Obra do Professor Álvaro Teixeira Bastos

Abstract

Introduction: Álvaro Teixeira Bastos (1879-1945) was Full Professor of Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine of Porto and a distinguished surgeon from Porto. This dissertation serves to remember and pay homage to the life and work of a remarkable figure who continued and strengthened the surgical tradition of the Real Escola de Cirurgia and the Escola Médico-Cirúrgica do Porto. Material and Methodology: The investigation led to the analysis of important national documentary sources existing in the following institutions: the Archive of the Universidade do Porto, the Archive of the FMUP Library, the Archive of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto and the Archive of the Ordem do Carmo. At the same time, an interview was also carried out with his grandson, Professor Pedro Bastos, Retired Full Professor at FMUP, former director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery service at the Hospital de S. João. Results: Álvaro Teixeira Bastos was born on February 6, 1879. He finished the medical-surgical course in Porto in 1903. He was Demonstrator of the surgical section, Extraordinary Professor of Obstetrics, Ordinary Professor of Histology and Physiology and Surgery, Secretary of the FMP and Director of the Porto Morgue. He culminated his academic career with his appointment as Full Professor of Surgical Practice. He took over the management of the Surgical Practice department at the FMP. Discussion: His work as a university professor and surgeon continued one of the main traditions of the Porto Medical School, the surgical tradition, promoting the pre- and postgraduate training, the scientific research and the clinical activity of this specialty. He demonstrated excellent management qualities at the health unit under his responsibility. Conclusion: The documentary sources and the interview carried out allowed us to confirm the extent of the work carried out as a member of the FMP teaching staff and a prestigious Porto clinician. His pedagogical and scientific value was recognized in his time and in future societies. His influence perpetuated a school, with one of his main disciples being his son, the Full Professor of Surgery at FMUP Joaquim Bastos. He dedicated himself seriously and actively to management positions in the FMP such as Secretary and Director of the Morgue, being a member of the teaching staff respected by his peers, students and patients.