Fagotti A, on behalf of the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Policlinico Gemelli and his many mentees spread throughout the world*
It is with huge sorrow that we announce that Professor Giovanni Scambia passed away on February 20th, 2025, leaving an indelible mark on the global gynaecological endoscopy and gynaecological oncology communities. He was the head of the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS in Rome. He played a pivotal role in the institution becoming a recognised “scientific hospital” by the Italian Ministry of Health and subsequently served as the scientific director of the hospital. Professor Scambia was President of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) from 2020-2022 and became the Chair of the ESGE Board of Directors. He was also the past president of the Italian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SIGO). Professor Scambia’s other notable contributions to women’s health include being one of the funders of the Multicenter Italian Trials in Ovarian cancer and gynaecological malignancies (MITO) cooperative group of the European Network of Gynaecological Oncological Trials (ENGOT), and a consultant for the Superior Health Institute in Italy. With over 2,000 peer-reviewed articles in the most prestigious scientific journals, his contribution to scientific advancements in gynaecological oncology, endoscopy and wider gynaecological practice, was immense.
Professor Scambia devoted his life to treating patients with gynaecological cancers and benign gynaecological conditions, while also tirelessly training and mentoring the next generation of specialists. His presence in the operating room, research laboratory, not to mention countless early morning or late-night meetings was a model of dedication and excellence. His door was always open, and his words of encouragement brightened the lives of many.
A gifted surgeon, compassionate healer, and visionary leader, Professor Scambia set the standard for excellence in patient care, modernisation, and advancing research. With his vision he was able to predict and anticipate the future of science, pushing innovations such as artificial intelligence and translational research in gynaecological oncology.
In the irreplaceable void of his loss, Giovanni Scambia leaves the most precious asset: his school, his legacy to society. Everything he has built will grow and flourish as he designed. A network of dedicated doctors, nurses, midwives, biologists and other professionals who will continue his work and vision. His intellectual honesty, passion, wisdom, generosity and humanity will continue to guide and inspire future generations.
He taught us to have faith in justice and merit, never to shy away from challenges, and to embrace diversity and collaboration. He encouraged us to dream of a better world and to pursue those dreams relentlessly.
In one of his final messages to the community, he said: “There is one last message I want to leave to the young trainees who will build the future: it is to be astonished by progress and achievements, just as I am still astonished today by how far we have come. When I started, I never thought I would be able to tell a woman with cancer that, after recovery, she could have a pregnancy. Yet, today, this is the reality. For those who will write our history, my wish is for them to experience many more discoveries and victories, perhaps with a wonderful team like ours, made of talent, passion, the ability to work together, and to take care of the women.”
Professor Scambia’s memory will live on in our hearts and guide us throughout our careers. We will continue to honour his legacy in our work, knowing he continues overseeing us.
