A few years ago, the idea for my PhD came during lunch at Pano de Boca (serving German cuisine back then) with my future supervisor — Prof. Pedro Pita Barros. I believe that the choice of the restaurant was due to its proximity to the Faculty of Economics — for the time being in Campolide, Lisbon.

Everything has changed since that first lunch. I moved to Coimbra, got married, and became a father. The Faculty of Economics definitively assumed itself as Nova School of Business and Economics and moved to Carcavelos. It was pretty farfetched to imagine that, some years later, I would be defending my thesis infected with covid-19 and in isolation at home.

Today was the culmination of this stage with the defence of my PhD in Management. My grandfather João proudly displayed his fourth-grade diploma: “with distinction,” he said. The poor country where he was born did not allow him to continue his studies. For me, my country and family have allowed me other opportunities. Getting here has the same value: approved by unanimity and distinction. Thank you, Grandfather, wherever you are.

Many thanks to all those who have guided me this far. Particularly to my wife and Pedro. They know very well why 😀

Please find below my presentation:

Hospital management: Patient-centered care, CEO appointments and their impact from Alexandre Lourenço