Laura Garcia

Laura Garcia, MD, is a general practitioner with international clinical experience who sees children and adults. She evaluates common acute illnesses and other non-emergency conditions, develops an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan, and refers patients to specialty care when needed.

Dr. Garcia earned her medical degree at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia. Her medical degree was formally recognized in Portugal through the University of Porto. Her clinical training spans Colombia and Portugal and includes hospital-based practice in the Azores and postgraduate training in medical genetics at ULS São José and Hospital Dona Estefânia in Lisbon.

Appointments are available in person in Lisbon, by telehealth, and through home visits. Dr. Garcia provides care in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.

Reasons to See a General Practitioner

• colds, flu-like symptoms, and other upper respiratory infections;
• cough and mild to moderate acute bronchitis without respiratory distress;
• sore throat, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and sinusitis;
• allergic rhinitis, ear pain, otitis externa, or otitis media;
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea without severe dehydration;
• heartburn, dyspepsia, gastritis, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome flares;
• mild abdominal pain requiring an initial assessment;
• dermatitis, eczema, hives, itching, insect bites, and mild allergic skin reactions;
• minor localized skin infections, small wounds, and superficial burns;
• acute low back pain and minor muscle strains or joint sprains without deformity or inability to bear weight;
• tension headaches and mild migraine flares;
• symptoms of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection in nonpregnant adults;
• primary dysmenorrhea, including painful menstrual cramps;
• fatigue, malaise, or weakness requiring an initial evaluation.

What to Expect During Your Visit

During the appointment, Dr. Garcia reviews your symptoms and medical history, assesses relevant risk factors, performs an appropriate general examination, and develops a clinical plan. Depending on the findings, she may recommend laboratory or diagnostic testing, prescribe treatment and follow-up, or refer you to another clinician.

Telehealth is suitable only when the concern can be assessed safely without an in-person examination. If a physical examination is needed or the symptoms suggest an urgent condition, the doctor will recommend an in-person visit or emergency evaluation.

Care for Children and Adults

Dr. Garcia sees patients from birth through adulthood. Her professional interests include pediatrics, medical genetics, and adult and pediatric neurology. Complex chronic disease, multiple comorbidities, and conditions requiring ongoing specialty management are assessed individually and referred when appropriate.

Education and Clinical Training

• Medical Degree, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia, 2022;
• formal recognition of a foreign medical degree in Portugal, University of Porto, 2022–2023;
• general medical residency training, Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo, São Miguel Island, Azores, 2024;
• medical genetics residency training, ULS São José and Hospital Dona Estefânia, Lisbon, 2025–2026;
• Healthy Aging course, University of Rostock Summer Medical School, Germany, 2019.

Clinical Experience and Professional Interests

Dr. Garcia has worked in hospital and outpatient medicine, telehealth, and home-based care. Her training includes internal medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, public health, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, pediatric neurology, and neuroradiology.

She is a member of the Portuguese and Spanish Societies of Human Genetics. Her scientific work includes publications on autoimmune encephalitis and recommendations for electroencephalography during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Languages

• Spanish
• Portuguese ;
• English

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Dr. Laura Garcia see children?

Yes. She sees children from birth as well as adults. Whether a pediatric concern is appropriate for telehealth depends on the symptoms and the need for a physical examination.

2. Are telehealth appointments available?

Yes. Telehealth is available for concerns that can be assessed safely at a distance. Dr. Garcia may recommend an in-person examination when clinically necessary.

3. Does Dr. Garcia provide home visits?

Yes. Home visits are available. Service area, scheduling, and fees should be confirmed when booking.

4. Which languages does Dr. Garcia speak?

She provides consultations in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.

5. Can I book a visit for a medical emergency?

No. Call 112 for a life-threatening emergency. General practice appointments are intended for non-emergency concerns, with urgent referral arranged when appropriate.