Dr François Venutolo: “Every member of hospital staff – not just health professionals – has played an active role in fighting coronavirus.”
“In fighting the virus, everyone has played their role. Hospital workers – not only health professionals – have shown a great deal of humanity,” says François Venutolo, member of the FEDE Panel of Experts, anaesthetist and director of the COVID-19 crisis at Gonesse Hospital.
Can you tell us about your studies and your current job role?
Following a thesis in medicine, I currently have two specialities: anaesthesia and sports medicine. I have also obtained additional qualifications (disaster medicine) and university diplomas in management and communication. I am currently an anaesthetist (specialised hospital doctor), president of the Medical Committee, head of the Medical Division and director of the COVID 19 crisis at Gonesse Hospital here in France.
We might say that you are a sort of medical ‘Swiss army knife’ since you have so many different specialities. What made you choose such a diverse career?
I’m addicted to education because I love learning and studying and like to be recognised by others; that’s how I ended up with so many specialities. My career has been guided by a desire for ongoing education that, for me, is both a professional necessity and a personal goal. I have to admit that I’m also a bit of an exam-taking machine.
Has your versatility been useful during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes, of course. My knowledge of sectors other than medicine has allowed me to understand financial and marketing challenges. But additionally, I’d like to underline to what extent hospital staff – that is, those in logistic and maintenance roles as well as healthcare professionals, – have shown admirable dedication during the pandemic. IT specialists, electricians and catering staff have, just like myself, been on call 24 hours a day over the course of several weeks. I’m really proud to have worked with them.
