"The higher you go, the more important it is to remember where you started"

1. FULL NAME

   Martin Iurilli

2. CURRENT COMPANY, ROLE, AND LOCATION

   Medical Director at the SC (UCO) Plastic Surgery Department of Cattinara Hospital in Trieste, within the Giuliano Isontina University Health Authority (ASUGI)

3. EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TRIESTE: DEGREE PROGRAM/MASTER’S/DOCTORATE

   Master’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery 10/04/2012 – 27/06/2018
   Medical Specialization School in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 01/09/2019 – 05/11/2024
   PhD in Nanotechnologies 04/08/2022 – PRESENT

4. ADDITIONAL TRAINING (AT OTHER UNIVERSITIES: STUDY PROGRAMS/MASTER’S/RESEARCH DOCTORATES)

   Extra-regional training with a project to acquire methodological skills related to the evaluation and drafting of National and International Clinical Practice Guidelines at the National Center of Clinical Excellence, Quality, and Safety of Care - National Institute of Health 09/01/2023 – 07/07/2023 – Rome, Italy.
   Postgraduate Course in Clinical Research at the University of Milan 11/2024

5. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST WORK EXPERIENCE AFTER GRADUATION? DO YOU THINK IT HELPED YOU TO JOIN THE COMPANY YOU WORK FOR?

   My first experience after graduating in Medicine and Surgery was in community-based healthcare: substituting for a general practitioner and providing continuous care (formerly known as "guardia medica").
   This experience did not specifically help me join the company where I work today, but it certainly allowed me to acquire professional skills that I still use in my daily activities.

6. CAN YOU EXPLAIN YOUR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES?

   Today, I perform outpatient, ward, and operating room activities at Cattinara and Maggiore Hospitals in Trieste, Gorizia and Monfalcone Hospitals, and the IRCCS Burlo Garofolo in Trieste, focusing on various oncological and functional pathologies. In particular, I work in dermato-oncology excision and reconstruction, functional restoration of ocular-palpebral defects, and the functional restoration of former morbidly obese patients by reducing their excessive adipocutaneous tissue and reshaping their bodies. I also specialize in post-oncological breast reconstruction and micro-surgical post-traumatic reconstruction of the lower limb.
   From a non-clinical perspective, I work on the methodology for developing national guidelines and good clinical practice protocols, a highly sought-after competence in Italy in the field of public health.
   Regarding research, I am currently focused on the development of nanotechnologies that can accelerate the healing process of difficult wounds.

7. IS THERE A MISTAKE YOU THINK YOU MADE IN YOUR EARLY CAREER THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SO OTHERS DON'T REPEAT IT?

   I would definitely advise strengthening the preliminary planning of research, never taking anything for granted and striving to adapt to the challenges that often arise, trying to turn them to your advantage instead of being discouraged and falling behind with constant second-guessing.

8. WHAT SKILLS OR CHARACTERISTICS HAVE HELPED YOU ACHIEVE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?

   One of the main characteristics that helped me achieve many goals is never saying "no" to challenges. Each challenge, even when it initially seemed insignificant, led me to acquire new skills but, more importantly, allowed me to create a network with many people of varied abilities, with whom I still collaborate today, years later.

9. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A GRADUATE WHO WANTS TO PURSUE YOUR PROFESSION?

   I would advise tackling the training journey with determination, curiosity, and a lot of resilience. It is essential to cultivate continuous learning, not only within your areas of interest but also by exploring complementary fields that broaden your vision and professional competence. Building a network of contacts is equally crucial, as collaborations and exchanges with other professionals can open unexpected opportunities. Finally, I would suggest not fearing obstacles: every difficulty faced becomes a valuable experience that contributes to personal and professional growth.

10.  LINKEDIN PROFILE