text Sabrina Bozzoni
Irene Simeone, an oncology consultant with a PhD in clinical medicine and biomedics
The life and vocation of a young oncologist in Florence
Yours is more than a career, it might be called a vocation. What impelled you to pursue this line of work?
When I was 13 I got it into my head that I wanted to become a genetic engineer so that I could study all the mechanisms of the human body and analyse medical issues starting from the basics. My dream came true thanks to a lot of dedication, sacrifice and hard work, and now I’m involved with key research projects to find answers to some of the unknowns about oncological processes.
What are the most important advances happening at Careggi University Hospital in terms of cancer research?
I can confirm that Careggi is one of the most important Italian and European centres when it comes to cancer and other fields of research. This is all thanks to our brilliant Florentine minds and international collaborations established over the years.
Take us to the Florence you love.
The climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo from San Niccolò, the Uffizi Gallery, eating fabulous ice cream from Gelateria della Passera on one of the colourful benches in the square, and sunset over Ponte Santa Trinita.
A dream for you and your city?\
I have to start by saying I’m Florentine by adoption - I’ve been here just under a year - and I’m sure this could be my forever home. I’ve noticed a strong sense of union between the locals, and I’d be really happy if in the future, people here are able to create strong ties with those who are not born under the sign of the lily.\
Is there one particular thing that really makes your days meaningful?
Spending time with my eighteen-month-old daughter, exploring and seeing the city through her eyes.\
