Category: Post & News

Maryland Professor Luana Colloca Recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award Post & News admin November 19, 2024 Dr. Luana Colloca has been awarded the 2024 Giovan Giacomo Giordano-NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award for Ethics and Creativity in Medical Research by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO). This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Colloca’s groundbreaking contributions to medicine and public health, particularly her research into the behavioral, neural, and pharmacological mechanisms of pain modulation, including the placebo and nocebo effects. The award was presented by NIAF Board Members Dr. Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., Founder and Director of SHRO and Professor at Temple University, and attorney Alan D’Ambrosio. Dr. Colloca serves as the MPower Distinguished Professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and Director of the Placebo Beyond Opinion Center at the University of Maryland School of Nursing. She holds an M.D., a Master’s degree in Bioethics, and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, with advanced training completed at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and a senior research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. Her extensive body of research, featured in leading journals such as Biological Psychiatry, Nature Neuroscience, JAMA, The Lancet Neurology, and The New England Journal of Medicine, has garnered over 19,500 citations (H-index 64). Dr. Colloca’s work has also been highlighted in renowned media outlets including National Geographic, The New Scientist, The Washington Post, The New Yorker, The Guardian, and The Wall Street Journal. Among her numerous accolades, Dr. Colloca has received the Dubner and Patrick Wall awards from the International Association for the Study of Pain and was recently named the 2024 Researcher of the Year at UMB. Beyond her scientific achievements, she is a passionate science communicator, connecting with diverse audiences through podcasts—including one with Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander—and a widely viewed TEDx talk. Professor Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., is the creator and head of the Sbarro Health Research Organization, located at Temple University‘s College of Science and Technology in Philadelphia. Stay connected with him through his various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram

The importance of kindness and empathy in the doctor/patient relationship- Antonio Giordano Post & News admin November 15, 2024 MediaVox Magazine is not just a national magazine that tells cultural stories in many facets. For almost ten years, it has been a real community collecting ideas, projects, and initiatives, but also the thoughts of our readers who see in our virtual pages a concrete “hand” ready to write with them about daily life made of joys and sorrows, successes and torments, passions, and paybacks. In this last period, we received many emails telling stories of sad and angry moments and worries that grip families, the elderly, and even the youngest. Stories “of the ward” and “in the ward” are increasingly tainted with a veil of sadness.   The situation, especially in Italian emergency rooms, is critical: limited staff available, more and more hard shifts, increasingly less organized structures, and more desperate patients.   The news reports case after case of aggression, arguments, and tensions. We are not talking about medical malpractice but we are talking about two opposing fronts (the medical and paramedical staff on one side, the patients and their families on the other) who for some time have not understood each other, do not speak the “same language”, do not meet, do not embrace, do not listen. Probably, it is no one’s fault. Tension and stress win over everything. The simple fact is that the problem exists and must be solved, by supporting everyone and no longer tolerating certain attitudes. Doctors should be given all the necessary tools and everything that is needed. However, dignity should never be denied to patients and their families. Empathy, care, and collaboration. Well, disposition towards each other.   Today we do not yet feel ready to share letters from patients and doctors who have written us. Let us not even talk about the messages from the patient’s relatives. We do not feel ready because reading words so strong and profound, so true and absurd, disconcerts us, makes us sad, worries us, and makes us feel more alone in the world.   We then thought of having a doctor who works between Italy and America, who travels the world, who deals with very important solidarity initiatives, speaking to us. We interviewed Prof. Antonio Giordano, an internationally renowned oncologist and scientist, who has built his career on study but also on empathy, humility and availability.   The relationship between patients and their families has become increasingly complex, especially in the wards and emergency rooms. How do you interpret the data of increasing episodes of violence? The situation in hospitals is worrying. This is confirmed by the numerous episodes of violence against healthcare personnel, with a significant increase in physical and verbal aggression, especially in emergency departments and emergency rooms where stress and tension can reach high levels. To solve the problem, the Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci, has proposed awareness campaigns to encourage cultural change among citizens, but also an increase in police presence within hospital facilities. Without safety for operators, quality care for patients is difficult.   In your opinion, how should doctors and healthcare professionals manage the relationship with patients and their families and how should they relate to them, especially in the most complicated moments, when for example they have to manage emergencies or communicate dire diagnoses? Is targeted training necessary? It is a priority that doctors have targeted training to manage delicate situations and difficult diagnoses. To this end, the use of empathic communication through active listening is useful. Paying attention and showing interest in what patients are saying, relating to them, trying to understand their emotions and concerns, using clear and easy language, avoiding complex medical terms, respecting the dignity and autonomy of patients, involving patients in the decision-making process, discussing options and listening to their preferences and offering emotional support, especially in difficult moments.   What can be done for a family that feels abandoned by the healthcare system? There are many non-profit organizations and patient groups that offer support, advice, and resources for families in difficulty. They can provide information about patient rights, assist in finding appropriate care, and offer emotional support. Local social services can offer assistance and guidance in accessing healthcare, financial support, and other necessary resources. Contacting a social worker can help understand the options available and obtain information on the affordability of care in suitable locations. If possible, seek out a trusted doctor who can provide a secondary opinion and help navigate the healthcare system. An experienced doctor can suggest better facilities and specialists and offer advice on treatment options. Many countries around the world have figures such as Health Ombudsmen who can intervene in cases of neglect or lack of adequate care. Educating yourself can help you assert your rights and obtain better care. Finally, joining online or local support groups can help share experiences and receive advice from other families facing similar situations. Sharing information and strategies can make a big difference.   What can be recommended to a Doctor or a healthcare professional forced to manage a sudden criticality? Managing a sudden criticality with limited resources can be a major challenge for doctors. It is necessary to carry out a rapid assessment to determine the severity of the situation and prioritize patients based on the need for immediate intervention and use essential monitoring to assess patients’ vital signs. Explain the situation to patients and their families clearly and understandably, maintaining a calm and reassuring tone. Use every resource available to act in the best way and intervene.   The problem of assaults in emergency rooms also exists in America. If so, how is it addressed? What are the similarities and differences with America? Assaults in emergency rooms are a problem in the United States, as well as in Italy. However, there are some differences between the two countries in terms of number of events, type, and management of assaults. In the USA, security measures are certainly more stringent and materialize in the presence of security personnel and surveillance technologies, but also in specific training programs for healthcare personnel… Continue reading The importance of kindness and empathy in the doctor/patient relationship- Antonio Giordano

