Through their generosity, the Lewis Medical Society benefactors fund a yearly academic trip for a group of our medical students. This year’s trip, which included students from years one through three, took us to the Pharmacy Museum of Lisbon.
The Pharmacy Museum of Lisbon stands as a significant national and international reference, showcasing the rich history and evolution of the pharmaceutical profession. The museum’s vast collection spans thousands of years, offering us a unique opportunity to see the evolution of pharmacy from ancient civilisations to modern-day practice.
During our visit, we explored a diverse range of exhibits, including reconstructions of historical pharmacies, such as an 18th-century apothecary and the Liberal Pharmacy from the early 20th century. Each space is meticulously designed to transport visitors back in time, illustrating the technological advancements and cultural significance of pharmacies across the centuries. A highlight for many of us was seeing the recreation of a traditional Chinese pharmacy from Macao, dating to the late 19th century.
Beyond the museum, one of the more memorable aspects of the trip was our shared meal at Time Out Market Lisbon (Mercado da Ribeira). This vibrant marketplace, filled with diverse culinary delights, provided a charming backdrop for students from different years to come together. Engaging in conversations over delicious food allowed us to forge connections that are often hard to establish in the hustle and bustle of term-time.
We are, as always, deeply thankful to our sponsors for enabling us to engage in these enriching activities. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Lewis Society of Medicine for invariably encouraging our academic pursuits.