ULS do Nordeste Professionals Nominated for Empathy in Health Awards

Vanessa de Melo and Júlia Gonçalves, from the Mirandela Palliative Care team, were recognized for their humanized care.

Generic image of a stethoscope on medical books, with blurred Portuguese architectural elements in the background.
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Generic image of a stethoscope on medical books, with blurred Portuguese architectural elements in the background.

Two professionals from the Local Health Unit (ULS) do Nordeste, Vanessa de Melo and Júlia Gonçalves, have been nominated for the Empathy in Health Awards 2026, an initiative that distinguishes the humanization of clinical care.

Doctor Vanessa de Melo and nurse Júlia Gonçalves, both working with the Community Support Team for Palliative Care in Mirandela, were recognized for their dedication. The awards are an initiative of the podcast “Princípio Ativo”.
The aim of the Empathy in Health Awards is to recognize professionals who stand out for their humanization, proximity to patients, and ability to place empathy at the center of clinical practice. The initiative stems from the conviction that an empathetic therapeutic relationship has a real impact on the patient's experience and treatment adherence.
The nomination resulted from proposals by patients, families, and professionals. The awards ceremony took place on October 17, at the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs in Porto.
This national distinction acknowledges the work developed by the professionals and teams of ULS do Nordeste, in a territory with challenges of accessibility and an aging population, where proximity and trust are crucial. The recognition aligns with the institutional values of humanization and patient-centeredness.
Based on information from the official source: ULS do Nordeste (Bragança) (20/10/2026)