Fundamentals of Medicine
Learning to see the world through a physician's eyes
The Fundamentals of Medicine Advanced Course is a pioneering initiative, aimed at researchers interested in familiarising themselves with the terminology and the anatomical, physiological, pathological and pharmacological issues of the different organic and functional systems of the human body, in order to be able to establish bridges between research and clinical practice – the two main branches of activity of the Champalimaud Foundation.
This programme is therefore designed for researchers at any career stage who want to strengthen their clinical understanding, improve communication with medical doctors, and increase the translational impact of their work.
Fundamentals of Medicine
Bridging Research and Clinical Practice
What if your research could speak the language of the clinic?
Breakthroughs in translational medicine don’t happen in isolation, they happen when scientists and clinicians truly understand each other. Yet many researchers lack formal training in core medical concepts, making this bridge harder to cross.
That’s exactly what FoM was designed to change.
Developed by the Faculty of Medicine of UAlg in collaboration with the Champalimaud Foundation, the Fundamentals of Medicine programme equips life sciences researchers with the clinical knowledge needed to connect discovery with patient care.
Fundamentals of Medicine
Learning outcomes and skills development
Think beyond the bench
Gain a structured understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology across major organ systems.
Learn through real clinical cases
Work on authentic medical scenarios and connect molecular mechanisms to clinical manifestations and therapies.
Bridge science and medicine
Develop a shared language with clinicians and strengthen your ability to position your research in a real-world clinical context.
Join a dynamic learning environment
Be part of highly interactive sessions known for strong engagement, interdisciplinary exchange, and collaborative problem-solving.
Fundamentals of Medicine
Methodology and Programme Structure
Problem-Based Learning
This one-year postgraduate program uses Problem-Based Learning (PBL), a globally recognised, student-centred approach pioneered at McMaster and Maastricht Universities.
Duration
One school year
Weekly commitment
- 3 hours of PBL sessions
- Approximately 6 hour of independent study
Certification
14 ECTS University Diploma
Fundamentals of Medicine
2026/2027 Edition Application
Apply by 31st of May
Applications to the 6th edition of the Fundamentals of Medicine Postgratuate Course are now open.
Don’t miss the opportunity to accelerate your research towards real clinical impact. Send your expression of interest to: isabel.palmeirim@research.fchampalimaud.org
Calendar:
The 2026/2027 Edition will run from September 2026 (2nd week) to June 2027.
