10 Most Influential Portuguese Doctors Throughout History

Published in

Heritage Digest

11 min readApr 20, 2024

Throughout the annals of medical history, Portugal has produced some of the most pioneering and influential doctors whose contributions have shaped the course of Portuguese medicine and significantly impacted global healthcare. These luminaries have left indelible marks on medicine, from groundbreaking researchers to compassionate practitioners. Here are ten of the most influential Portuguese doctors whose lives and legacies continue to inspire the medical community:

Egas Moniz (1874–1955)
Carlos Ribeiro (1813–1882)
Miguel Bombarda (1851–1910)
Abel Salazar (1889–1946)
Ricardo Jorge (1858–1939)
Reynaldo dos Santos (1880–1970)
João Cid dos Santos (1907–1975)
Bernardino António Gomes Jr. (1806–1877)
Curry Cabral (1844–1920)
José Sobral Cid (1877–1941)

1. Egas Moniz (1874–1955)

Egas Moniz, born in Avanca, Portugal, in 1874, rose from humble beginnings to become a pioneering figure in neurology. His early life, marked by a keen interest in medicine, led him to the University of Coimbra, where he embarked on a journey that would revolutionize medical science. Moniz’s groundbreaking work in cerebral angiography and psychosurgery, particularly his development of the lobotomy, earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1949, making him the first Portuguese national to receive this honor. Despite controversies surrounding lobotomy, his contributions to neurology remain significant.

Moniz balanced his medical pursuits with active political involvement throughout his career, serving in various legislative and diplomatic roles. His political engagement was deeply intertwined with his medical work, reflecting a commitment to improving Portugal's health and socio-political landscape. His dual legacy as a neurologist and a politician underscores the multifaceted nature of his contributions to Portuguese society and medical science.

Both accolades and adversity marked Moniz’s later years. After surviving an assassination attempt by a patient, he continued to work despite being wheelchair-bound, demonstrating resilience and dedication to his field. He passed away in 1955 due to an internal hemorrhage, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to evoke debate. Today, Moniz is remembered for his medical innovations and role in shaping the early 20th-century discourse on mental health treatment, balancing his contributions against the ethical considerations his work has raised.

2. Carlos Ribeiro (1813–1882)

Carlos Ribeiro, born in Lisbon in 1813, emerged from humble origins to become a trailblazer in geology and archaeology in Portugal. Despite limited formal schooling, his early commitment to education led him to the forefront of geological research. Ribeiro’s significant contributions include the development of Portugal's first geological chart and excavating numerous prehistoric sites, cementing his role as a pioneer in the field. His work in stratigraphy and paleontology laid the foundational stones for modern geological studies in Portugal.

Despite facing political and personal challenges, including imprisonment due to his political beliefs, Ribeiro’s passion for geology remained undiminished. His role as the Director of the Geological Commission of Portugal enabled him to supervise the creation of the country’s first geological map, an achievement recognized internationally with a silver medal at the Universal Exhibition of Paris in 1878. This period marked a significant advancement in Portugal's geological and archaeological understanding, driven by Ribeiro’s innovative approach to fieldwork and research.

Ribeiro’s legacy extends beyond geology to his archaeological contributions, where he identified and excavated key Neolithic sites. His discovery of the Muge Mesolithic Shell Middens and numerous megalithic tombs underscored the rich prehistoric heritage of Portugal. Despite his challenges, including his dismissal from military service and subsequent imprisonment, Ribeiro's dedication to his work showcases his unwavering commitment to scientific discovery. His death in Lisbon in 1882 marked the end of a remarkable career that significantly enriched our understanding of Portugal’s geological and prehistoric landscape.

3. Miguel Bombarda (1851–1910)

Miguel Augusto Bombarda was born on March 6, 1851, into an era of burgeoning scientific discovery. His early life set the stage for a career significantly influenced Portuguese psychiatry and medicine. Although details of his upbringing and family background are less documented, Bombarda’s dedication to his education and subsequent medical achievements indicate a profound commitment to improving mental health care and treatment methodologies in Portugal. His journey from a student to a leading physician underscores the importance of psychiatric innovation during his time.

As a physician and psychiatrist, Bombarda made significant contributions to the mental health field in Portugal. He was instrumental in modernizing psychiatric treatment and advocating for more humane treatment of patients with mental illnesses. His work went beyond clinical practice; Bombarda was also a fervent educator and politician, deeply involved in reforming psychiatric care institutions. His efforts to integrate mental health care into the broader spectrum of public health services marked a pivotal shift towards more compassionate and effective treatment approaches for mental health conditions.

Tragically, Bombarda’s life was cut short on October 3, 1910, when he was assassinated by one of his patients, just days before the October 5, 1910 revolution, an event he had actively conspired in. His untimely death underscored the complexities and challenges of psychiatric practice at the time, as well as the passionate intersection between his medical career and political activism. Bombarda’s legacy endures despite his assassination, immortalized in the advancements he championed in psychiatric care and the broader medical field in Portugal. His life’s work continues to inspire future generations of physicians and psychiatrists.

