32
feature
text by Jason Lim
Outstanding
role in
Singapore
brings honour
by Italian
government
Interview with A/Prof Sir
Davide Lomanto
m
Sir Davide’s knighthood was witnessed and supported by fellow colleagues.
(L to R): Clinical A/Prof Cheah Wei Keat (Senior Consultant, University Surgical Cluster), Prof Lee
Chuen Neng (Chair & Senior Consultant, University Surgical Cluster) and A/Prof Aymeric Lim,
Chairman Medical Board, NUH.)
edical and academic
collaboration between Singapore and Italy was
brought to a new level recently with a
prestigious award being awarded by
the Government of Italy to the Director
of Minimally Invasive Surgical Centre in
NUH. A/Prof Davide Lomanto, has been
honoured by the Italian government for his
contributions and leading role amongst the
Italian community in Singapore and Asia
Pacific.
The prestigious award 'Ordine della
Stella della Solidarieta' Italiana, is an honour
conferred upon individuals who have
contributed significantly to the strengthening
of economic, cultural and humanitarian
relations between Italy and other countries.
It is bestowed by decree of the President of
the Italian Republic on the recommendation
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore.
Medical Grapevine catches up with
A/Prof Sir Davide Lomanto to find out more
about his contributions to the academic
and medical community in Singapore and to
know more about him as an individual.
accept a position in the National University
Hospital (NUH) as Director of the MISC
and to return to Singapore. From then on,
the quality healthcare system, the hospital
organisation, and the many available
opportunities to be actively involved in
technological research, training and education
both locally and regionally strengthened my
resolve to remain here longer.
MG: Can you tell Doctors in Singapore a
little bit about your background and the path
that led to you being the Director of MISC
in NUH?
A/Prof Lomanto: I am an Italian surgeon
who came to Asia 10 years ago and I was
attracted and impressed by the various
cultures, diversity and its future possibilities.
I was in Singapore then, at the National
University of Singapore in 2000, to pursue a
fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery and
Robotic Surgery. At that time, Singapore was
one of the first places in the world to use this
new surgical technology.
Subsequently, at the end of 2003, new
motivation and challenges brought me to
MG: You were recently knighted by
the Italian Government for your roles in
“strengthening economic, cultural and
humanitarian relations” between Italy and
Singapore. Can you share with us how
you felt when you were awarded this
honour? Tell us what you feel your most
significant contribution has been to the
field of Minimally Invasive Surgery and
Robotic Surgery.
A/Prof Lomanto: This award has really
been an unexpected gift for me! You
would always look at this achievement as
something that you would never get. Not
because of low self-confidence but rather,
perhaps because you have never focused
Interesting Facts:
Age: 50
Marital Status: Married
Favorite Local Food: It’s still pasta,
given that there are so many Italian
restaurants here. I don’t like risotto but
I enjoy Hainanese chicken rice
What you miss most in Italy:
The scenery, its seasons and the various
food delicacies that accompany the
change in seasons.
One word description about yourself:
A positive-thinker, persistent, lover of
outdoor activities
on it, or, you believe it requires some
political influence and that there would
be little chance that your work would be
prominent enough.
My more significant contributions have
been to utilise less aggressive surgery, such
as minimally invasive and robotic surgery, to
improve patient’s care by minimising hospital
stay and operative pain, and to enable earlier
return to normal activity.
I also have had the opportunity to spread
the use of this new surgical approach by
teaching the new generation of surgeons
as well as to explore new technologies for
better patient care.
MG: Please also share with us an interesting
experience that you encountered while you
have been in Singapore.
A/Prof Lomanto: A patient of mine was
initially worried about having a big, ugly
scar after a recommended gallbladder
removal surgery, as her cousin had a big
one. She could not believe either, that it was
possible to remove it through a small hole
(via minimally-invasive surgery through a
laparoscopic port); I needed to show her a
recorded movie of a similar operation before
she was thoroughly convinced.
Another heartwarming experience I have
was to see morbidly obese patients smiling
after a few months from surgery - they had
lost a lot of weight and they could wear
clothes 3-4 sizes smaller and they feel
happier and prettier.
MG: Can you give any words of advice or
encouragement to all Doctors in Singapore?
A/Prof Lomanto: Do your work diligently
and with happiness, take care and listen
to your patients carefully, have a good
balance with your personal and family life
and, be perseverant! MG