Davide Francesco D’Amico, liver transplant pioneer, dies at 90

Professor Davide Francesco D’Amico, a pioneer in liver transplantation and a prominent figure in Italian hepatic surgery, has died at the age of 90. Much of his professional career was centered at the University of Padua, where he served as a director for the Department of General Surgery and Organ Transplants.

D’Amico is credited with performing the first liver transplant in Northeast Italy on November 23, 1990. His work helped establish the Padua surgical school as a national and international reference point. Beyond his clinical practice, he was a prolific researcher with numerous international publications and a dedicated educator who trained multiple generations of surgeons.

The President of the Veneto Region, Alberto Stefani, expressed condolences to D’Amico’s family, the University of Padua, and the scientific community, praising his ability to combine research, surgical expertise, and human compassion.