Arboviruses such as the Zika virus and Dengue, besides reemerging infections such as hepatitis, were some of the themes selected for the presentations of research during the VIII Scientific Journey of the Division/Department of Infectious Diseases (MI) of HCMFUSP, held on April 3rd.
The already traditional biannual gathering of researchers had the opening lecture given by Prof. Paulo Lotufo, Titular Professor of the Department of Medical Clinic of FMUSP, one of the most influential scientists of the world, according to the Clarivate Analytics list. Lotufo presented the idealization and how it’s being conducted the largest cohort study in Brazil, the ELSA Project (Longitudinal Study of Adult Health), for which he is responsible.
The gathering, held on the Red Room of the Rebouças Convention Center, has also marked the indication of the new Titular Professors of the Department, Prof. Esper Kallás and Prof. Ana Sara Shafferman Levin, who have been through the competitive exam not long ago and should occupy the vacancies left by the retirement of Prof. Marcos Boulos and Prof. Maria Aparecida Shikanaia-Yasuda. “This is a special moment. The incorporation as Titular Professors will bring opportunities to enlarge the research initiatives of the institution, give the quality of those researchers as great leaders”, said Prof. Aluisio Segurado, Titular Professor of the Department of MI.
“The nomination is a motive of pride. The realignment of the research lines to the new proposition of the academic plan of the institution stimulates us to attend the demands with more enthusiasm. We aim to accomplish the goals of the scientific research, which is to advance the knowledge to improve life quality of the society”, says Kallás.
Prof. Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco, president of the Research Committee of FMUSP and head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of FMUSP, emphasized the importance of moments of integration. “The exchange of experiences among professionals of different groups and levels of research is very important to the advancement of knowledge. The Research Committee understands this is a moment of improvement and there should be more spaces for such. It is important to highlight that these groups are very aware of the needs of our Country and have been developing studies in areas with major problems, such as dengue, the HIV/AIDs, the Zika Virus among other infections and diseases which need a lot of attention”, said the president.
Besides Prof. Segurado and Prof. Rossana, the opening table counted on the presence of Prof. Ronaldo Cesar Borges Gryschek, head of the Department of MI, on Prof. Lucila Pedroso da Cruz, executive director of the ICHCFMUSP, on Prof. Elisabeth de Faria, head of Office of the HCFMUSP, on Prof. Geraldo Busatto Filho, executive director of the Laboratories of Medical Investigation (LIMs) of FMUSP, on Prof. Vladir Sabbaga Amato, coordinator of the ethics and Research Committee of the Department of MI, and on Prof. Flávio Fava de Moraes Neto, General Director of the Medical School Foundation (FFM).
