I. Prof. Massimo Montisci, medical examiner.

I like to present myself with simplicity and clarity, to get straight to the point. A sober and resolute style which is a bit like my calling card.

Probably my Sardinian origin has something to do with it. It's the soul of the island where I was born, a land of proud, loyal, and straightforward people, sometimes even seeming sharp-edged. That's how we are. That's how I feel.

And if I owe spirit and character to the beloved Sardinia, to the city of Padua, a place of scientific tradition with a centuries-old university history, I owe great gratitude for the valuable personal and professional journey I have been able to undertake, which has also been influenced by intense experiences in the United States of America (Miami University, NYU - New York University).

I confess a passion.

There is no “vocation” at the origin of my career. The presence at home of a father who was a cardiologist and medical examiner, as well as an officer of the State Police, certainly guided my university studies. But it was only after obtaining the Degree in Medicine and Surgery that I developed my interest in Forensic Medicine. I remember years lived intensely during which I devoured with avidity and passion every single page of the books, essays, volumes and manuals that accompanied me to the achievement of the Specializations (Forensic Medicine, Toxicology, Forensic Toxicology). I managed to transform a passion into a profession.

On the side of truth

I love my profession, and I fully identify with its purpose: to make science available to the community, to serve justice. A working method inspired by the profound meaning of fairness. All the knowledge and skills I put into practice daily have one overarching goal: to objectively and accurately assess the reality of the factsI approach every situation with great sensitivity and humility, never forgetting that I am dealing with something very fragile—the relationship of people with their health, their quality of life, and the burden or reality of death.

A bit doctor, a bit lawyer... a bit detective.

A lot of literature and crime-related fictions have contributed to making the figure of the Forensic Doctor quite popular. I must admit that, beyond the inevitable exaggerations justified by the need to create captivating characters capable of captivating the audience, the he Forensic Doctor is truly a multifaceted professional, who bridges the gap between science and law, dealing with the relationships that exist between the medical, legal, and sometimes investigative realms.

Knowledge is my wealth.

When I decided to become a Forensic Doctor, I knew that I would be delving into a very extensive field that would require in-depth knowledge in various specialized areas, from toxicology to neuropathology, from bioethics to social medicine. I also knew with equal certainty that I would carry out my work based on the principle of objectivity, never forgetting that great expertise would be accompanied by great responsibilities, which I have never shied away from.