As President of the Portuguese Pulmonology Society (Sociedade Portuguesa de Pneumologia – SPP), it is with great pleasure and a profound sense of responsibility that I share with the readers of Archivos de Bronconeumología some reflections on the current state of our specialty, its development potential, and the strategic importance of collaboration between our two sister scientific societies: SPP and SEPAR.

We are experiencing a particularly dynamic time in Pulmonology. The COVID-19 pandemic, despite its significant human and social impact, brought unprecedented visibility to our field.1,2 It highlighted the essential role of pulmonologists in managing acute respiratory crises, conducting epidemiological surveillance, and rehabilitating patients with long-term pulmonary sequelae. This recognition has helped reframe the role of pulmonologists as central figures in multidisciplinary teams, in public health discussions, and in the long-term management of chronic respiratory diseases.

This new visibility coincides with a period of growing scientific and clinical maturity in Pulmonology, marked by major advances in areas such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung diseases, thoracic oncology, home ventilation, and complex respiratory infections. Notably, significant progress has also been achieved in the management of asthma—particularly severe asthma—through the development of biologic therapies targeting specific inflammatory pathways such as anti-IgE, anti-IL-5, anti-IL-4/13, and emerging small molecules.3 These treatments have transformed the prognosis for many patients who were previously uncontrolled despite maximal inhaled therapy. The future holds promise for further stratification of asthma phenotypes, the integration of precision medicine, and the use of biomarkers and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize therapeutic decisions and predict exacerbations more accurately.4

One of the most exciting examples of collaboration between our societies has been the participation of the SPP in the GEMA (Guía Española para el Manejo del Asma), a comprehensive Spanish guideline for the management of asthma.5 The GEMA guide has been instrumental in shaping best practices for asthma treatment, and the involvement of Portuguese pulmonologists in its development ensures that we share insights, evidence, and experience to better treat asthma patients across the Iberian Peninsula. The collaboration between SEPAR and SPP in this initiative demonstrates our collective commitment to improving asthma care, ensuring that the latest evidence-based practices are disseminated and implemented across both countries. This shared effort strengthens the scientific ties between Spain and Portugal, contributing to more harmonized clinical approaches to asthma management.

At the same time, innovative subspecialties—such as interventional pulmonology—are emerging, and AI and digital health are increasingly integrated into clinical practice and research.4,6 AI, in particular, invites us to rethink our models of clinical decision-making, diagnostics, and education. At SPP, we see these technologies not as replacements for clinical expertise, but as powerful allies that enhance diagnostic precision, streamline processes, and promote more personalized, efficient, and patient-centered care.

In this context of rapid transformation, international collaboration becomes even more essential. The long-standing relationship between SPP and SEPAR is a remarkable example of scientific diplomacy and structured cooperation between neighboring nations. Today, more than ever, we must deepen this partnership—by promoting joint projects, cross-training programs, integrated scientific events, and shared strategies to address the respiratory health challenges that affect both our populations.

A key pillar of this collaboration lies in the official scientific journals of our societies: Pulmonology, the voice of SPP, and Archivos de Bronconeumología, the flagship journal of SEPAR. These publications are more than platforms for scientific dissemination—they are meeting points, spaces for innovation, and vehicles for international visibility. Through them, we promote research, give visibility to the work of our clinicians and scientists, and build bridges between scientific communities. Editorial collaboration between the journals—through joint publications and knowledge exchange—will be essential in strengthening the global presence of Iberian Pulmonology.

The future of our specialty will depend on our ability to anticipate challenges, embrace innovation, educate with excellence, and collaborate beyond borders. At SPP, we are fully committed to this vision—and to walking this shared path with SEPAR and the international respiratory community.

Together, we can build a Pulmonology that is more innovative, more united, and—above all—closer to the needs of our patients.