A teacher to remember and to emulate

Professor Manuel Lopes dos Santos was always an uncommon teacher. In addition to being a natural leader, he knew how to encourage and recognize the quality of each member of his team, as well as how to bring new members into the group. It was thus that he formed and directed the Discipline of Pulmonology of the Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM, Paulista School of Medicine), in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, which is recognized as a center of excellence in pulmonology training, at the national and international level. He was the first preceptor of the residency program at the Hospital São Paulo (HSP), operated by the EPM, demonstrating the relevance of in-service training, which is the gold standard for professional training. He was a manager of the center of excellence, head of the discipline, director of the HSP, and director of the EPM, which he transformed into the Federal University of São Paulo, becoming its first rector. He founded the Paulista Society of Pulmonology and Phthisiology, after which he launched the Journal of Pulmonology (which would later become the JBP) and was its first editor.¹

It was common to hear Professor Santos say, “São Paulo owes a debt to the country. We must train pulmonologists as a group of critical thinkers who will disseminate knowledge throughout the country.” In addition to receiving students from other countries in Latin America, he taught students from every state in Brazil, making the EPM Discipline of Pulmonology the leading producer of pulmonology specialists in the country. He also actively collaborated in the development of the first graduate program in pulmonology in Brazil. His ability to impart knowledge was without par, due to the empathy he had for all who wanted to learn and work, as well as the unconditional love he had for the mission of teaching.

Although Professor Santos could have been treated at any other hospital, including one of those with virtually infinite resources, he always chose the HSP, where, despite a lack of material resources, he could be surrounded by the throng of critically thinking, humane professionals that he had helped educate. In addition, he always had the good sense to use the facility in which he believed and at which he had treated all of his own patients.

The loss of Professor Santos will felt for years to come. During this moment of reflection and mourning, we ponder how great Brazil would be if there were more individuals of his ilk in the country.

REFERENCES

• ¹
  Santos ML. Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia: quarenta anos de história. J Bras Pneumol. 2015;41(5):397

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  Jul-Aug 2018