Professor Federico Rea, Pioneer of Lung Transplantation in Italy
It is with profound sorrow that the ESOT community mourns the passing of Professor Federico Rea, among the pioneers in lung transplantation in Italy and one of Europe’s most talented Thoracic Surgeons. Professor Rea served as Full Professor of Thoracic Surgery at the University Hospital of Padua, where he helped transform the field of lung transplantation after his technical and scientific imprinting under Joel Cooper supervision in Toronto in the late 80s.
Federico Rea was instrumental in establishing and leading one of the first and most successful lung transplantation programmes in Italy, placing Padua at the forefront of the country in recent years for the number of lung transplants. His work enabled the treatment of patients with end-stage pulmonary disease, particularly those affected by Cystic Fibrosis, at a time when such interventions were still in their infancy in Italy and Europe. Rea was also among the pioneers of EVLP. He trained and mentored generations of thoracic and transplant surgeons, many of whom today hold senior positions in public institutions and academic surgery. His teaching combined surgical excellence with deep humanity and was a constant reminder of the ethical foundations of transplantation. Professor Rea’s legacy is one of dedication to clinical innovation, academic commitment, and mentorship.
Above all, however, emerges his human touch. Federico’s great integrity and authentic presence, his clear-sighted vision for the future and his concrete, assertive approach to difficulties, including the disease that led to his untimely passing, remain deeply inspiring.
The ESOT Executive, Council, and community extend their heartfelt condolences to Professor Rea’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Umberto Cillo
ESOT Secretary