Roberto Ferrari

When did you decide you wanted a career in medicine?

It was after high school, but I was not very convinced. I had always wanted to be an architect, but my father did not like the idea. I then chose to study law at the University of Bologna. It was a cousin of mine who directed me to medicine.

Why did you decide to specialise in cardiology?

A good friend of mine was a cardiologist and he influenced me in a decision which, again, was taken without much conviction. After completing a medical degree at the University of Bologna in 1974, I studied at the University of Parma’s Postgraduate School of Cardiology for two years, before returning to Bologna to study radiology. I then went to London and completed a PhD in cardiac metabolism at the UK’s National Heart Hospital. As part of my studies, I was sent to work with rabbits to investigate how to protect against myocardial infarction. This was a key turning point in my career, and gave me an enduring love for research.

Who have been your greatest influences?

During my career as a cardiologist the people who have influenced me most are the late Prof Peter Harris, from the University of London, who taught me not to necessarily follow in others’ footsteps; Prof Shahbudin Rahimtoola, who taught me the importance of putting the patient as the most important target of our actions; the late Alan Fletcher, a world famous designer who taught me how to communicate by drawings and in a simple way; and Prof Luigi Tavazzi, who taught me the importance of working together as a team.

What have been your proudest moments?

One of my proudest moments was when we concluded a series of research in India showing that neuroendocrine response to heart failure is dangerous and therefore a therapeutic target. This finding has changed the way we treat this disease. And, of course, another proud moment was when I was elected president of the ESC.

How has interventional cardiology evolved since you began your career?

Tremendously. Interventional cardiology has completely changed the way we treat myocardial infarction. All the drugs which I was taught to use in heart failure are nowadays forbidden and we use those drugs that we were taught not to use. I am also a believer in prevention, a concept that did not exist when I graduated.

You have concluded your term as president of the European Society of Cardiology. What have your biggest achievements been?

The establishment of European Heart for Children, the restructure of the surveys and registries programme and the creation of a friendlier atmosphere at the European Heart House.

One of your aims as president of the ESC was to increase ties especially with Eastern European countries. Were you successful in implementing these plans?

I believe so, although it is difficult to measure success. I attended many of the national meetings of all 52 cardiology associations. I asked to be given 15 minutes to speak at each event, and for a closed meeting with the leadership of each society to determine how best to work together. I also gave a brief talk on my work to show members that I am one of them, a cardiologist, not just a diplomat. The results are that now each national society has its own joint ESC-National Society symposium, and each society is working more closely with the ESC to provide better European cardiology registries and surveys. They are cooperating in many projects and increasing their presence at the annual congress. Maybe this can be considered as success.

What makes the ESC Congress so successful every year?

It is the biggest cardiovascular congress in the world and I believe this is due to two things: the programme is identified by our members, and it is fair, we consider everything they are telling us and we provide what they think is important for them in a very transparent way. The second thing is the organisation. We care about the delegates. When you arrive at the venue, you know that you are at the ESC Congress, you know that you will meet with your people, you know that we care and that we want delegates to participate.