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Interview with the Chairperson of the Italian Working Group of Heart Failure
Andrea di Lenarda, FESC, interviews Fabrizio Oliva, Chairperson of Working Group of Heart Failure (2007-2008), ANMCO, Italy
Date: 20 Apr 2009
Fabrizio Oliva, MD, Chairman of Working Group of Heart Failure (2007-2008), ANMCO, Italy
- May I start by asking you why you were interested in becoming a doctor?
My grandfather was a General Practioner in a small Italian seaside village and when I was a child I spent most of my summer holidays over there. I understood the life of a medical doctor, the sacrifices, but also the incredible satisfaction. I learned that the role of a medical doctor is not only to treat a disease but above all to take care of a person.
- Did you have any other influences which gave you the incentive to study medicine?
During my classical education, I read some writers who influenced me. But especially at the beginning of medical school, it was very important to discover that not only to save a life but also to improve the quality of life of a patient is a fascinating part of the job.
- Where did you perform your medical studies? How long lasted your training after your medical studies?
I performed my medical studies in Milan. I had a 5 years internal medicine fellowship that was very important in my professional training. Afterwards, I choose cardiology as my specialty.
- Why did you choose cardiology as your specialty?
The heart is the most important organ, the center of the body. Cardiology includes chronic diseases but also many acute illnesses that need timely interventions to save life.
- If I understand you correctly, your main interest in the field of cardiology is Heart Failure - why is that?
Heart failure is the final end of many heart disease. Since the beginning of my career, I was involved in the care of patients with advanced/refractory heart failure, working in a Heart Transplant Program. This is a daily fascinating challenge.
- What is your present position in your country?
I am finishing my Chairmanship of the Italian Heart Failure Working Group.
- How long can you stay as a chairperson according to your rules in your country?
Two years.
- Could you share some of your objectives for the period you will serve as a Chairperson?
The main objective was to create a Heart Failure network introducing a real collaboration between cardiologists, surgeons, nurses and all the other actors involved in the care of heart failure patients. Now, we are working on protocols about some of the most relevant topics in Heart Failure, like acute Heart Failure, refractory Heart Failure and cardio-renal syndrome.
- Finally I would be interested in hearing more about the structure in your Heart Failure organisation?
The Italian Heart Failure working group is a working group of the Italian Association of Hospital cardiologists, ANMCO (Associazione Nazionale Medici Cardiologi Ospedalieri). This group is composed of a chairman, a co-chairman (who will became the chairman after two years), four members of the committee and an Editorial committee (three members). It represents more than 1500 Italian cardiologists, members of the Heart Failure Association.
- Who provides financial support for your HF working group?
The Italian Society of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO).
- How is your social life today? What are you doing in your free time?
I spend most of my free time with my family and friends but I also like to do sports, especially tennis and ski. Unfortunately, I’m too old to play football, my greatest love (obviously after my wife!) . The main objective was to create a Heart Failure network introducing a real collaboration between cardiologists, surgeons, nurses and all the other actors involved in the care of heart failure patients. Now, we are working on protocols about some of the most relevant topics in Heart Failure, like acute Heart Failure, refractory Heart Failure and cardio-renal syndrome.
Thank you so much for your time and willingness to answer my questions.
If the HFA can be of any help to you and your group, please feel free to ask...
Prof. Andrea di Lenarda, FESC, Italy
Member of the HFA Committee on National Heart Failure Societies.
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