What exists as the most innovating in medical research in the fields of cardiology, diabetes and nephrology was discussed on July 12th and 13th, at the University of Campinas (Unicamp) School of Medical Sciences (SMS), during the international event of scientific collaboration and lifelong medical learning called At the Limits. Being hosted for more than two decades by Harvard University, College of London, University of Cape Town and The Lancet medical journal, always reuniting renowned researchers from around the world, this is the first time the event is taking place in Latin America.

The At the Limits 22nd edition opening saw the welcome from cardiologist physician and SMS Research Commission coordinator, Andrei Sposito, and University College London professor, Derek M. Yellon, specialist in molecular and cellular cardiology. “For three years, I’ve had the opportunity of consulting professor Derek about hosting the At the Limits here in Brazil. For my surprise, he not only embraced the idea but also gave full support from his team”, said Andrei. “It is an honor to be here to work with my colleagues from Unicamp. The At the Limits concept is very simple, which is to be able to discuss subjects with people interested in the same matter. Here, we’re all interested in cardiology, nephrology and diabetes”, thanked Derek.

“This is a very important event. Reunited here, are some of the best research groups in the world in the fields of cardiology, endocrinology and nephrology”, said the cardiologist doctor from SMS and At the Limits Scientific Committee member, Otávio Rizzi Coelho, explaining that during the two-days event at Unicamp, the subjects on relevant aspects in the understanding of cardiovascular and renal Diabetes-related diseases were discussed.

“The discussions taking place here will bring new perspectives towards diagnostics, treatment and patient evolution”, said Otávio during the opening ceremony. The specialist also highlighted the insertion of the new national critical mass in the context of the state-of-the-art researches made internationally. “We have, in Brazil, research areas of excellence. Unicamp, together with other Brazilian universities, has a very high research level. This event taking place in Campinas, particularly at Unicamp, is the international scientific community acknowledgement.”

Still regarding the At the Limits main discussions, Otávio Rizzi talked about the new horizons in the treatment of patients with diabetes. “Currently, there are many new medications for the treatment of Diabetes, which improved a lot the conditions regarding cardiac and renal diseases related to diabetes. There are new perspectives related to the patient prognosis, with a better quality of life. Many of the matters that are being discussed here are either already available at the market or shall be released in the next years”, said.

SMS director, Luiz Carlos Zeferino, talked about the importance of hosting an international event the size of At the Limits at Unicamp. “The SMS insertion in this event’s circuit, clearly indicates that the School has consolidated its position in international level. The strength of our mark allowed the event to be hosted here”, said Zeferino, signaling the hosting of other editions of the event in the next years.

Of the Unicamp Health Area executive director, Manoel de Barros Bertollo, the weight of the At the Limits, in the context of the assistance services offered at the University, is meaningful. “The is a very important event that unites specialists from three major areas, which are cardiology, nephrology and diabetes, allowing updating in the diagnostics and treatment of several diseases. We are very glad to be able to host this event in our university”.

Unicamp research pro-rectorate, Munir Salomão Skaf, highlighted the important position occupied by the researchers from the Campinas University. “One of the things we can realize here is that in the three areas covered by the event, the SMS is an authority, with research groups very consolidated, with relevant publications and of broad international acknowledgement. This is a reason to the proud”, said Munir, who pointed out, also, the importance of The Lancet medical journal, among the event organizers. “The Lancet journal is one of the world’s most traditional in Medical and Life Science. This puts Unicamp in a very interesting level regarding international projection.”

Unicamp rector, Marcelo Knobel, invited the international event’s participants to take the visit opportunity at a Brazilian university to see closer the doctors’ work reality in Brazil. “Could be an interesting and important experience for you to know the incredible air work done daily by our professionals: doctors, students and researchers, given the constant challenges they face in our healthcare system, which is fully public. Here, we don’t charge our patients. Even the parking is free. Therefore, I consider important that you also see our work ambient”, said the rector.

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SMS - Unicamp hosts At the Limits event
Marc Pfeffer, professor at Harvard Medical School, visited the Hospital de Clínicas of Unicamp on July 13, 2019