A new approach to modern medicine: interview with Prof. Mattia Arrigo's

Professor Mattia Arrigo, who recently joined the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences at USI, will deliver his inaugural lecture titled "From an Organ-Centric Approach to Integrated Management" on Wednesday, 19 November 2025.

The lecture will take place at 6 pm in the USI West Campus Lugano Auditorium. It will be conducted in English and will reflect on the changes occurring in contemporary internal medicine.

Using acute heart failure—one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in developed countries—as an example, Professor Arrigo will demonstrate how an integrated approach to care is essential to address the growing complexity of patients and the increasing pressure on healthcare systems.

Ahead of this inaugural lecture, we asked Professor Arrigo to share insights about his career, his areas of research, and the vision that will guide his academic and clinical work in the coming years.

Professor, what experiences do you think have most influenced your professional and educational career to date?

I have pursued a diverse educational journey, gaining experience in internal medicine, cardiology, intensive care, and anaesthesia. Beyond the specific knowledge of each field, I have sought to understand various approaches to diseases and problems. Today, my ability to view situations from different perspectives and appreciate diverse opinions proves invaluable in my clinical role, where defining priorities and coordinating the activities of multiple disciplines is essential. Additionally, throughout my career, I have been fortunate to meet exceptional individuals whose enthusiasm has inspired and supported me along the way.

The topic you have chosen for your inaugural lecture represents a real paradigm shift. What prompted you to focus on an integrated approach to the treatment of acute heart failure?

Acute heart and lung diseases, especially acute heart failure, are very common and are the leading cause of emergency hospitalisations among seniors. For years, the therapeutic approach has focused mainly on treating the symptoms and the affected organ (e.g. the heart). As a result, hospitals have been organised around this organ-centric model. However, as the example of acute heart failure clearly shows, optimal treatment requires a more comprehensive approach that goes beyond symptoms and considers the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, comorbidities, social factors and, last but not least, the patient's priorities. Only by adopting this comprehensive strategy can we ensure coordinated, effective, sustainable, and long-lasting treatment.

What are the main areas of research your work focuses on today, and what results do you expect to achieve in the coming years?

For nearly a decade, my research has concentrated on cardiological issues, particularly acute heart failure. This serious condition arises from heart dysfunction and has mortality rates comparable to those of cancer. In recent years, we have focused on improving both the treatment during the acute phase and the critical transition period after hospitalisation. Our efforts have significantly reduced the number of hospitalisations due to relapses.

In addition to continuing research in this area, I plan to prioritise the development of research activities on key topics in general internal medicine. These topics will include the diagnostic process and clinical reasoning in the context of digitalisation and artificial intelligence. I believe that establishing a clinical research platform in internal medicine is essential and will benefit both the Lugano healthcare centre and the USI Faculty of Biomedicine. However, achieving this ambitious goal will require time and resources.

What content and objectives will characterise the courses you will be teaching at USI?

Over the years, the curricula of master's programmes in medicine in Switzerland have also undergone an organ-centric reorganisation, with modules dedicated to organs or systems. This reorganisation prioritises the teaching of more specialised content. Given the future challenges facing the Swiss healthcare system and the rapid evolution of certain technologies, it is essential to rethink these priorities. I believe that universities should play a significant role in guiding the next generation of doctors to align with the needs of the Swiss healthcare system.

Looking to the future of internal medicine, what do you think are the most pressing challenges to be addressed, and what changes do you foresee in the management of complex patients?

The Swiss healthcare system is under pressure. Demographic shifts, escalating healthcare costs, and a shortage of qualified personnel are apparent issues. Moreover, there is an increasing disparity between advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options and the availability of basic healthcare. The integration of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, has become a fundamental aspect of daily life, including the healthcare sector. The medicine we practise will have to change, and it will change. To ensure accessible, high-quality care in the future, particularly in an increasingly complex environment, it is essential to establish unique platforms for reliable, coordinated, and economically and socially sustainable care, especially for complex patients. In this context, internal and general medicine play a crucial role in both hospitals and outpatient care. In Ticino, we have two great opportunities: on the one hand, the EOC has recognised the importance of this type of organisation and supports strong internal medicine within its hospitals; on the other hand, USI and its network of contacts will allow us not only to adapt to the changes underway, but also to help define the future of medicine.