Francesca Catapano
My name is Francesca Catapano. Originally trained as a nurse, I continued my education to become a genetic counselor, and I am now in the final year of my PhD. My doctoral research focuses on supporting families with a child affected by a genetic condition. My study aims to explore how best to help these families—not only from a clinical standpoint but also in their everyday lives and in fostering their child’s autonomy. Our work has a dual aim: on one hand, to celebrate and embrace diversity; on the other hand, to use medicine as a means to address the challenges these families face, both clinically and in their daily lives, while fostering the child’s autonomy. This mission is deeply inspired by the renowned physician and professor Jérôme Lejeune, who famously said: “Hate the disease, love the patient.”