TANDA MARIA LAURA PIERA

Degree in Medicine and Surgery (1992) and the specialization in Endocrinology (1998) were obtained under the supervision of Professor Aldo Pinchera at the University of Pisa . After entering the academic environment as a researcher with clinical responsibilities, the university career progressed to the role of Associate Professor of Endocrinology, held since 2014. In 2022, the National Scientific Qualification for Full Professor was achieved, together with the managerial certification required for the direction of complex healthcare units.
Since November 2020, first as Acting Head and subsequently as Director (from November 2022) of the Complex Unit of Endocrinology at ASST Sette Laghi, and since 2020 Director of the School of Specialization in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases at the University of Insubria, positions that combine managerial, clinical, and educational responsibilities.
The clinical activity involves the management of major endocrine disorders, with particular focus on thyroid diseases, Graves’ orbitopathy, thyroid cancer, pituitary diseases, and diagnostic and interventional neck ultrasonography. Outpatient services dedicated to thyroid disorders, pituitary diseases, and Graves' disease are coordinated, in addition to ultrasound and ultrasound‑guided fine‑needle aspiration services.
Scientific output is extensive and continuous, with more than 220 publications, including over 151 articles in international indexed journals. Research areas include Graves’ orbitopathy, autoimmune thyroid diseases, amiodarone‑induced thyrotoxicosis, thyroid carcinoma, metabolic pathophysiology, and the interactions between the endocrine system and immune, hepatic, and cardiovascular functions. Additional contributions include book chapters, encyclopedic entries, and collaborative works at both European and international levels. A bibliometric H‑index of 39 reflects the impact of this scientific production.
Alongside research activity, teaching commitments include courses in Medicine, Midwifery, Biomedical Laboratory Techniques, university Master's programmes, and major medical residency programmes. Participation in the Academic Boards of several PhD programmes in biomedical and translational sciences contributes to the training of researchers and specialists.
Several organizational and institutional roles have been held over time, including Regional Coordinator of the Italian Society of Endocrinology, participation in the European EUGOGO group dedicated to Graves’ orbitopathy, regional responsibility within the National Observatory for Iodine Prophylaxis, presidency of the provincial section of the Italian Medical Women’s Association, and direction of the CERTIMA Research Centre on thyroid diseases and associated conditions. Membership in a task force of the Council for Cardiology Practice (ESC), dedicated to systemic diseases with cardiovascular impact, is also included.
Additional expertise complements the professional profile, including musical training (solfeggio diploma and years of choral activity) and technical competencies in ultrasonography and computer applications.
Overall, the combination of clinical, scientific, academic, and institutional activities outlines a professional path oriented toward integrating patient care with the advancement of endocrinological knowledge and the training of future generations of physicians and researchers