Rachel Matos

Biographical summary

In-clinic and online · English, Portuguese, Spanish · Same-day appointments

Rachel Matos is an infectious disease specialist with nearly a decade of experience in major infectious disease centers in Brazil and Portugal. Her core areas include HIV management, viral hepatitis, travel medicine, tropical infections, care of immunosuppressed patients, and hospital infection control. She sees adult patients in English, Portuguese and Spanish.

About the Doctor

Dr. Matos specializes in one of the most demanding and rapidly evolving fields of medicine — infectious diseases. This area requires constant knowledge updates, precise diagnosis and a careful approach to antimicrobial and antiviral therapy. Modern infectious disease practice covers not only acute conditions but also the long-term management of chronic infections (HIV, hepatitis), travel medicine consultations, prevention, and the care of patients after transplantation or chemotherapy.

Her background includes residency and many years of practice at Instituto Couto Maia (Salvador, Brazil), one of the largest infectious disease centers in Latin America, followed by experience within the Portuguese healthcare system, including Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga, Hospital da Luz, Hospital Trofa and Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto. Since 2024 she has been officially registered with the College of Infectious Diseases of the Portuguese Medical Association (Colégio de Doenças Infecciosas, Ordem dos Médicos).

Dr. Matos's approach combines thorough clinical assessment, evidence-based medicine and clear, accessible communication. Patients consulting an infectious disease specialist often feel anxious or uncertain — making it essential that they understand what's happening and what comes next. This style of care is especially valuable for expats and travelers facing unfamiliar health concerns abroad.

Education

2010-2015

Doctor of Medicine — Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil

2016-2019

Residency in Infectious Diseases — Instituto Couto Maia, Salvador, Brazil

2019-2020

Postgraduate Course in Travel Medicine — Latin American Society of Travel Medicine (SLAMVI)

2023

Recognition of Medical Degree in Portugal — Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto

2024

Specialist Registration in Infectious Diseases — Colégio de Doenças Infecciosas, Ordem dos Médicos, Portugal

2025

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) — American Heart Association

Professional Experience

Since 2017, Dr. Matos has practiced in major Brazilian infectious disease centers: Instituto Couto Maia, Hospital Municipal de Simões Filho, Hospital da Sagrada Família and specialized municipal HIV services. More than 6 years of clinical work with patients living with HIV, viral hepatitis and other infectious diseases, including pregnant women and immunosuppressed patients.

In parallel, she served in the Hospital Infection Control Service (SCIH), participating in audits, quality control and accreditation processes, and consulting on antibiotic stewardship for inpatients in both general wards and intensive care units.

In Portugal, Dr. Matos has been practicing since 2024 at Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga (Aveiro), Hospital da Luz Vila Nova de Gaia, Hospital Trofa, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, and through the Air Doctor network providing home visits.

Who She Treats

adult patients aged 18 and over
patients preparing for travel to tropical regions or areas with specific epidemiological risks
patients returning from travel with symptoms or suspected infection
patients with chronic infectious diseases (HIV, hepatitis)
pregnant women with infectious conditions or questions about prevention
immunosuppressed patients: post-transplant, on chemotherapy, on long-term immunosuppressive therapy

Common Reasons for Visit

persistent fever of unknown origin
symptoms appearing after international travel: fever, diarrhea, rash, fatigue
positive or unclear results from HIV, hepatitis or syphilis tests
vaccinations and prophylaxis before travel to tropical countries
tick bites, animal contact, rabies risk assessment
recurrent or prolonged infections that don't respond to standard treatment
prescription or adjustment of antibiotic and antiviral therapy
monitoring and treatment optimization for HIV infection
follow-up of chronic viral hepatitis B and C

Conditions She Manages

HIV infection: diagnosis, treatment initiation, ongoing care, viral load monitoring
chronic viral hepatitis B and C
other sexually transmitted infections
tropical infections (malaria, dengue, leptospirosis, schistosomiasis and others)
fevers of unknown origin
infectious diseases during pregnancy
infections in immunosuppressed patients
severe and complicated bacterial infections
complications following surgery or hospital admission

Travel Medicine

One of Dr. Matos's special focus areas is travel medicine. This includes pre-travel consultations for trips to high-risk regions: tailored vaccination plans, malaria and tropical infection prophylaxis, food and water safety guidance, traveler's medical kit recommendations, and personalized advice based on itinerary, trip duration and individual health status. She also sees patients returning from travel with suspected imported infections.

Infection Prevention and Control

Dr. Matos's experience in the Hospital Infection Control Service (SCIH) is a rare and valuable competency. It includes deep understanding of antibiotic stewardship, antimicrobial resistance and the management of complex, treatment-resistant infections.

Languages

English, Portuguese and Spanish.

Appointment Formats

in-clinic appointments at UMC Porto
online consultations
home visits
with or without insurance
with or without a referral

Book an Appointment

Same-day appointments available subject to availability. Book online through the website, by phone or via WhatsApp. We'll find a convenient time and the right format — in clinic or online.