— The Doctor
Dr Valentina Laurita Longo
Gynaecologist in Rome and its province. An approach to women's health grounded in listening, scientific rigour and personalised care.
— Why I became a gynaecologist
Seeing a woman first as a person, and then as a patient.
For a long time I thought being a doctor was mainly about treating an illness. Over time I realised that, for me, medicine is something more.
Every woman brings her own story, made of questions, expectations and needs that are different each time. I believe my work begins right there: with listening.
I chose gynaecology because it accompanies women through the most meaningful stages of their lives, and through the most fragile ones too.
01 — The beginning
Before I even knew my path
As a child I was fascinated by medicine because I imagined its task was to find answers. It seemed to me the place where knowledge could change people's destinies.
It was this idea of medicine that made me want to become a doctor, even before I understood that gynaecology would be my path.
02 — Zambia / New York
Two extremes, the same question
At 24, still a medical student, I left for Zambia. In the villages and mission hospitals I understood how much the place where a woman is born can shape her health, her opportunities and even her future.
The following year, thanks to a merit scholarship, I arrived at Columbia University in New York. There I carried out my experimental thesis in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery, alongside professionals pushing the boundaries of innovation every day.
On one side, medicine with very few resources; on the other, cutting-edge medicine. Both brought me back to the same question: what does it truly mean to care for women?
03 — Research and practice
Never stop asking questions
The desire to seek answers led me to continue my studies in the United Kingdom with an international Master's in Sexual and Reproductive Health and, back in Italy, with a PhD. A journey that continues to this day.
The delivery room, the ward, obstetric emergencies, surgery and everyday life alongside patients gave concrete meaning to what I had learned.
Medicine is measured not only in the hardest decisions, but also in small gestures: in the ability to listen, to explain and to be there.
A choice, every day
“It is a privilege to stand beside women at every stage of their lives, even when their voice risks going unheard.”
— Professional journey
01
2011
New York, Columbia University
Experimental thesis in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery at St Luke-Roosevelt Hospital, on a merit scholarship.
02
2012–2013
Zambia and Tanzania
Fieldwork in mission hospitals, as a visiting medical student.
03
2013
Degree in Medicine and Surgery
“La Sapienza” University of Rome, 110/110 cum laude.
04
2014–2015
Volunteer doctor
Volunteer work with MEDU – Doctors for Human Rights.
05
2019–2020
Specialty training
Training at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, including a clinical mission in Zambia.
06
2020
Specialisation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
University of Cagliari, with top marks.
07
2020
Master's in Sexual and Reproductive Health
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
08
Since 2020
Gynaecologist at Studio Giaccari
Ongoing clinical practice in Rome.
09
2021–2022
Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS
Staff physician in the Obstetrics and Obstetric Pathology Unit.
010
2024
PhD
PhD in Experimental and Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.
011
Since 2025
Staff physician, ASL Roma 1 and Roma 4
Family health centres, permanent position; ongoing collaboration on the birth pathway with Policlinico Gemelli.
Her research has produced dozens of publications in international peer-reviewed journals, collected in the dedicated section. Alongside clinical work, a multidisciplinary network of specialists — nutrition, psychology, sexology, pelvic floor rehabilitation — and an approach grounded in listening and shared decisions with every woman.
— Gallery
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