Prof. João Macedo | Bioethics | Breakthrough Research Award

Research Focus

Dr. Macedo’s research centers on Bioethics, Palliative Care, Health Education, and Advance Directives. His doctoral work explored prospective autonomy within the Portuguese context, examining ethical and legal frameworks surrounding patient choices in end-of-life care. He advocates for death education as a public health tool, aiming to demystify dying through curricula and community awareness. With over 21 articles and two authored books, his scholarship covers ethical decision-making in clinical practice, autonomy, and the moral dimensions of healthcare. He contributes to medical humanities, integrating philosophy, nursing, and social science to foster ethically sensitive care. His current research at the Bioethics Center of the University of Porto involves multidisciplinary collaboration on patient rights, informed consent, and advanced care planning. His academic and clinical inquiries consistently highlight the importance of preparing professionals and communities to navigate healthcare decisions with empathy, dignity, and ethical clarity.

🛠️ Skills

Dr. Macedo possesses a diverse skill set spanning academic instruction, bioethical analysis, clinical care, and health education design. As an experienced professor, he excels in curriculum development, especially in palliative care, ethics, and communication. He is a skilled speaker and facilitator in academic forums and has a deep understanding of ethical decision-making models. His language proficiency includes advanced Spanish reading and speaking, advanced English reading, and comprehension of French, enhancing his capacity to participate in international collaboration. Dr. Macedo’s experience also includes committee leadership, scientific writing, and interdisciplinary research coordination. His strengths lie in teaching critical thinking, promoting reflective practice, and advancing death literacy. He is also adept at mentoring students and advising nursing professionals on issues related to autonomy, patient advocacy, and end-of-life planning, making him an essential contributor to ethical nursing and public health discourse.

Conclusion