Caterina Lommi

We are proud to support the future female surgeons of tomorrow by fostering experiences from as early as the very first year of medical school.

Over the past month, Caterina has supported our research group, helping wherever needed and building a strong foundation in clinical science. At the same time, she gained a comprehensive view of the daily work of a general surgeon.

Thanks to Prof. Andreas Thalheimer, who not only guided her patiently in the operating room but also took the time to explain different laparoscopic and robotic procedures, Caterina was able to see first-hand what this profession demands and what it can offer.

From an organisational psychology perspective, these early exposures matter: confidence is built through belonging and meaningful participation (). By engaging directly with surgical teams, Caterina could see herself as part of the OR and experience that she belongs there. These memories will stay with her, and we hope they reinforce the confidence that she can and will pursue this career path.

Empowering young talent is not only about teaching skills but also about shaping identity, resilience, and ambition. We are happy to play a part in this journey.

Curious about Caterina’s experience in our group? Read her thoughts below.

As my internship in the group of Prof. Marco Bueter, supervised by Michele and Nicole, comes to an end, I would like to share my sincere reflections on this experience. Overall, it has been a very rewarding internship that taught me a great deal. Academically, I gained valuable insight into how clinical research is conducted, and, most memorably, I had the opportunity to observe bypass surgeries. As I aspire to become a surgeon and will begin my medical studies in October, this has truly been the highlight of my internship. I won’t deny that the surgeries were the most exciting part, but, as in any job, research also involves less thrilling tasks, such as the “office” work.

I am deeply grateful to Michele and all the surgeons involved for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

On a personal level, this was also my first experience living abroad on my own. It taught me how to stay organized, communicate in a language that is not my own, and adapt to a new culture and city. While it was certainly a challenge at first, over time it began to feel increasingly natural and fulfilling.

I am thankful for this internship and confident that the skills and experiences I gained will support me in my future studies and career journey.