Focus on family medicine. EOC, OMCT and USI together for an innovative and effective response to local health needs

The collaboration between Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Ordine dei Medici del Canton Ticino (OMCT) and Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), with the support of the Department of Health and Social Affairs (DSS), has led to the launch in Ticino of an innovative service aimed at enhancing family medicine, the cornerstone of the cantonal health system and a fundamental aspect of its strategic development.

The objectives of the new service, its central role in the cantonal health system, the methods of access by the population, and the educational path for doctors — training that will have to guarantee the highest quality standards — were presented during the press conference held this morning at Ospedale Italiano in Lugano.

Representing the institutions involved were the Rector of Università della Svizzera italiana, Luisa Lambertini, the President of Ordine dei Medici del Canton Ticino (Ticino's medical association) Franco Denti, and the Coordinator of the Department of Health and Social Affairs and Director of the Public Health Division, Paolo Bianchi. Lambertini retraced the birth of the Institute of Family Medicine within the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, emphasising its significance as part of broader developments, such as the introduction of a Master's degree in medicine, the strengthening of basic, translational and clinical research in Ticino and the potential establishment of a university hospital. Franco Denti shared his experience as a witness of the early stages of the project 16 years ago, expressing his satisfaction in seeing the project come to fruition. He highlighted the importance of expanding pre and post-training for family doctors to enhance their role within the Ticino health system. Paolo Bianchi, emphasised the Canton's support of the project, emphasising its modern and effective approach to addressing the region's health needs. He stressed the pivotal role of family doctors in overcoming current health system challenges, particularly in ensuring its sustainability.

The EOC will host the clinical division of the new service at Ospedale Italiano in Lugano. This new service will replace the current ER, expanding its offerings and integrating in a complementary manner with the ER at Ospedale Civico. The focus of the service will be on meeting the needs of patients. Professor Luca Gabutti will serve as the linking figure between the clinical and academic contexts. He will take on the role of Professor and Chair of the Institute of Family Medicine at USI. Additionally, he will assume responsibility for and lead the EOC Family Medicine Service as the head physician.

A clear summary of the project, its motivations, and its objectives in the words of Prof. Gabutti: "The shortage of family physicians and the strategic importance of enhancing local healthcare by better integrating it with hospital services, university training, and research are vital issues for both current and future advanced health systems. Our objective is to boost the number of skilled professionals in the region and enhance the quality of education. This involves establishing a specialised university programme for assistant physicians who intend to build their careers as family doctors in this region".