CHRC Researchers Discussed Digital Transformation in Healthcare at Encontro Ciência 2025
Experts explored the impact of artificial intelligence on medical practice and the emerging challenges in training future healthcare professionals.
The digital transformation of healthcare took centre stage at Encontro Ciência 2025, with the active participation of researchers from the Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC) and NOVA Medical School. Representing the institution, Sérgio Laranjo and Fernando Bozza took part in the parallel session entitled "Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Impact on the Doctor–Patient Relationship", organised by the REAL – Associated Laboratory for Translational and Global Health Innovation, in collaboration with the RISE – Health Research Network Associated Laboratory.
Held at the NOVA School of Business and Economics (NOVA SBE), the session brought together experts from a variety of fields for a multidisciplinary discussion on the implications of digitalisation in healthcare – from the benefits of artificial intelligence in clinical practice to the ethical challenges posed by its integration into the doctor–patient relationship.
During the session, Sérgio Laranjo presented "Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Risk Assessment, Detection and Treatment Decisions in Cardiology", highlighting the growing role of AI in risk stratification, early diagnosis, and decision support, particularly in cardiology. He emphasised the potential of these technologies to enhance diagnostic accuracy, foster more personalised medicine, and optimise patient care.
Fernando Bozza, in turn, focused on the challenges and strategies for professional development in the digital era. His presentation, "Skills for an Uncertain Future: Challenges, Emerging Technologies, and Strategies to Promote Professional Development in Medical Education in the Digital Age", stressed the urgent need to adapt medical education to the realities of the digital age. In addition to technical competencies, he underlined the importance of soft skills – such as empathy, communication, and humanism – as essential tools to preserve the quality and ethical standards of the doctor–patient relationship.
The participation of NOVA Medical School and the CHRC in this national event reinforces the institution’s ongoing commitment to innovation, scientific excellence, and the training of healthcare professionals equipped to face the complex challenges of future medicine. In a context of rapid technological change, the ability to combine technical expertise with human sensitivity will, according to the researchers, be key to ensuring more effective, ethical, and patient-centred care.