The death of Professor Giovanni Scambia, the esteemed gynecologist and head of gynecological oncology at Policlinico Gemelli, has left the medical community mourning his loss. At just 66 years old, Scambia had dedicated his life to advancing the field of gynecological oncology and was widely recognized for his contributions to both research and patient care.
Scambia passed away after battling severe illness, yet his commitment to his profession remained unwavering. He continued working until the very end, exemplifying his passion for providing care. Colleagues and institutions have since shared their heartfelt condolences, characterizing him as a luminary within the field of gynecological oncology.
Francesco Rocca, the president of the Lazio Region, remarked, "With Giovanni Scambia, Italian healthcare loses a luminary of gynecological oncology. He accompanied countless women on their painful journeys with great expertise and humanity." Rocca expressed deep sympathy to Scambia’s family and the clinical and scientific community at Gemelli.
The depth of the loss was echoed by Roberto Burioni, professor of Microbiology and Virology at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, who stated, "I have just received terrible news. Professor Giovanni Scambia, my dear friend and one of the world's best doctors, has passed away at only 65 years. An irreplaceable loss for the global medical-scientific community and for countless patients, for me, it is infinite pain."
Simona Loizzo, leader of the Lega party, also praised Scambia, calling him "one of the best gynecologists in Europe" and mourning the loss as both a personal and professional blow.
Rocco Bellantone, President of the Superior Health Institute (ISS), reflected on Scambia’s influence, claiming, "With the death of Giovanni Scambia, the medical and scientific community loses a man and professional of great value." He praised Scambia’s dedication, stating, "His science saved many lives with the passion of someone who makes medicine so much more than just a job, always uniting wisdom and humanity. We are left with a generation of students, testimony to his generosity in imparting his knowledge to build the future."
Franco Perrone, the president of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology, recalled his last conversation with Scambia just twenty days prior to his passing. "We spoke for some time, but at one point he interrupted me, saying, 'Okay, now I have to go operate. They are waiting for me.'" This highlights Scambia’s relentless dedication to his patients right until the end.
Scambia was not only recognized as a pioneer within Italy but was also esteemed internationally, greatly impacting gynecological practice globally. He served as the Scientific Director and led the gynecological oncology department at Policlinico Gemelli. His legacy includes mentoring generations of gynecologists, advancing treatment for women with cancer, and nurturing one of the world’s top centers for specialized gynecological care.
Dedicately involved in research, Scambia authored over 1,100 publications and was active across multiple international medical societies. Amongst his many accolades, he was named Knight of the Republic of Italy and was frequently recognized as one of the foremost figures of gynecological oncology.
Throughout his career, Scambia engaged with innovations, including artificial intelligence to improve predictive models for treatment responses. His vision was particularly evident when he expressed something phenomenal months before his passing, when he said, "I never thought I would be able to tell a fertile woman with cancer she could have children after recovery. Yet, today, this is reality!" This statement, made during the documentary "Le radici del domani" (The Roots of Tomorrow), encapsulates the progress made under his guidance and vision.
Scambia’s death marks not only the loss of a brilliant clinician and researcher but also highlights the warm relationships he built with patients, often seen as more than just their doctor. His compassion and commitment to care touched the lives of many.
The Cattolica University and Policlinico Gemelli share their condolence messages with his family, acknowledging the loss of a remarkable physician. "A great doctor, great researcher, and great teacher, an attentive friend whom we consulted every day has been lost to us," expressed the institution.
Professor Giovanni Scambia’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through the many lives he touched and the advancements he made within the field of gynecological oncology. He is remembered fondly not only for his medical expertise but also for his deep compassion and unwavering dedication to patient care.