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Francesco Gargano has established a notable presence at New York's Lenox Hill Hospital as a respected plastic surgeon, achieving this position through a journey that was anything but ordinary.

Born into a renowned family in Amalfi, Italy, with deep roots in the luxury hospitality industry, Gargano seemed destined to continue the family legacy at the Hotel Santa Caterina. He completed his studies in languages, but a growing dissatisfaction and a strong inner calling led him to pivot dramatically toward a career in medicine.

"I wanted to help people," Gargano recalls, reflecting on the moment this new path began to crystallize. "I lacked the educational foundation to pursue medicine, but my determination was strong enough to overcome all obstacles."

Despite having no prior training in the sciences, Gargano managed to secure a place at the prestigious Sapienza University of Rome's medical school. The first two years were particularly challenging, requiring him to take extra courses to fill the gaps in his knowledge. Yet, he persevered, completing the 59 required exams in just five years and one session, instead of the usual six years.

A pivotal moment in his life came in the mid-1990s when he met Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who was hospitalized at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome. "I spent thirty unforgettable minutes with her," Gargano recounts. "She held my hand the entire time and said, 'Study, study hard, because we need good doctors.' Her words became an inexhaustible source of inspiration for me."

Inspired by this encounter, Gargano pursued specialization in various branches of plastic surgery, honing his skills through fellowships. One of the most influential figures in his career was Professor Anthony Wolfe, a pioneer in craniofacial surgery, who became both a mentor and a guide.

The transition from Italy to the United States was anything but easy. "My thirst for knowledge drove me to overcome every obstacle, including the immense challenge of entering an American residency program," Gargano explains. "Often, my overly qualified resume worked against me, but I never let it discourage me."

Gargano's commitment to plastic surgery, a discipline requiring deep anatomical knowledge and the ability to address complex complications, has made him a respected authority in the field. "Plastic surgery isn't just about performing an operation; it's about preventing complications before they happen," he asserts.

Despite his extraordinary technical skills, Gargano has never forgotten his family's hospitality roots and the lessons he learned in that environment. "I learned how to relate to people through my family's business. Whether it's a client or a patient, the approach is the same: empathize, understand their needs and expectations."

Today, as he lives and works in New York, Francesco Gargano looks back on his journey with pride, knowing he has answered the call of his true vocation—a vocation that led him to leave his beloved Amalfi to become one of the world's most esteemed plastic surgeons, guided by faith and a passion for helping others. His practice is located at 787 Park Avenue, just steps away from the Lenox Hill Hospital, where his name has become synonymous with excellence in plastic surgery.

Interview with Doctor Francesco Gargano

Question: Professor Gargano, your personal story is truly unique. From studying languages and a future in your family business, you decided to pursue a career in medicine. What drove you to change direction?

Answer: My initial aspiration was to continue in the family business, but after completing my studies in languages, I felt a strong inner calling to help people in need. Even though I didn't have the necessary educational background, I decided to apply for medical school at both the Catholic University and Sapienza University in Rome, and I was accepted. The first two years were incredibly tough; I had to take many extra courses to make up for my deficiencies. From the third year on, my desire to complete my studies was so strong that I finished the 59 required exams for the six-year program in five years and one session.

Question: In the mid-1990s, you had a very special encounter with Mother Teresa of Calcutta. How did this meeting influence your professional and personal journey?

Answer: I was part of the prayer group of the Sisters of Mercy, and we would meet every week at dawn for prayer. During a stay in Rome, Mother Teresa was hospitalized at the Catholic University's Gemelli Polyclinic. I went to visit her and spent 30 unforgettable minutes with her. She held my hand the entire time, and I vividly remember some of the questions she asked me. At the end, she told me, "Study, study hard, because we need good doctors." Those words gave me the motivation to continue with fellowships and specialize in various branches of plastic surgery. On a personal level, I gained so much from that meeting, especially the awareness of seeing in others, in those in need, and in the people we interact with, the message of Christ.

Question: You then decided to move to the United States to continue your training and career. What were the biggest challenges you faced in this transition?

Answer: The transition from Italy to the United States was challenging, especially in terms of study. I had to obtain the US Medical License in a record time of two and a half years, while I was still specializing in Rome, where I underwent eight years of training in plastic surgery, dermatology, and anatomy. My thesis focused on new techniques in breast plastic surgery. During my journey, I also had the opportunity to train in England, at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, West Sussex, UK, founded by Archibald McIndoe, which I consider the best place in the world to acquire the fundamentals of plastic surgery.

Question: Your educational path was very long and complex. What motivated you to persevere?

Answer: My training took almost 17 years, compared to the usual 5 or 6 years. Getting into an American residency program in general surgery is an immense challenge; the chances of being accepted are lower than winning the lottery. I often suffered because of my own resume, which was too qualified for many positions, but I never gave up. My thirst for knowledge always pushed me to keep studying and improving my skills, never giving up.

Question: Plastic surgery is often misunderstood. Can you tell us how you manage to combine the aesthetic aspect with the medical one, especially in hand surgery?

Answer: Plastic surgery requires a deep understanding of anatomy, more than other surgical specialties. It's not just about performing an aesthetic procedure, but about being able to solve complex complications, often resulting from other surgeries. For example, the first kidney transplant was performed by a plastic surgeon, and many pediatric urological malformations are treated by pediatric plastic surgeons. Our specialization is not just technical; it requires a profound understanding of anatomy and the ability to prevent complications before they occur.

Question: You mentioned the difficulties related to your overqualification. How did you overcome these obstacles?

Answer: It's true; often, my very rich and varied resume worked against me, especially when I was looking for positions suited to my training. However, I never let it discourage me. I always sought new opportunities to put my knowledge into practice and to continue growing professionally. My thirst for knowledge always drove me further, pushing me to study and perfect my skills continuously.

Question: You have roots in a family involved in the hospitality industry. How has this experience influenced your approach to patients?

Answer: I learned a lot about interacting with people through the experience I gained in the family business. Whether it's a client or a patient, the approach is similar. When someone arrives at a facility, whether it's a hotel or a hospital, they may be nervous or stressed. It's essential to empathize with them, understand their needs and expectations. This approach has helped me a lot in my medical practice, where empathy is essential to building a relationship of trust with patients.

Question: Anthony Wolfe was one of your mentors in the United States. What impact did he have on you and your career?

Answer: Anthony Wolfe was a key figure in my professional growth. He was one of the pioneers of craniofacial surgery and passed on his skills to many fellows like me. I was fortunate to learn techniques from him that have changed the lives of many children with congenital malformations. Wolfe created a true legacy, and I am proud to continue his work, improving it and passing it on to the new generations of surgeons.

Question: Looking back at your journey, is there a moment or a surgery that stands out as particularly significant?

Answer: There have been many significant moments, but if I had to choose one, it would be my encounter with Mother Teresa of Calcutta. That brief conversation had a profound impact on me, not just professionally but also personally. Her words have guided me in every decision and motivated me to do my best to become a doctor capable of making a difference in the lives of others.

Question: What advice would you give to young people who are at a crossroads in their professional life and may feel the need to radically change direction as you did?

Answer: My advice is to always follow your vocation, even when the path seems full of difficulties. If you feel inside the desire to do something different, don't be afraid to change direction. Determination and passion can take you far, even when everything seems to be against you. Don't be afraid to fail; every obstacle overcome is one step closer to your goal.