Dr.ª Lígia Pires

Academic Background

• Medical Degree (MD), Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon (1992–1998)

• Specialty Residency in Pulmonology / Respiratory Medicine, Hospital de Santa Marta, Lisbon (2001–2006)

• Certification / Qualification in Hyperbaric Medicine, Hospital Pedro Hispano (2015)

• Specialty Residency in Intensive Care Medicine, Algarve University Hospital Center (CHUA), with clinical fellowships at Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío (Seville, Spain) and Hospital de Santa Marta (2017–2019)

Professional Experience

• Pulmonologist & Intensivist / Dual Specialist in Respiratory & Intensive Care Medicine

• Clinical & Hospital Leadership Roles:

  • Director of the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit

  • Head of the Pulmonary Function Laboratory

  • Head of Interventional Pulmonology Procedures

  • Attending Physician in Intensive Care Medicine, Portimão ICU (Director of Medical Education & Post-ICU / ICU Survivor Follow-up Clinic)

Scientific & Academic Activity

• Leadership in Medical Societies:

  • Coordinator of the Respiratory Critical Care Committee, Portuguese Society of Pulmonology (SPP, 2020)

  • Secretary of the "Acute Critical Care" Group, European Respiratory Society (ERS, 2017–2018)

  • Coordinator of the Respiratory Allergy Committee, SPP (2013–2015)

• Research & Publications: Lead author of the "EvASTHMA Study" (evaluating clinical practice and organizational factors in asthma exacerbations presenting to emergency departments in Portugal)

Main Areas of Practice

• Interventional Pulmonology: Flexible Bronchoscopy, Pleural Biopsies, Pleural Drainage, and Thoracentesis

• Pulmonology Consultations (Adults & Pediatrics): General Respiratory Medicine, Asthma, Interstitial Lung Diseases, and Sleep Medicine

• Hyperbaric & Diving Medicine: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Professional Diving Fitness Evaluations (Registered Provider)

• Intensive Care Medicine: Emergency and Critical Care Management in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)