João Neves Maia

João Maia is an Internal Medicine specialist with experience in both public and private hospitals. He diagnoses and manages diseases affecting the internal organs, cares for patients with multiple chronic conditions, and evaluates complex clinical presentations involving more than one body system.

His clinical practice includes inpatient care, emergency medicine, general Internal Medicine consultations, and a dedicated clinic for systemic and autoimmune diseases. His approach is patient-centered, evidence-based, and coordinated with other medical specialties.

Reasons to See an Internal Medicine Specialist

• persistent or nonspecific symptoms without a clear explanation;
• multiple chronic conditions that need coordinated management;
• unexplained fatigue, weakness, weight loss, or persistent fever;
• abnormal laboratory results that require a comprehensive assessment;
• the need to integrate recommendations from several specialists into one care plan;
• suspected systemic or autoimmune disease;
• respiratory diseases;
• liver disease;
• heart failure;
• cardiovascular risk assessment and management;
• comprehensive medical care for older adults.

Systemic and Autoimmune Diseases

Systemic autoimmune diseases can cause symptoms involving the joints, skin, blood vessels, lungs, kidneys, nervous system, and other organs. Their evaluation often requires an integrated review of symptoms, medical history, laboratory data, and diagnostic studies.

Since May 2024, Dr. Neves Maia has provided dedicated consultations for patients with autoimmune diseases at Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António. In 2019, he completed a clinical placement in systemic and autoimmune diseases at Hôpital Cochin in Paris.

What to Expect During the Appointment

Dr. Neves Maia conducts a detailed review of the patient’s symptoms, medical history, current medications, laboratory results, and reports from other physicians. When appropriate, he performs a general examination and assesses more than one body system.

After the consultation, the patient receives an explanation of the possible causes and an individualized plan. The plan may include monitoring, treatment, additional laboratory or diagnostic testing, medication review, or referral to another specialist.

Education and Medical Training

• 2008–2014 — Integrated Master’s Degree in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto;
• 2015 — foundation year internship, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto;
• 2016–2021 — specialty training in Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto;
• April–June 2019 — clinical placement in systemic and autoimmune diseases, Hôpital Cochin, Paris.

Professional Experience

• since September 2021 — Internal Medicine specialist at Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António;
• since May 2024 — dedicated autoimmune disease consultations;
• since January 2025 — Internal Medicine specialist at Hospital da Lapa;
• inpatient and emergency department practice;
• supervision of foundation-year and specialty residents;
• participation in the Infection Control and Antimicrobial Resistance Committee;
• member of the multidisciplinary Infective Endocarditis Team at Santo António.

Research and Professional Memberships

Dr. Neves Maia is an author and coauthor of scientific articles published in indexed medical journals, including Acta Médica Portuguesa, Neurohospitalist, Cureus, Access Microbiology, and the European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases.

He is a member of the Portuguese Medical Association and the Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine. He speaks Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish.

Approach to Patient Care

Internal Medicine considers the patient’s overall health rather than treating each diagnosis in isolation. Dr. Neves Maia integrates symptoms, test results, and medication lists, identifies clinical priorities, and helps coordinate care when several specialists are involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is an Internal Medicine specialist different from a general practitioner?

Internal Medicine focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases, particularly complex conditions, disorders involving several organs, and multiple chronic diagnoses. A general practitioner is more commonly the first point of care for patients across age groups.

2. Can I schedule an appointment for symptoms that have remained unexplained?

Yes. An Internal Medicine specialist can perform a comprehensive assessment, integrate findings from previous investigations, and determine whether additional testing or another specialist consultation is needed.

3. Does Dr. Neves Maia evaluate autoimmune diseases?

Yes. Systemic and autoimmune diseases are among his clinical interests. He has provided dedicated autoimmune disease consultations at ULS de Santo António since 2024.

4. Does Dr. Neves Maia see children?

No. Appointments are available for adults age 18 and older.

5. Which languages does Dr. Neves Maia use during appointments?

His primary consultation languages at UMC are Portuguese and English. He is also proficient in French and Spanish at the C1 level. UMC can provide support from a medical coordinator for interpretation when needed.

Schedule an appointment with Internal Medicine Specialist João Neves Maia at UMC Porto.