4. Abel Salazar (1889–1946)

Abel de Lima Salazar was born on 19 July 1889 in Guimarães, Portugal, into a family deeply rooted in academia and culture. His father, Adolfo Barroso Pereira Salazar, and his mother, Adelaide da Luz da Silva e Lima, nurtured his early interest in the arts and sciences. This balanced upbringing paved the way for Salazar’s later achievements as a physician, researcher, and artist. His education and career were primarily centered in Porto, where he would leave a lasting mark on the medical and artistic communities.

Throughout his career, Salazar was a forward-thinking physician and lecturer, deeply committed to advancing medical research and education. His work at the University of Porto was characterized by a holistic approach to medicine, emphasizing the importance of understanding the social determinants of health. Salazar’s contributions to the field were not limited to his medical practice; he was also an accomplished writer and painter, using his art to critique social injustices and the political climate of his time, notably his anti-fascist stance. His artistic work, rich with social references, presaged the neo-realist movement in Portuguese painting, highlighting his multifaceted talents and his commitment to social issues.

Salazar’s legacy extends beyond his death on 29 December 1946 in Lisbon. In 1975, the Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute) was established in his honor, serving as a testament to his significant contributions to the medical and scientific communities. This institution, part of the University of Porto, embodies Salazar’s interdisciplinary approach, bridging the gap between the biomedical sciences and the humanities. As a pioneer in advocating for a more inclusive and socially aware medical practice, Salazar’s influence remains a guiding light for future medical professionals and researchers.

5. Ricardo Jorge (1858–1939)

Ricardo Jorge, born in Porto on May 9, 1858, was a pioneering physician in Portugal, recognized for his significant contributions to public health and hygiene. Despite modest beginnings, Jorge pursued an education in medicine, graduating from the Porto Medical-Surgical School in 1879. His early focus on neurology shifted towards public health, where his legacy would be firmly established. Jorge’s dedication to improving health standards was evident from his early career, illustrating a lifelong commitment to medical advancement and public welfare.

Jorge’s transition to public health marked a turning point in his career and impacted Portugal’s health policies. His innovative approach to public health issues and his leadership in combating the bubonic plague in Porto in 1899 demonstrated his expertise and commitment to the field. As a municipal doctor and later as Inspector-General of Health, Jorge’s work addressed immediate health crises and laid the foundation for modern public health practices in Portugal. His role in establishing and directing the Central Institute of Hygiene further solidified his influence on national health initiatives.

Jorge’s contributions extended beyond medicine, including significant involvement in art, literature, history, and politics. His death on July 29, 1939, marked the end of a distinguished career dedicated to improving public health in Portugal. His legacy is preserved in the Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, ensuring his impact on Portuguese medicine and public health continues to be recognized and celebrated. Jorge’s work remains a testament to the power of dedicated public service and the importance of innovative approaches to healthcare.

6. Reynaldo dos Santos (1880–1970)

Reynaldo dos Santos, born in Vila Franca de Xira in 1880, was a distinguished Portuguese physician who significantly contributed to vascular surgery and urology. Following in his father Clemente José dos Santos’ footsteps, also a physician, Reynaldo pursued his medical education at the Medico-Surgical School in Lisbon, graduating in 1903. His early career was marked by extensive study abroad in Paris and several major U.S. cities, enhancing his surgical expertise.

Notably, dos Santos developed the pioneering technique of aortography in 1929, significantly advancing the field of vascular imaging. His dedication to medical education and research led to his tenure as a professor and eventual dean at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, where he influenced generations of medical professionals. Beyond his surgical innovations, dos Santos contributed to the medical community as President of the Lisbon Society of Medical Sciences and the Lisbon Academy of Sciences.

Parallel to his medical career, dos Santos was an accomplished art historian, contributing significantly to the understanding of 15th-century Portuguese art and architecture. His discovery of the Pastrana Tapestries studies on the Manueline style and the works of Nuno Gonçalves highlights his dual legacy in medicine and the arts. Dos Santos passed away in 1970, leaving a rich legacy that bridged the worlds of medicine and art history.

7. João Cid dos Santos (1907–1975)

João Cid dos Santos, born in Lisbon on August 5, 1907, was a distinguished Portuguese surgeon and professor known for pioneering vascular surgery work. Following in the footsteps of his father, a renowned vascular surgeon, Cid dos Santos forged his path in medicine, embarking on an illustrious career that significantly advanced the field of vascular surgery. His education at the Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon laid the foundation for a career of innovation and dedication to medical science.

