Dr Ruben Pereira

Dr Rúben Pereira is a physician with an exceptionally broad academic and clinical background, combining psychiatry, sports medicine, oncology and biochemistry, specialties that are not often held together by a single healthcare professional.

He graduated in Medicine with an Integrated Master's degree from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon (FMUL), Portugal's leading medical school. His academic path reflects an unusual clinical and scientific curiosity: alongside his medical degree, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the University of Aveiro, which gives him a deep scientific grounding at the molecular level, and a Master's degree in Oncology from ICBAS, University of Porto. In the field of physical performance and sports medicine, he completed a postgraduate qualification in Sports Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto and holds the FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine, the international reference certification in this area. He has publications indexed on PubMed, reflecting his active involvement in scientific research.

He is currently a resident doctor in specialist training in Psychiatry at the Unidade Local de Saúde da Região de Leiria, where he is developing his skills in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Alongside this, he has worked in the Emergency Departments of ULS Gaia e Espinho and ULS Aveiro, two demanding hospital emergency settings, managing acute medical and psychiatric situations.

For patients looking for a doctor who understands health in a truly integrated way, where mental health, physical performance, body biochemistry and life context intersect, Dr Rúben offers a clinical perspective that goes well beyond what is typically available in a general practice consultation.

General practice and primary care

• Acute illness: respiratory infections, fever, flu, urinary tract infections
• Chronic disease management: hypertension, diabetes, thyroid conditions, cholesterol, asthma
• Emergency medicine: assessment of acute symptoms and guidance on genuine urgency
• Preventive health: screenings, vaccination, health assessments, counselling
• Medical certificates, declarations and prescription renewal

Mental health

• Anxiety: generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks
• Depression and low mood: assessment, guidance and referral to specialists
• Sleep disorders: insomnia, hypersomnia, assessment of sleep patterns
• Stress and burnout: assessment and intervention strategies
• Psychiatric assessment: initial evaluation of mental health disorders and guidance
• Mental health and performance: psychological support in a sporting context

Sports medicine and performance

• Medical assessment of athletes: physical fitness, pre-participation cardiovascular screening
• Football medicine: assessment and guidance specific to players and teams
• Sports nutrition and supplementation: evidence-based guidance
• Sports injuries: assessment and guidance for musculoskeletal injuries
• Exercise and health: integrating physical activity into the management of chronic conditions
• Athlete mental health: performance anxiety, sporting burnout, psychological recovery

His approach: Dr Rúben Pereira combines clinical rigour, scientific knowledge and a patient-centred approach, with a particular interest in the relationship between physical performance, mental wellbeing and overall health. His background in biochemistry allows him to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of disease with a depth that enriches his clinical reasoning, and his experience in psychiatric emergency care gives him the ability to assess mental health situations with precision and composure.

Important note: If you are experiencing a psychiatric crisis or thoughts of self-harm, contact the SNS24 Crisis Support Line on 1024 or call 112, do not wait for an appointment.