July 6, 2001

Medical developments at the MGH frequently make the news in local and national media. MGH physicians, and the hospital itself, also receive requests for interviews from faraway international locations such as Japan, Australia and England. Most recently, new techniques in the use of lasers in medicine have landed the MGH on National Italian Television (RAI) in Rome.

"RAI is very well known in Italy and throughout Europe," explains Giuseppe Nigri, MD, of MGH Surgery (shown above with camera crew). "Much of its programming is dedicated to scientific education. It's very much like the Discovery Channel here in the United States." Nigri, who grew up in Italy, served as a point of contact for the television crew when they came to the MGH in February.

The crew's visit was in preparation for a scientific documentary about the use of light in medicine, part of which will be broadcast in Europe July 10, with a second segment to follow in the fall. RAI host Lorenzo Pinna interviewed Rox Anderson, MD, research director of the MGH Laser Center, about new techniques in laser hair removal. Glenn LaMuraglia, MD, of MGH Vascular Surgery, and Nigri demonstrated the use of photodynamic therapy — therapy using light — in vascular surgery. The crew also interviewed Brett Bouma, PhD; Shari Hicks, MD; and Peter Dwyer, PhD, all of the Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine. Nigri and his colleagues worked with MGH Public Affairs to bring the RAI crew into the operating room and on a tour of the labs.

"They were very impressed," Nigri says. "The crew wanted to explore new, cutting-edge technology in the use of light in medicine and they felt that the Wellman Labs offered the best of that technology."

RAI has remained in close contact with Nigri since the crew returned to Italy, and producers invited him to come to Rome to assist in the editing process prior to the show's television debut.

"It was a very nice experience, for RAI and for the hospital," Nigri says. "The crew really liked the organization and dedication that they saw here. And this further proves that the MGH is known all over the world as an exemplary medical institution."

For more information about photodynamic medicine and the Wellman Laboratories, visit http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/wellman.