On 1 September 2019, the radiology department at Hôpital de La Tour strengthened and expanded its field of expertise with the arrival of an FMH-accredited specialist in radiology and diagnostic neuroradiology. Dr Salvatore Stefanelli has a diploma in head and neck radiology issued by the European Society of Head and Neck Radiology (ESHNR) and accreditation from the Swiss Society of Radiology (SSR). He practices a highly specialised discipline that is still relatively rare in private health care facilities in Romandy and has proved to be of real benefit in providing the highest level of care in radiology. Let’s find out more about our new addition to the Hôpital de La Tour team.
Can you tell us a little about your career to date?
After completing my initial training at the Italian university of Bari in 2008, I joined the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) as an intern in radiology. I then decided to specialise further and, at the end of my internship and under the supervision of Pr Minerva Becker, became chief resident of the ENT and head and neck radiology unit at HUG. In 2017, I obtained the European Board in Head and Neck Radiology Diploma and in 2019, I became an FMH-accredited specialist in diagnostic radiology, alongside Pr Karl-Olof Lövblad. I then decided to join Hôpital de La Tour.
Your specialism has a fairly extensive scope of practice. What medical conditions do you cover?
As a general rule, I treat any condition affecting the head, neck, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and even some cases relating to dentistry.
Can specialists from other disciplines refer patients to you?
Absolutely, my work covers a wide area of expertise and patients can be referred for an examination for diagnostic purposes, follow-up care after treatment and/or surgery and even screening. I work with neurologists, endocrinologists, ENT and head and neck surgeons and clinicians as well as oncologists, radiotherapists, internal medicine doctors, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, cardiologists and nuclear medicine doctors. I am also involved with the care team that looks after swallowing problems and I work closely with speech-language therapists and the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation department. Dental surgeons can also refer patients to me.
Why did you decide to join Hôpital de La Tour?
It was the perfect opportunity for me to join a team of radiologists who I had always admired for their high professional standards and personal qualities. The hospital and its medical and care teams are widely renowned for their expertise and quality of care. I also wanted to develop my private practice while staying in a hospital setting and working continuously and constructively with other medical professionals. Lastly, I was attracted by the wide range of multidisciplinary meetings offered by Hôpital de La Tour. I believe they add considerable value and represent a real sign of quality.
How do you intend on expanding your practice at Hôpital de La Tour?
I am really keen to strengthen the already impressive quality in radiology and, at the same time, take part in a high level of continuous medical education. I want to use my position to stay involved with a teaching hospital in order to make sure patients always receive the best possible care.