Appointment of New Head of Pediatrics at Milan Polyclinic Causes Stir
Milan, February 18 – Dr. Elvira Verduci officially took over as the head of the Complex Structure of Pediatrics – Pneumoinfectivology at the De Marchi Clinic, part of the Milan Polyclinic, on February 16. This long-awaited appointment in Via della Commenda follows the retirement of the previous head, Paola Marchisio, in December 2024, a role that had been temporarily filled by Carlo Agostoni, already director of Pediatrics – Immunorheumatology.
Committee Members Express Reservations Over Specialization
However, Verduci’s selection is accompanied by doubts and perplexities from a significant portion of the Faculty of Medicine’s Management Committee. The choice of university heads, according to the new protocol, falls to the universities in agreement with their affiliated hospitals and requires approval from the Lombardy Region. In this specific case, the State University (whose Faculty Committee is directed by Francesco Blasi) and the Polyclinic (whose general director is Matteo Stocco) were involved.
During the Committee meeting on December 22, the nomination of Verduci, proposed by the Department of Health Sciences Council, was among the items on the agenda. Of the 51 members present, 14 abstained from voting, representing more than a quarter of those present. Some also provided reasons for their decision.
Professional Competence Not in Question, but Relevance to Role Is
The abstentions were not due to doubts about Verduci’s professional quality. Her curriculum is considered “scientifically valid in her field of competence,” which is pediatric nutrition. Professor Verduci chairs the Italian Society of Pediatric Nutrition and, until recently, led the Simple Unit of Metabolic Diseases at Buzzi Hospital.
However, the 14 abstaining members believe that her profile does not meet the clinical needs of the Complex Structure. They would have preferred an expert in Infectious Diseases, especially since the Polyclinic already has specialists in nutrition and metabolic diseases.
Supporters Emphasize Broad Pediatric Expertise
Those who supported Verduci consider her “a full Professor of Pediatrics – as stated in the minutes – whose value is recognized nationally and internationally, and who is called to direct a Complex Unit of Pediatrics, beyond her specific areas of competence.” This perspective convinced the 37 voters, all of whom voted in favor, but it did not sway the 14 abstaining members. Consequently, the appointment passed, yet it left a bitter taste for those who sought a profile more aligned with Pneumoinfectivology.
Tensions Over Appointments Not Unique to Pediatrics
The issue of appointments, always a delicate matter in every university and hospital, recently ignited tensions among cardiac surgeons as well. Gianluca Polvani, dean of the scientific-disciplinary sector, sent a strongly worded letter to the State University, questioning a “parallel” path to the official one for placing an associate professor from Bicocca at the Polyclinic. These incidents signal a tense climate. It remains to be seen whether the new rules for appointing department heads, decided by the Region and universities, will help to ease these tensions.
The controversy surrounding Dr. Verduci’s appointment highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing specialized expertise with broader leadership roles within complex medical institutions. The debate underscores the importance of clear criteria and transparent processes in such critical decisions, particularly when they impact the strategic direction of key medical departments.
The Milan Polyclinic, a prominent medical institution, is now tasked with navigating these internal disagreements while ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality patient care and medical education. The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for future appointments and influence the internal dynamics of medical faculties across the region.
As of February 18, 2026, the situation remains a topic of discussion within the medical community, with various stakeholders awaiting further developments and clarifications regarding the long-term implications of this appointment.
