In Memory of Lucia Ghizzoni, MD, PhD (December 13, 1954–October 8, 2025): A Distinguished Clinician-Scientist in Pediatric Endocrinology, an Inspiring Mentor, and a Cherished Friend to Her Colleagues and Patients

On October 8, 2025, Lucia Ghizzoni, MD, PhD, Pediatric Endocrinologist and Associate Professor of Endocrinology at the University of Turin, passed away after a long illness. Her passing is a profound loss for her family, her patients, her colleagues, and the many friends who were privileged to know and work alongside her. We remember Lucia with admiration, affection, and enduring gratitude.Lucia was a clinician scientist of rare dedication and intellectual rigor. She devoted her life to improving the care of children and adolescents with endocrine disorders, and to training generations of medical students, residents, and fellows. Born in Busseto (Parma) on December 13, 1954, she graduated in Medicine and Surgery and earned her PhD at the University of Parma, where she also completed her specialization in Pediatrics.Early in her career, she trained in New York at the New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center under Maria I. New. This formative experience grounded her in the principles of translational pediatric endocrinology and shaped the path of her professional life. Later, she was a visiting researcher at the National Institutes of Health (NICHD) under George P. Chrousos, further strengthening her international standing and scientific collaborations.From Parma to Turin, Lucia’s professional journey was marked by service and leadership. In Parma, she headed the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit and the Research Laboratory in the Department of Pediatrics. In 2008, she moved to Turin, where she led the Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology Service at the “Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria – Molinette.” In 2011, she was appointed Associate Professor in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism at the University of Turin. She also taught Endocrinology, Exercise and Sport at SUISM and continued to care deeply for her patients and their families.Her scientific contributions were equally distinguished. Lucia served on committees and working groups of the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and the Endocrine Society, including the Task Force for the Endocrine Society’s Guidelines on Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (2008). She was deeply involved in ESPE and the Italian Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes education initiatives, and served as Associate Editor of the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation. Her research explored areas such as androgen receptor biology, aromatase expression, glucocorticoid resistance, and the interface between growth factors and development, always with a clear focus on clinical application.Our personal and professional ties with Lucia spanned more than 4 decades. One of us (Sandro) first met her in the cold days of January 1982 in New York, where both were research fellows at the Cornell Medical Center. Along with other young Italian colleagues abroad at the time, including Marco Cappa who joined us from Rome in 1984. Over the years, that group expanded to include Mohamad Maghnie and others who would become part of a circle united by scientific collaboration and genuine affection. We formed a close-knit group that would grow into lasting friendships.Together, we shared countless projects, publications, books, conferences, training courses, and research initiatives, as well as travels, family moments, and celebrations. These experiences reflect the full richness of Lucia’s life and the generosity with which she shared it. Lucia deeply loved the sea of her two beloved countries: Italy and Greece. Lucia is shown in Figure 1 in a convivial moment at the Italian School of the Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, and Figure 2 shows us together on one of the last fun and pleasant weekends we shared.In her final years, we accompanied Lucia during her illness alongside her family, witnessing her courage, dignity, and grace. We have lost a beloved friend, a woman of intellect, compassion, and great humanity. Her absence leaves an immense void, both personally and professionally.To her husband Cesare and to all her loved ones, we extend our deepest condolences. Lucia’s legacy will continue in her work, in the lives she touched, and in the memory of all those who knew her.She will remain forever in our hearts.