[Evaluation of medical schools and universities. Not postponable options, unavoidable risks]

1. The evolution of the relations between the Portuguese universities and the State is presented. It is considered that over the last 30 years the most important policies were the creation of new universities and the legal recognition of Ph.D.s obtained abroad. These measures influenced engineering much more than medical schools. 2. Multiple mechanisms of assessment covering the quality of teaching in conformity with international standards, research and post-graduate activity should be established by medical schools themselves. It is also proposed that Medical Schools should embark on an ambitious post-graduate program so as to establish closer links with the medical profession. 3. It is considered that the assessment method under consideration by the Ministry of Education is dangerous, inadequate and unjustified. 4. It is considered that the present level of investment in tertiary education will cause our standards, in that area, to fall even more when compared with those of other European countries.