Lights that dazzle and shadows that hide opportunities. It is the synthesis of the vision of the city of Luigi Gentile, Cardinal Massaia’s head of diabetology for 22 years. In the implications of his words there are no judgements, but only reflections on his city of origin, the point of departure and arrival after every trip around the world, dictated by his scientific commitments. And with these eyes, nourished by comparisons, he consolidates his opinion on a city that he loves unconditionally and on which, a doctor at heart, he applies the scientific method, as if it were a living organism in which people contribute to making the skeleton made of streets and buildings.
What makes Asti so beautiful?
The great ability to network. My perception is that it is much easier here than in many other cities: it can be created, there is space for a community of practice.”
What do you mean?
«An example: years ago in Turin the need emerged to carry out a study on the links between diabetes and other pathologies. We did it in Asti. This study made history and could have been done here thanks to the ease of creating collaboration between hospitals, general practitioners and universities. These are obvious dynamics for the people of Asti, but they are not: elsewhere it doesn’t work like that, there isn’t this simplicity.”
Its premise is that even in the shadows there are opportunities. In these situations, what could be the shadows?
«In the past we organized diabetes days in Asti. They transformed into a laboratory of ideas and the event soon became of national importance. At that point, paradoxically, it was no longer possible to organize them here because the logistics were lacking.”
More generally, what are the shadows of the city?
«You need the courage to be ambitious and have a challenging vision, you need to be able to communicate your excellence. Perhaps we are lacking in this aspect of communication.”
Are there any excellences?
Yes, I’m also just thinking about the medical world: there are esteemed professionals in all disciplines who are points of reference from every part of Italy.”
Now healthcare is in crisis almost everywhere, are these excellences accessible to everyone?
«I no longer experience these dynamics from the inside but I believe that this moment, globally complex, hides within itself extraordinary opportunities. In medicine we have never had the possibilities we have today: innovation, scientific, technological therapeutics. We need to rethink the organization. Even in this case it is necessary to network.”
Is there anything about your city that has ever made you angry?
No anger, I would say regret. I speak divinely about Asti to friends and acquaintances, I create high expectations. Well, here it is not possible like in any other city to book a taxi. And some friends spoke to me about this with amazement. In this case too it is a problem of logistics, but perhaps the thing that is remembered among all the beauties of the city is that comma.
Asti, a cutting-edge city from your point of view, therefore needs to come out of its shell and learn to manage “big things”?
«Yes, we need to change our vision. Asti must be a center with all the beauties within reach – I’m thinking of the Alfierian museum, the mecca for those who carry out studies of this type – but the boundaries must be broadened, we must move away from the fragmented vision”.
Should politics do it?
«I believe that everyone in their own area can do it by pooling their strengths, not by saying “in Asti they are better” but by taking responsibility».
Speaking of the centre, there are more and more empty shops, is there a flight of Asti residents?
«We need a boost and we need to invent something different. I don’t judge, I observe and ask myself: “How could we do better?”.
What would it do for the city?
«Maybe I would like more parking options. I get around on foot, I’m lucky enough to be able to do so and I would like those arriving from outside to be able to have this same possibility of enjoyment.”
People at the center of the network. But what are the people like in Asti?
«There is an underlying restraint in not showing off. I think about when I managed to get Paolo Conte to meet a friend. Some passers-by noticed that they were about to photograph us and became very angry with the future author of the shot: “If he can stay here calmly, it’s because we leave him alone”, they told her. Then, it was the Conte himself who asked us if we wanted a photograph.”