Cid dos Santos’ most notable achievement was the development of phlebography, a diagnostic technique that revolutionized the imaging of veins. In 1933, he performed the first human phlebography, marking a significant milestone in medical imaging. His work didn’t stop there; in 1946, he performed the first endarterectomy, removing a thrombus and atheroma plaque from an artery, a procedure that has become the standard treatment for severe arterial stenoses and obstructions. His contributions to vascular surgery were internationally recognized, earning him prestigious awards, including the Vascular Surgery Prize — Leriche Prize.

Despite his profound impact on medicine, Cid dos Santos also had a rich life outside his professional achievements. He was an accomplished pianist, a lover of literature, and an avid cook known to prepare his meals at the Belcanto restaurant in Lisbon. Cid dos Santos’ legacy extends beyond his medical innovations; he was a renaissance man who brought passion and creativity to every aspect of his life. He passed away on November 4, 1975, leaving a legacy of medical advancement and a profound influence on Portuguese and global medicine.

8. Bernardino António Gomes Jr. (1806–1877)

Bernardino António Gomes Jr., born in 1806 in Lisbon, was a pioneering Portuguese physician remembered for introducing chloroform anesthesia during surgery in Portugal and popularizing creosote and ether inhalers. His father, Bernardino António Gomes Sr., a renowned physician and scientist, shaped his upbringing, laying the groundwork for Gomes Jr.’s future medical contributions. His education in Paris, amidst political upheaval in Portugal, honed his medical skills and introduced him to revolutionary medical practices.

Upon returning to Portugal, Gomes Jr. applied his knowledge and experience to advance surgical procedures and public health policies. His successful use of chloroform in 1848 marked a significant advancement in anesthesia, improving surgical outcomes and patient care. Gomes Jr.’s dedication extended beyond the operating room; he was a key figure in managing public health crises, employing his expertise during cholera and yellow fever epidemics. His roles as Director of the Royal Naval Hospital and Chair of Materia Medica at the Lisbon Medical-Surgical School further cemented his impact on Portuguese medicine.

His dual role defines Gomes Jr.’s legacy as a medical innovator and public health advocate. His contributions to anesthesia and hygiene practices revolutionized Portuguese medicine, earning him recognition and awards. Despite his achievements, Gomes Jr. remained committed to advancing medical science until he died in 1877, leaving a lasting influence on the field and setting a precedent for future medical professionals in Portugal.

9. Curry Cabral (1844–1920)

Curry Cabral, born on May 4, 1844, in São Mamede, Lisbon, Portugal, was a prominent Portuguese physician who significantly contributed to medicine in the early 20th century. He hailed from a family with Azorean roots and a British connection through Andrew Curry, a settler in the Azores in the 18th century. His early life was marked by academic excellence and dedication to his medical studies.

Curry Cabral’s education journey began in 1864 when he enrolled at the Medical-Surgical School in Lisbon. He exhibited exceptional academic prowess and defended his thesis on articular injuries and conservative surgery in 1869. His medical career took off at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, where he served as an emergency room surgeon and later as the Hospital’s Chief Infirmarer, implementing administrative reforms and new patient care guidelines.

As an academic, Curry Cabral became a professor at the Medical-Surgical School, teaching Surgery and Anatomical Pathology. He contributed significantly to medicine through scientific publications, editorial roles, and memberships in national and foreign scientific societies. His advocacy for specialized hospitals to treat diseases like tuberculosis led to establishing the Hospital Curry Cabral in 1906, named in his honor. He received recognition for his contributions, being named a Commander of the Order of Saint James of the Sword in 1904. Curry Cabral’s enduring legacy in Portuguese medicine and his commitment to medical education continues to be remembered and celebrated in the medical community.

10. José Sobral Cid (1877–1941)

José de Matos Sobral Cid, born in Cambres, Lamego, on June 29, 1877, was a distinguished Portuguese psychiatrist and professor at the University of Coimbra. His contributions to psychiatry extended beyond clinical practice; he played a crucial role in developing clinical psychology in Portugal, emphasizing a humanized approach to patient care. This approach highlighted the importance of the doctor-patient relationship. It maintained a balance between psychiatry's medical and biological aspects, laying the groundwork for future generations in the field.

Sobral Cid’s impact on psychiatric treatment was further solidified through his collaboration with Egas Moniz and Almeida Lima, marking the beginning of psychosurgery. This collaboration represented a significant milestone in medical history, illustrating Sobral Cid’s willingness to explore innovative treatments in psychiatry. His work in this area, along with his teaching and clinical practice, contributed significantly to the understanding and treatment of mental health conditions, making him a pivotal figure in Portuguese psychiatry.

Beyond his medical achievements, Sobral Cid served as the civil governor of Coimbra and held the position of Minister of Public Instruction in the First Portuguese Republic. His legacy continues to influence the field of psychiatry in Portugal, evidenced by the naming of the Hospital Sobral Cid in Coimbra in his honor. Sobral Cid passed away in Lisbon on April 28, 1941, leaving behind a legacy characterized by innovation, compassion, and dedication to improving mental health care.