In early 2025, Mildmay Hospital welcomed two groups of students from NOVA Medical School in Lisbon for intensive internships as part of their bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences. This marks the fourth consecutive year of this productive collaboration.
The partnership underscores the importance of academic and clinical collaboration in providing students with invaluable frontline learning experiences that enhance their studies and better prepare them for the demands of their professional careers.
During their time at Mildmay, the NOVA students were involved in a variety of tasks integral to their future roles as dietitians. These included assessing food portion sizes against national dietary standards, analysing plate waste, adapting patient food satisfaction surveys, creating educational materials, and evaluating weight changes across different patient care pathways. They also contributed to service audits, with findings that will help shape future practices at the hospital and potentially feature in scientific conferences.
“Since the beginning of our dietetics degree, we’ve heard about this internship in London and everyone is eager to be a part of it. While the testimonials from previous students were all positive, they didn’t truly capture the depth of the experience. This was my first professional placement, and I could not have chosen a better environment. It allowed me to grow as a future dietitian and develop key social and professional skills.”
Madalena Ribeiro
Leonor Almeida also spoke about the value of the partnership between NOVA Medical School and Mildmay: “This partnership offers an exceptional learning experience, enabling students to acquire new skills, develop professionally, and prepare for the challenges of the healthcare field. Mildmay is a truly unique and remarkable hospital, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a dedicated team.” For Catarina Brás, the internship was a pivotal moment in her academic journey: “As a fourth-year student nearing the completion of my degree, gaining exposure to the realities of the profession is vital. Shadowing professionals, engaging with patients, and auditing clinical records significantly expanded my knowledge and understanding of nutrition in a hospital setting.” Margarida, another intern, emphasised the value of practical clinical experience: “I expected to gain insight into dietetics, particularly in managing complex health conditions such as those faced by patients living with HIV. However, my time at Mildmay far exceeded expectations. I was able to apply theoretical knowledge, acquire practical skills, and witness first-hand the power of multidisciplinary collaboration in patient care.”
“This internship is a defining moment in my academic and professional journey. The opportunity to engage with patients, work within a multidisciplinary team, and contribute to meaningful projects had a profound impact on my growth, further reinforcing my passion for clinical nutrition.”
Lucileine Santos
The continued success of this programme is due in large part to the dedication of Mildmay Hospital’s Dr Kattya Mayre-Chilton, who has consistently supported NOVA students, and Professor Filomena Gomes at NOVA Medical School, whose efforts ensure the programme’s continuation. Professor Marta Silvestre, who oversees the internship programme at NOVA, plays a pivotal role in equipping students with the skills and experiences necessary for their future careers in healthcare. Their combined efforts have been key in bridging academic learning with real-world healthcare challenges.
This partnership between NOVA Medical School and Mildmay Hospital demonstrates how international collaborations can provide transformative educational experiences. Through these internships, students gain not only enhanced clinical expertise but also a deeper appreciation of the role nutrition plays in delivering holistic patient care. They return to Lisbon with improved skills and knowledge, as well as a renewed sense of purpose in their chosen profession.
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