Medical director at local health authority of the province of LECCE, Italy
Dr. Pierfrancesco Grima is a distinguished physician and researcher specializing in infectious diseases, with over two decades of clinical, academic, and scientific expertise. His career spans across major hospitals and research institutions in Italy, with a focus on HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, and infectious comorbidities. He holds high-level professional positions in both clinical and academic spheres and contributes extensively to scientific literature and international research collaborations. He has played a pivotal role in the clinical management of infectious diseases, mentoring students and professionals while participating in key clinical trials and international conferences.
profile
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Education
Dr. Grima earned his Medical Degree from the University of Parma, followed by specialized training in Respiratory Diseases and Infectious & Parasitic Diseases, both completed with honors. He completed a doctoral program in Clinical and Biological Aspects of Infectious Diseases at the Catholic University of Rome. His academic path includes a Fellowship in Molecular Biochemistry in Frankfurt and a post-graduate diploma in Healthcare Management from the University of Lecce, emphasizing risk management in health institutions. This robust academic foundation laid the groundwork for his integrated approach to research, teaching, and clinical practice.
Experience
Since 2017, Dr. Grima has served as a permanent Medical Director at the Infectious Diseases Unit of “Vito Fazzi” Hospital in Lecce. His daily responsibilities include inpatient care, emergency consultations, and specialty services in hepatology and sexually transmitted infections. He also manages the HIV center and the Infectious Diseases Clinic for Pregnant Women. Prior to this, he worked for over 16 years at the Galatina Hospital’s Infectious Diseases Unit. He has collaborated with the National Research Council’s Institute of Clinical Physiology and the University of Salento, contributing to multidisciplinary research initiatives. Additionally, Dr. Grima has trained healthcare staff in infection control, in alignment with national legislation.
Research Interest
His research interests lie in the intersection of infectious diseases and chronic comorbidities, particularly the cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurocognitive complications of HIV. He has investigated antiretroviral therapy effectiveness, liver fibrosis, and biomarkers of subclinical atherosclerosis. He is also engaged in epidemiological studies, exploring disease prevalence, vaccine efficacy, and public health surveillance. Dr. Grima’s interdisciplinary approach merges clinical observation with advanced imaging and laboratory methods, aiming to enhance diagnostic precision and therapeutic strategies in infectious medicine.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Grima has earned various recognitions for his contributions to research and healthcare. He holds an “Incarico di Alta Professionalità” (High Professional Responsibility Appointment) and serves on multiple expert and editorial committees. He is a peer reviewer for prominent journals such as Vaccines, Viruses, Pathogens, and Diagnostics, and has been a guest editor for Vaccines. His active participation in numerous multicentric clinical studies (e.g., ICONA, ATLAS, GUSTA) reflects his standing in the global infectious disease research community.
Publications
Dr. Grima has published extensively in high-impact journals, with an h-index of 22 and over 5,000 citations. Below are seven notable publications:
Grima P. et al. “Increased ophthalmic artery resistance index is associated with cognitive impairment in HIV-infected patients.” J Infect, 2012; cited by 97 articles.
Grima P. et al. “Altered phosphate metabolism in HIV-1-infected patients with metabolic syndrome.” Scand J Infect Dis, 2012; cited by 58 articles.
Fabbiani M, Grima P. et al. “Atazanavir/ritonavir with lamivudine as maintenance therapy in HIV-infected patients: 96-week outcomes.” J Antimicrob Chemother, 2018; cited by 74 articles.
Grima P. et al. “Ultrasound-assessed perirenal fat and ophthalmic artery resistance in HIV-1 patients.” Cardiovasc Ultrasound, 2010; cited by 63 articles.
Guido M, Grima P. et al. “Human metapneumovirus and bocavirus in respiratory infections.” Virology, 2011; cited by 88 articles.
Grima P. et al. “Routine ultrasound-guided vs. echo-assisted biopsy in chronic hepatitis.” Radiol Med, 2008; cited by 35 articles.
Ciccarelli N, Grima P. et al. “Liver fibrosis and cognitive impairment in HIV patients.” Infection, 2019; cited by 66 articles.
Conclusion
Dr. Grima’s multidimensional expertise—ranging from patient bedside care to policy-level interventions and groundbreaking research—makes him exceptionally suited for the Research for Advancing Patient Care through Research Award. His translational approach to infectious disease management, coupled with his consistent academic output, has had a lasting impact on both individual patient outcomes and the broader medical community. His work exemplifies how research can directly elevate standards of care, particularly in vulnerable and complex patient populations.