EBM Interview: Pietro Gentile

Prof. Dr. Pietro Gentile, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Departments of Surgical Science at the University of “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy. His research focuses on fat grafting, platelet rich plasma (PRP), Human follicle stem cells (HFSCs), biomaterials, adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) and Stromal Vascular Fraction cells (SVFs) developing novel strategies in regenerative field applied to plastic surgery. Specifically, he is considered a pioneer of the Regenerative Plastic Surgery.

Prof. Dr. Gentile is currently (2023-2025) the President of Academy of International Regenerative Medicine & Surgery Societies (AIRMESS).

He published as editor in chief three textbooks on regenerative plastic surgery, alopecia, and platelet-rich plasma.

He is the President of the Regenerative Plastic Surgery International Conference (annual leading congress of the regenerative plastic surgery) since 2023. The second edition is currently scheduled for 5-7 December 2024 in Rome, Italy.

He published over 150 peer-reviewed publications, all indexed in Pubmed, Wos and Scopus. With an H-index=51 and over 6000 citations according to Scopus is considered the most important scientist in the regenerative plastic surgery field.

 

Here is the interview we did with him:

 

1. Could you briefly introduce your current research field?

My research focuses on fat grafting, platelet rich plasma (PRP), Human follicle stem cells (HFSCs), biomaterials, adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) and Stromal Vascular Fraction cells (SVFs) developing novel strategies in regenerative field applied to plastic surgery. 

2. What obstacles or difficulties have you encountered in your research work? How did you overcome these difficulties?

Early in my career, securing consistent funding to support my research was one of the greatest challenges I faced. For these reasons, I paid personally most of my researches, especially at the beginning. 

I understood quickly that was necessary to survive especially at the beginning, aiming to emerge stronger and more resilient.

Finally, the current absence of a GMP lab is the new obstacle that I promise to myself to jump.

3. As an editorial board member , what type of articles or which direction of research are you interested in?

As an editorial board member , I am particularly interested in articles that describe novel biomaterials, innovative approaches to plastic surgery using fat grafting and related adipose stem cells for reconstructive and regenerative purposes.

4. What are your expectations for the future development of Bioactive Materials and its promotion of related fields?

In the future, I would love to see a major interest and stronger integration between bioactive materials and plastic surgery. I would like to improve the quality of scientific papers on regenerative plastic surgery field, publishing EBM level 1 studies.

5. What is your greatest hobby outside of scientific work?

My greatest hobbies outside of scientific work involve physical activities such as running.

6. How do you balance scientific research work and personal life?

Balancing scientific research and personal life is an ongoing challenge, but I have found the right balance in myself.

7. What do you think is the most important quality for researchers?

The most important qualities for successful researchers are curiosity, persistence, and resilience. 

Personally I transformed every obstacle in opportunity, and I wish you to do the same.