Prof. Massimo Padalino | Medicinal Chemistry | Excellence in Innovation Award

Prof. Massimo Padalino | Medicinal Chemistry | Professore associato at University of Bari, Italy

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino obtained his M.D. from the University of Padova, Italy, in 1995. He completed his residency in Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Padova Medical School (1995-1999), where he served as Chief Resident (1999-2000). He pursued advanced surgical training through prestigious fellowships, including a Surgical Clinical Fellowship in Cardiovascular Surgery at the Mayo Clinic, USA (2001-2002), and specialized training in Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School (2002), and Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan (2003-2004). He earned a Ph.D. in Cardiovascular Sciences from the University of Padova (2005-2008) and further specialized with a Master’s degree in Cardiovascular Pathology (2011) and Pediatric Cardiology (2014). Additionally, he completed a research fellowship at the Cardiac Registry, Harvard Medical School, and a visiting fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital (2015), solidifying his expertise in congenital and pediatric cardiac surgery.

Professional Profile :

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino is an outstanding candidate for the “Excellence in Innovation Award” due to his pioneering contributions to pediatric and congenital cardiovascular surgery. His research has led to innovative surgical techniques for congenital heart disease, particularly in neonatal and single-ventricle repairs. His work on novel bioprosthetic materials, cardiac regeneration, and mechanical circulatory support (ECMO, VAD) has significantly improved patient outcomes. He has also played a key role in international registries (EUROFONTAN, EUROAAOCA) and multicenter studies, advancing global knowledge in congenital heart surgery. His collaboration with premier institutions like Harvard Medical School and Mayo Clinic further highlights his commitment to innovation. Dr. Padalino’s groundbreaking work in pediatric cardiac surgery, including innovative surgical strategies, regenerative medicine, and advanced circulatory support techniques, makes him highly suitable for the “Excellence in Innovation Award.” His contributions have transformed congenital heart disease treatment, making a lasting impact on the field.

🎓Education:

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino obtained his M.D. from the University of Padova in Italy. He completed his residency in Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Padova Medical School (1995-1999), where he served as Chief Resident (1999-2000). He pursued advanced surgical training through prestigious fellowships, including a Surgical Clinical Fellowship in Cardiovascular Surgery at the Mayo Clinic, USA (2001-2002), and specialized training in Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School (2002), and Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan (2003-2004). He earned a Ph.D. in Cardiovascular Sciences from the University of Padova (2005-2008) and further specialized with a Master’s degree in Cardiovascular Pathology (2011) and Pediatric Cardiology (2014). Additionally, he completed a research fellowship at the Cardiac Registry, Harvard Medical School, and a visiting fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital (2015), solidifying his expertise in congenital and pediatric cardiac surgery.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino has over two decades of experience in pediatric and congenital cardiovascular surgery. Since December 2023, he has served as Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgeon in Chief at UOC Cardiochirurgia, University of Bari, Italy. Previously, he was a senior Pediatric and Congenital Cardiovascular Surgeon at the University of Padova Medical School (2004-2023), where he independently performed approximately 150 complex congenital heart surgeries annually, spanning neonates to adults. His expertise includes neonatal heart surgery, single-ventricle palliation, heart transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support (ECMO and VAD). His clinical training includes tenures at leading institutions such as Mayo Clinic, Boston Children’s Hospital, and the University of Michigan. He has also been actively involved in postoperative intensive care, clinical research, and multicenter studies, significantly contributing to advancements in pediatric cardiac surgery. His leadership extends to mentoring and training the next generation of cardiac surgeons.

🏅Awards:

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino has received numerous accolades for his contributions to pediatric and congenital cardiovascular surgery. He is a Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC) and has been recognized for his expertise in congenital heart disease management. His work in innovative surgical strategies and regenerative medicine has earned him invitations to speak at leading international cardiology and cardiac surgery conferences. He has also received research grants for pioneering studies in cardiac regeneration, bioprosthetic materials, and surgical outcomes in congenital heart disease. His collaborations with renowned institutions, including Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic, have strengthened his reputation as a leading figure in pediatric cardiac surgery. His research and clinical excellence are reflected in his numerous high-impact publications, which have significantly influenced advancements in congenital heart surgery and pediatric cardiology worldwide.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino’s research focuses on congenital heart disease surgery, particularly early repair techniques and novel surgical strategies for single-ventricle physiology. He actively contributes to international registries, including the EUROFONTAN and EUROAAOCA, studying surgical outcomes in congenital heart defects. His work explores innovative approaches to preserving pulmonary valve function in Tetralogy of Fallot repair and alternative strategies for managing end-stage heart failure in children, including ECMO, VAD, and pulmonary artery banding. Additionally, he investigates heart transplantation in congenital heart disease, cardiac regeneration in infants with dilated cardiomyopathy, and bioprosthetic materials for cardiac tissue reconstruction. His research also addresses the neurological and pulmonary effects of cardiopulmonary bypass in pediatric patients, aiming to improve outcomes and long-term survival. Through clinical trials and multicenter studies, Dr. Padalino is dedicated to advancing pediatric cardiac surgery, refining surgical techniques, and enhancing postoperative care for children with complex congenital heart conditions.