Miguel Paiva

Miguel Paiva is a family medicine specialist who cares for children and adults. His clinical background includes primary care, urgent care, pediatric emergency care, preventive medicine, telemedicine, and long-term management of chronic conditions.

Dr. Paiva believes that a good medical appointment starts with a genuinely good conversation. His approach combines evidence-based medicine, clinical empathy, clear explanations, and shared decision-making. As a husband and father of three, he also understands the practical healthcare questions that families bring to an appointment.

Reasons to Schedule an Appointment

• fever, colds, influenza, and other acute respiratory infections;
• cough, sore throat, and other respiratory symptoms;
• abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive concerns;
• weakness, dizziness, fatigue, or a change in overall well-being;
• joint, muscle, or back pain;
• initial evaluation of new or nonspecific symptoms;
• monitoring and treatment-plan review for chronic conditions;
• preventive examinations and personalized screening plans;
• review of routine vaccinations for children and adults;
• review of laboratory and diagnostic test results;
• referral to an appropriate specialist or additional testing when indicated.

Travel Medicine

Dr. Paiva completed postgraduate training in Travel Medicine at the Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa.

A pre-travel consultation may include an individualized risk assessment based on the destination, itinerary, length of travel, medical history, and current medications. The doctor can review routine vaccinations, discuss required or recommended vaccines, explain infection-prevention measures, help plan a travel health kit, and provide guidance on what to do if symptoms develop during the trip.

What to Expect During the Appointment

Dr. Paiva reviews the patient’s concerns and medical history, performs an examination, and evaluates any available test results. He then explains the possible causes of the symptoms and proposes a clear plan for the next steps.

Depending on the clinical situation, the plan may include monitoring, treatment, laboratory testing, diagnostic studies, preventive measures, or a specialist referral. Recommendations are individualized and based on the clinical assessment.

Education and Medical Training

• 2009–2015 — Integrated Master’s Degree in Medicine, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa;
• 2017–2021 — Family Medicine specialty training, USF Emergir, ACES Cascais;
• 2018 — Advanced Life Support training;
• 2019 — clinical placement in periarticular injections, Rheumatology Unit, Hospital Ortopédico de Sant’Ana;
• 2020–2021 — Postgraduate Diploma in Travel Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa.

Professional Experience

• family medicine practice in public primary care units in Cascais, Alcântara, and Carnaxide;
• general, urgent, and pediatric emergency care at Hospital de Setúbal, Hospital da Luz Lisboa, and Hospital de Cascais;
• clinical teaching and supervision of Family Medicine residents, foundation-year doctors, and medical students;
• participation in the national Médicos-Sentinela network at Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge;
• telemedicine practice since 2024.

Approach to Patient Care

Dr. Paiva works to make healthcare clear and accessible. He considers the immediate concern together with prevention, long-term risks, and the health of the family as a whole. Patients have time to ask questions, discuss options, and understand the reason for each recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Dr. Miguel Paiva see children?

Yes. Dr. Paiva sees children and adults. His background includes family medicine and work in a pediatric emergency department.

2. Can I schedule an appointment for an acute illness?

Yes. A family physician can perform an initial assessment of acute symptoms, recommend treatment, and arrange urgent testing or specialist care when needed.

3. Does Dr. Paiva manage chronic conditions?

Yes. He provides long-term follow-up for chronic conditions, monitors changes over time, and reviews treatment plans within the scope of family medicine.

4. Can I discuss preparation for international travel?

Yes. Dr. Paiva has postgraduate training in Travel Medicine. Please confirm whether a dedicated Travel Medicine appointment is currently available when scheduling.

5. Which languages does Dr. Paiva use during appointments?

Dr. Paiva provides consultations in Portuguese and English. His English proficiency is C2. UMC can provide support from a medical coordinator for interpretation when needed.

Schedule an appointment with Family Physician Miguel Paiva at UMC Porto.