ERN RARE-LIVER Clinical Exchange Programme: Reports from Monza
“As part of the ERN RARE-LIVER Clinical Exchange Programme, I participated in a clinical exchange at the Centre for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy. I chose this center because of its internationally recognized expertise in autoimmune liver diseases, both in clinical care and in scientific research. The aim of the exchange for me was to gain insight into the organization of care for patients with autoimmune liver diseases, observe clinical routines and multidisciplinary collaboration, compare therapeutic approaches, and exchange experiences with colleagues working in a specialized ERN center.
During the exchange, I attended outpatient clinics, multidisciplinary team meetings, and case discussions involving patients with autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and other cholestatic liver diseases. A particularly valuable aspect of this exchange was the opportunity to discuss challenging clinical cases and compare differences and similarities in clinical practice between Italy and Sweden. The exchange provided important insights into local diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, patient follow-up pathways, and multidisciplinary management. It also offered an excellent opportunity to learn more about the center’s research environment, ongoing clinical, and the close integration between research and patient care.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the colleagues in Monza for their warm welcome and generosity in sharing their expertise. In particular, I would like to thank Dr Alessio Gerussi, Dr Laura Cristoferi, and Prof. Pietro Invernizzi, who welcomed me with open arms and were always available for discussion, making this experience both professionally enriching and personally enjoyable.
I am deeply grateful to ERN RARE-LIVER for providing me with this valuable opportunity. I returned to my home institution with new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and renewed enthusiasm that will contribute to the continuous development of clinical practice and, hopefully, future collaborations within the ERN RARE-LIVER network.”
Maria Antonella Burza, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
To learn more about the ERN Clinical exchange programme, please visit the dedicated section on our website or contact the ERN RARE-LIVER office directly.