Andrew J. Weis, M.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center associate professor, section of cardiology, and director, Marfan Syndrome and Mitral Valve Prolapse Clinic, was honored by being invited to speak at the centuries-old University of Turin (Torino), Italy.
A University of Turin cardiologist had contacted Dr. Weis earlier for advice on managing a young man with the Marfan syndrome. Pleased with the trans-Atlantic consultation and patient outcome, the cardiologist invited Dr. Weis to address the university faculty and trainees on the subject. He delivered the presentation on Oct. 6, 2004. To the surprise and delight of the audience, Dr. Weis gave a portion of the talk in Italian.
The 600-year-old University of Turin was established at the beginning of the 15th century by Prince Ludovico of Savoia-Acaja and was officially recognized by Pope Benedetto XIII in 1404. This date, other than making the university one of the oldest Italian institutes, places it among the few European Universities to boast a medieval origin.
Jakob Moleschott, Guido Bizzozero, Carlo Forlanini and Edoardo Barroncito were great 19th century clinicians in the Faculty of Medicine, and later Cesare Lombroso also joined. The Nobel Prize winner Rita Levi Montalcini also came from this medical school.
Today, the University of Turin is among those with the largest number of teachers and students and among the best for international relationships, scientific production and research quality.
Dr. Weis found his Italian colleagues to be “warm, welcoming and outstanding as people and dedicated professionals,” he said. “Their hospitality was stellar. The Italian people in general were very friendly and always anxious to discuss American politics, including what was then our upcoming presidential election. Health care in Italy is paid for by the government, except for some prescription medications.”
Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue disorder due to a mutation in the gene encoding fibrillin1. Most importantly, this can lead to fatal aortic dissection (tearing of the largest artery in the body). The disorder is estimated to afflict 1/5,000-1/10,000 individuals world-wide, making it a relatively common genetic abnormality. In this country, there is not any gender, racial or ethnic predilection. There is a 50/50 chance that Abraham Lincoln had Marfan syndrome, Dr. Weis said.