Interview with Alberto Zanchetti, MD.

Abstract

This month, The Journal of Clinical Hypertension features a hypertension icon from outside of the United States. Professor Alberto Zanchetti of Milan, Italy has been one of the most prominent researchers and teachers in the field of hypertension in Europe for the past 40 years. Those of us who have attended the European or International Society of Hypertension meetings have marveled at his energy, breadth of knowledge, and his ability to translate science into clinical practice. He has been in the forefront of new drug research for many years and has chaired or participated in almost all of the guideline committees in Europe that have set policy and established hypertension treatment recommendations. My own memories of Alberto conjure images of a man who truly had influence, not only in medicine, but in the outside world as well. Professor Zanchetti delayed a TWA flight from Milan to New York when I was late in arriving at the airport. He convinced La Scala to present an unscheduled opera for attendees at the European Society of Hypertension in Milan. That gives a picture of the man who gets things done. For these gracious acts, and for his enormous positive influence on generations of physicians not only in Europe, but also around the world, we salute him as one of the icons in hypertension.