Profile
About Dra. Maria
Dr Maria de Sá Pacheco is a fully registered doctor with the Portuguese Medical Council (Ordem dos Médicos) and a rheumatology resident at ULS Cova da Beira. She studied medicine at the University of Coimbra and completed her general medical training at ULS Guarda with a final grade of 20/20, including regular work in the emergency department.
In 2024 she worked independently in the walk-in service of a private clinic, assessing, diagnosing, treating and prescribing for acute and general medical complaints, and deciding who needed hospital or specialist care. In her rheumatology residency she sees patients in outpatient clinics, on the ward, in the day hospital and in the emergency department; her first year, focused mainly on internal medicine, ended with an assessment of 20/20.
She has more than 65 hours of postgraduate training in pain medicine and focused training in low back pain, shoulder problems, osteoarthritis and tendon disorders. She values a relationship of trust, clear explanations and decisions made together with the patient. She consults in Portuguese and English.
What can be covered online
- Back pain, low back pain and sciatica
- Muscle and joint pain, tendinitis and osteoarthritis
- Gout and high uric acid
- Everyday acute complaints: infections, fever, cough, urinary and stomach symptoms
- Medication review and repeat prescriptions, where clinically appropriate
- Making sense of blood tests and scan reports
What needs other care
Some problems need a physical examination, tests or a specialist appointment, and you will be told when and why. Chest pain, breathlessness, signs of stroke, or back pain with leg weakness or loss of bladder control: call 112. For advice in Portugal, call SNS 24 on 808 24 24 24.
Qualifications
- Mestrado Integrado em Medicina — Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra (2022)
- Formação Geral — ULS Guarda (2023), classificação final 20/20
- Médica em consulta aberta (atendimento não programado) — clínica privada, Portugal (2024)
- Interna de Formação Específica em Reumatologia — ULS Cova da Beira (desde 2024); avaliação do 1.º ano 20/20
- Medicina da Dor — Curso Intensivo (35 h, 19,2/20, 2026) e Estudo e Diagnóstico da Dor (30 h, chancela APED, 2025)
- Formação em medicina musculoesquelética: lombalgia, ombro, artrose e tendinopatias
- Cuidados Paliativos — 50 h, Comissão Nacional de Cuidados Paliativos / SPMS (2023)
- Boas Práticas Clínicas (GCP) — Novartis / Coursera (2024); ICH E6 GCP Investigator Site Training
- Inscrição plena na Ordem dos Médicos (OM 73861)
FAQs
Can I have an online consultation with Dr Maria de Sá Pacheco?
Yes. Dr Maria de Sá Pacheco is fully registered with the Portuguese Medical Council (OM 73861) and consults by secure video in Portuguese or English. Have your medication list and recent results ready. You finish with a clear plan, a prescription where appropriate, or advice on where to go if you need to be seen in person.
Can she help with sciatica or back pain?
Yes. She asks how the pain started, where it spreads and what makes it worse, checks for warning signs, and suggests pain treatment, exercise and tests if needed. She has postgraduate training in pain medicine and low back pain. Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around the groin or loss of bladder control is an emergency: call 112.
What can be done about gout or high uric acid?
In a gout attack a joint, often the big toe, becomes very painful, swollen and red. Online she assesses the attack, advises on treatment, and reviews your uric acid results, medication and diet to prevent further attacks. High uric acid without symptoms does not always need medication, and she explains when it does.
Can she assess muscle pain, tendinitis or osteoarthritis?
Yes. She has focused training in shoulder problems, osteoarthritis and tendon disorders, and works in a rheumatology residency. She guides treatment and exercise and recognises when pain points to an inflammatory condition such as arthritis, which needs an in-person rheumatology appointment.
Can I get a prescription online?
Yes, when it is clinically appropriate. She reviews your medication, checks it is still right for you and can renew or issue a prescription. Some medicines need an examination or tests before they can be prescribed, and she will explain this during the consultation.
When should I go to A&E instead of booking online?
Chest pain, breathlessness, signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech), high fever with confusion, or sudden severe pain are emergencies: call 112. For advice out of hours in Portugal, call SNS 24 on 808 24 24 24.
