Nicolò Mazzarol wants to be a neurosurgeon. He realized this was his path after attending an introductory course in medicine in London during high school. Nicolò loves challenges, and he's excited about the idea of exploring the brain, a versatile and dynamic organ that is still largely unexplored. Winner of a Dompé Foundation scholarship in 2021, he's currently in his third year at MEDTEC School, an innovative program that combines Medicine and Biomedical Engineering. Read our interview with him to learn more about his university course, dreams and aspirations.    

First of all, for its uniqueness: the course offers the opportunity to explore both the world of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, two distinct fields which are increasingly merging today. Secondly, for the highly esteemed faculty and the prestigious universities that have conceived the degree program, namely Humanitas University and Politecnico di Milano. Lastly, for the extremely interactive educational approach. Starting from the first year, we had the chance to experience activities that aren’t usually accessible to students pursuing the more traditional medicine and surgery degrees, such as observing surgical operations and dissections, as well as visiting the various departments at Humanitas Hospital.

The course that has impressed me the most in these first two years at MEDTEC is Physiology, Anatomy and Biochemistry due do its extremely multifaceted nature. It has been fascinating to delve into the human body in every detail and study it from multiple perspectives. In particular, I have been thrilled by the study of neurophysiology: understanding the role of dopamine in our nervous system and exploring how the sleep-wake cycle works has been truly interesting. 

I would like to become a neurosurgeon. I realized that this would be my path five years ago, when I attended a short introductory course in medicine in London. What fascinates me the most about this specialty is the extreme complexity of the brain, which is a very elastic and versatile organ. I love challenges and I therefore find it intriguing that there are still so many unexplored aspects about it.

A surgeon in today’s world interacts with increasingly sophisticated equipment. The ability to handle constantly evolving technologies is therefore a fundamental requirement for those who want to work in the operating room. Not being particularly keen on manual skills, this is the talent I will focus on developing the most during my years at MEDTEC School.

Curious: since I was a child, I bombarded my parents with constant “whys”. Determined: I never give up in the face of obstacles. Empathetic: I easily connect with people, I feel their problems as if they were my own, and If I can help in any way, I do so with great enthusiasm.

I would like to finish writing my first book, a novel that explores the phenomenon of dissociative amnesia and its devasting consequences in the life of a young man. The inspiration for my story partly comes from my own personal experience. I’m fascinated by the fact that memory, often taken for granted yet crucial for our identity, can be so fragile and may be so easily lost.

For sure my father, because he is a self-made man. He came from a very humble background with no great expectations, and yet he managed to achieve great success in his career only thanks to his hard work and dedication.

When I received the Dompé Foundation scholarship, I was overcome with a whirlwind of emotions. Firstly, I felt very proud of myself as I had been considered worthy of this recognition. Then I felt relieved as my parents would not have to financially support me during these six years at MEDTEC School. Lastly, winning this scholarship filled me with positive energy: today, I feel an even stronger desire to excel and pursue my dreams with even greater determination.