Franca Melfi

Franca Melfi is currently a Professor of Thoracic Surgery at the Medical School of the University of Pisa and Chair of the Robotic Multidisciplinary Center for Surgery - Thoracic MIS and Robotic Surgery at the University Hospital of Pisa.

Educated in Italy, she continued her University studies at the Medical School of the University of Pisa, where she received her M.D. degree and completed residencies in General Thoracic Surgery. Franca Melfi is currently involved in research projects at the University of Pisa, in cooperation with other clinical institutions, and is an active author of scientific publications.

Lei si è principalmente concentrata su:

1. Cancro ai polmoni (specificamente, mappatura del linfonodo sentinella nel cancro ai polmoni)
2. Cancro ai polmoni nelle donne
3. Chirurgia tracheale
4. Chirurgia robotica

Presently, she is carrying out research on the application of high-technology in surgery (Robotic Surgery), focusing on robotic surgery for the standardization of procedures and clinical application in the field of Thoracic Surgery.

In 2005, along with a group of professional women, she founded the NGO Association AIDAcp (Women Association against Lung Cancer). The aim of this Association was to address issues related to lung cancer in women, disseminate information, mentor young trainees, and transfer data within the framework of programs and social initiatives for practical intervention.

Working within this Association, as Vice-President and Thoracic Surgeon, she has been carrying on the research program regarding Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and K-Ras Mutations in Adenocarcinoma of the lung, in cooperation with the Oncological Institute of Tuscany (ITT) and other European Institutions.

Presently she is Professor of Thoracic Surgery Residency and authorized European Tutor and Proctor for Robotic thoracic procedures.