Prof. Mario Romano awarded the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic title
On Sunday, 2nd June, on Republic Day, Prof. Mario Romano – Full Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the School of Specialisation in Ophthalmology at Humanitas University – was awarded the title of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, the first among national orders of knighthood, is intended to “reward merits acquired towards the nation in the field of science, literature, the arts, economy and in the performance of public offices and activities carried out for social, philanthropic and humanitarian purposes, as well as for long and distinguished services in civil and military careers”.
“I am very honoured to receive this title, which I see as an acknowledgement for my professional activity and, above all, a motivation to do more and better for those in need of care in terms of assistance and research,” comments Professor Romano. “I was pleasantly surprised when the offices of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers informed me of this proposal, and for which they needed a series of information starting with my curriculum vitae”.
In addition to his work as a doctor and researcher in the field of ophthalmology and teaching at Humanitas University, Mario Romano is also a competitive sportsman (marathon runner, ultramarathon runner and Ironman) and socially committed as a member of the board of directors of CBM Italia, a humanitarian organisation committed to the prevention and treatment of avoidable blindness and disability and to the inclusion of people with disabilities in the South of the world and in Italy.
“Empathy, communication, building relationships with patients as well as with my colleagues and students, aiming at the well-being and the quality of our services and human relations,” Professor Romano adds, “is part of our way of being. I believe the meaning of this title is a response to the commitment we put into our work every day, always seeking a relationship of trust with those who need care and assistance, just as in our research activities we seek synergy among colleagues to improve our knowledge of eye health issues and possible therapeutic applications”.