Alessandro Codivilla
Alessandro Codivilla (21 March 1861 – 28 February 1912) was an Italian surgeon from Bologna and head of the surgical department of the hospital of Castiglion Fiorentino, known for his work in orthopaedics and first describing the pancreaticoduodenectomy. Life Early years and degree He was born in Bologna, Italy, on 21 March 1861 and belonged to a humble family. His father was a pawnbroker at the financial institution of Monte di Pietà. He was a very bright student, first of his class in high school, and had a particular attitude towards scientific subjects. Codivilla obtained a degree in medicine and surgery in 1886, and, right after that, became assistant to professor Pietro Loreta, the man whose death shot down Codivilla's possibilities for a career in teaching. Despite this, he did not let himself get discouraged and started to work at various hospitals. As noted by physician and writer , Codivilla had a tough apprenticeship in the hospitals of Castiglione Fiorentino, Città di Castello and Macerata."Immature of studies and experience, all alone, without the guidance of a teacher or the advice of a friend, begins the hospital career, but adversely from most he is not overwhelmed by the fatal neglect of