Portuguese Institute of Rheumatology

Created in 1948, the Portuguese Institute of Rheumatology is one of the oldest institutions in the world exclusively dedicated to the care of rheumatic patients.

The Portuguese Institute of Rheumatology focuses on the diagnosis and care of patients with rheumatic diseases and has a strong tradition in pre- and postgraduate training. It was at the IPR where the specialty of Rheumatology was born in Portugal, and where the first Rheumatology residents were trained. Since the creation of the complementary residency in Rheumatology, dozens of Rheumatology residents have completed their training here. Additionally, hundreds of residents from other specialties, such as General and Family Medicine, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Internal Medicine, Clinical Pathology, among others, have been able to receive specialized training in this important and distinct area of Medicine.

Beyond its clinical and educational focus, clinical research, built upon demanding and high-quality clinical practice, is one of the most prominent aspects of the Portuguese Institute of Rheumatology’s activities. The establishment, over 15 years ago, of a Center for Clinical Trials and Studies, allowed the institution to be recognized among peers as one of the largest and best clinical trial and research centers in Portugal, rivaling centers of excellence at the European level.

The recognized expertise and quality of the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Unit and guided ultrasound techniques (distinguished with the European quality seal by EULAR), the Osteometabolic Diseases Unit, or the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit are some of the areas of significant investment and excellence.

The Day Hospital of the Portuguese Institute of Rheumatology is one of the most efficient and technologically advanced in the country, in obtaining high-quality data for monitoring patients with rheumatic conditions undergoing biotechnological therapies or JAK Kinase inhibitors. Such activity and specificity make the Day Hospital and the Portuguese Institute of Rheumatology one of the largest contributors of clinical data to Reuma.pt and its scientific endeavors.

In an adverse context regarding its definition as a Private Institution of Social Solidarity (IPSS), without the benefits of being part of healthcare economic groups or unrestricted support from the National Health Service (SNS), the IPR has managed to maintain its quality in care and research as well as its unwavering collaboration with the SNS since 1948, contributing to the improvement of the lives of thousands of rheumatic patients and their families.