Trump: What Scientists Say. Giordano (Sbarro): “The Alternation of Power is Good” Post & News admin November 9, 2024 The cancer Geneticist Prof. Antonio Giordano,President of the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) and professor at Temple University’s College of Science and Technology,an Italian brain transplanted to the U.S. for years, speaks from Pennsylvania, a key ‘swing state’. “A strong commitment to research is crucial.” The latest U.S. elections have sparked a debate about an essential aspect of democracy: the alternation of power. More than ever, it is clear that without it, the democratic system can slow down or even stalling. The change of powerrepresents the essential cornerstone of a system that draws its strength from its ability to adapt and renew itself. Alternation injects new energy and ideas into the process. With the election of President Donald Trump, attention to strengthening the American economy and national security has become central, but there is another crucial dimension deserving equal commitment: scientific research. This is the hope expressed to Adnkronos Salute by Prof. Giordano. “Increasing government spending on science and innovation in the pharmaceutical and healthcare fields is an essential investment for addressing healthcare challenges that, today more than ever, impact the quality of life and economic growth of the country.” The expert is not pessimistic about the prospects that open up under the new Trump administration. Under his presidency, he recalls, “In 2018, we enjoyed one of the largest investments in research. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) received 3 billion dollars,” and there were “also increases for other research agencies.” The pharmaceutical industry, along with the biomedical sector, stands to benefit greatly from strategic public support, as Giordano explains. “Progress in research not only leads to the discovery of new therapies and vaccines, but also contributes to reducing long-term costs for the healthcare system. Look at the Covid-19 pandemic: the speed of vaccine development demonstrated the potential of strong and well-funded scientific research. Increased public spending, combined with partnerships with the private sector, can create a positive impact both nationally and internationally, helping controlling chronic diseases and manage future health emergencies.” Briefly, “To support innovation and guarantee a healthy future for the population,” Giordano asserts, “it is crucial that the American Government increases funding for research programs.” The SHRO Institute in Philadelphia, continues the scientist, “is committed to the development of advanced therapies, and our progress shows that where there is solid economic and infrastructural support, results can come quickly. With an increase in spending, we could accelerate the development of treatments that can improve citizens’ quality of life and reduce pressure on health facilities. Additionally, investments in science create skilled jobs, enhancing the country’s competitiveness on a global scale.” Giordano believes Trump’s election “represents a unique opportunity for a new direction supporting the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. With a policy of incentives and increased funding for research, America can consolidate its role as a global leader in health and well-being. A safer, healthier, and more prosperous future comes from science: investing today to safeguard tomorrow is an imperative that no country can ignore.” Ultimately, for the scientist, good things can come from alternation in power. This election has been complex, he observes. “The electorate is divided, torn by years of internal conflicts, and politics now seems more like a gladiatorial arena than a forum for dialogue and constructive debate. However, this very situation highlights how alternation is not just a formal principle, but a real necessity to prevent power from turning into privilege, and to ensure that institutions created to represent everyone do not become tools for the few. It is a mistake to think that stability is guaranteed by the continuity of the same group in charge.True stability is built on the ability to pass the baton, to accept change as part of the democratic process.” “Without alternation,” Giordano concludes, “there would be no room for minorities, nor for dissent, and the system would stagnate in a static and opaque form of self-preservation. American democracy, with all its contradictions, is renewed thanks to the possibility of alternation, which allows citizens to believe that their voice truly counts.” The hope is that “this awareness does not remain only in post-election comments, but becomes a constant in how politics and citizens themselves approach their democratic future. Professor Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., is the creator and head of the Sbarro Health Research Organization, located at Temple University‘s College of Science and Technology in Philadelphia. Stay connected with him through his various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram

Shifting the Focus Away from Ourselves A less Anthropocentric view and the Concept of “Limit,” from Greek Culture to Nietzsche, through Copernicus and Darwin Post & News admin November 8, 2024 Nietzsche asserted that “small men” are the product of a mystical-symbolic culture that makes them similar to gods and feel at the center of the Universe. Plato, on the other hand, believed that “even the smallest fragment that the petty man represents always has an intimate relationship with the cosmos.” Thus, Humanity is neither central to history nor nature but participates in the cosmos and is generated by it for the continuation of cosmic life. This “decentering” characteristic of Greek culture, as opposed to the anthropocentric view that would emerge in later eras, allows us to embrace the concepts of “limit” and finiteness. Such ideas, intrinsic to Greek philosophy, prepare humanity to accept death as a part of life. Greek people mastered “the art of being mortal” and in literary works were referred to as “bròtos” (destined to die) or “ethos”, where the term “mortal” often replaced “human.” These were not simple lexical matters but reflected a deep awareness of living according to the “right measure”, an aspect rooted in daily life and culture. The concept of not overstepping one’s limits arises from a deep self-awareness, and an understanding of one’s role in the cosmos and one’s relationship with others, thereby avoiding dangers such as vanity. The “small” man is tempted by vanity, placing himself at the center of everything. Conversely, the “mortal,” the Greek cultivated individual, is careful in not considering himself the only Sun but is prepared to acknowledge his limits and his connection to the community. There are three major “mortifications,” if we can call them that, which have struck at the centrality of humanity: theories that remove from egocentrism, pushing to recognize all limits. The first mortification comes from Darwinian theory, which asserts that humanity is neither a child of God nor created in His image but is the product of evolution, a descendant of primates. This downscaling removes the divine nature of humanity, placing it in a different position relative to itself and the Universe. The second mortification comes from Copernicus, who, by moving the Earth (and humanity) from the center of the Universe, placed it within a planetary system. Finally, the third mortification comes from Freud and psychoanalysis: humanity is not even master of itself, as it is dominated by impulses and desires that limit its capacity for self-determination. Reasoning, so celebrated as distinguishing humans from animals, is “not master in its own house,” undermining the idea of superiority over the world. However, this downscaling is beneficial. It brings humanity to confront its finiteness, to recognize its role concerning others and culture. A person aware of their mortality acts with caution and a sense of measure about the world and nature. In a contemporary age that celebrates consumption and pleasure, denying death as a concept even before it is a biological event, it is essential to reflect on these themes, not from pessimism or nihilism but to embrace the best of human intellectual creativity. Thus, we can rediscover values that allow us to step outside our ego and aspire to “great things” by using the principles inherited from Greek tradition Professor Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., is the creator and head of the Sbarro Health Research Organization, located at Temple University‘s College of Science and Technology in Philadelphia. Stay connected with him through his various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram

Honoring Dedication: Dr. Antonio Giordano Presents the Leonardo da Vinci Award to Dr. Monica M. Bertagnolli at NIAF’s 49th Anniversary Gala Post & News admin October 28, 2024 In a warm and elegant celebration at the 49th anniversary gala of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) in Washington, D.C., Dr. Antonio Giordano, President of the Sbarro Health Research Organization and Professor at Temple University, presented the prestigious Leonardo da Vinci Award for Health and Science to Dr. Monica M. Bertagnolli. Dr. Bertagnolli, the 17th Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has become a beacon of inspiration as the first surgeon and only the second woman to lead one of the world’s most influential health institutions.   Dr. Bertagnolli’s life work is one of unyielding dedication to cancer research and patient advocacy. For years, she has been at the forefront of oncology, not only understanding cancer but also advancing ways to treat it, providing hope and care to countless individuals and families. Before taking on her role as NIH Director, Dr. Bertagnolli led the National Cancer Institute and held pivotal positions at renowned institutions such as Harvard Medical School, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the American Cancer Society. Her contributions in these roles have been vital in transforming cancer care and research on a global scale.   This award from NIAF reflects the deep respect and admiration the Italian-American community holds for Dr. Bertagnolli’s achievements. The Leonardo da Vinci Award, named after one of history’s greatest thinkers, symbolizes the power of knowledge, innovation, and the pursuit of better health—a mission Dr. Bertagnolli embodies.   The evening’s celebration was made even more special with the presence of Miguel Mostafa, Dean of the College of Science and Technology at Temple University and a close ally of Dr. Giordano’s Sbarro Health Research Organization. Together, these leaders continue to shape the future of science and health, united by their commitment to pushing boundaries and nurturing hope.   Dr. Bertagnolli’s recognition at the gala is a reminder of the enduring impact one individual can make and the power of community in supporting those who strive to make the world healthier. Professor Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., is the creator and head of the Sbarro Health Research Organization, located at Temple University‘s College of Science and Technology in Philadelphia. Stay connected with him through his various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram