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Biography

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Prof. Roberto Vicinanza is an Italian Physician, Geriatrician, Researcher and Associate Professor of Gerontology at the University of Southern California, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, one of the leading research institutions in the field of aging and the oldest and largest school of Gerontology in the world.

His expertise in nutrition, metabolism, and chronic disease management has allowed him to publish numerous scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals in these fields. Together with his innate and proven public speaking abilities and multiple language skills, Dr. Vicinanza has inspired and trained thousands of people around the world to embrace healthier nutritional habits and lifestyles.

Dr. Vicinanza grew up in the historical city of Rome. Since his adolescence, he has understood the importance of being a citizen of the world, which led him to travel and study abroad, learning different languages (English, Spanish and French), and exposing him to different cultures and ways of life. Dr. Vicinanza comes from very modest means. The challenges he has faced in his life have allowed him to develop a positive attitude and deep problem-solving skills by embracing obstacles as opportunities for the growth and development of his personality and abilities.

His passion for the medical sciences and the influence of the academic minds he has surrounded himself with, have pushed him forward and allowed him to make an impact upon the world around him. It is this background that has motivated and inspired Dr.Vicinanza to change his life and the lives of others in a meaningful way: whether it is other colleagues, students, or patients.

In 2008, Dr. Vicinanza received the degree of Doctor of Medicine cum laude from Sapienza University of Rome, defending his thesis on the effects of Thyroid Hormone and LDL-cholesterol on Nitric Oxide production in human endothelium. He received the I migliori della Sapienza Scholarship (the best of Sapienza) by Fondazione Roma Sapienza which allowed him to move abroad and join the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition and work alongside Dr. David Heber, who is an internationally recognized expert in the fields of nutrition, metabolism, and obesity. This afforded him a unique opportunity to combine his education in medicine with his passion for using nutrition as a preventive strategy to delay the onset of chronic diseases.

In 2012 Dr. Vicinanza moved back to his Alma Mater to receive his Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Molecular Medicine, defending his thesis on the biological effects of specific phytonutrients for cancer prevention, and he then pursued his clinical fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at Policlinico Umberto I University Hospital in Rome, where he conducted clinical studies on cardiometabolic disorders and mood disorders in older adults.

He then returned to the U.S. to join the Cohen Lab at the University of Southern California, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, where he largely focused his research on understanding the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet in the geriatric population and the role of mitochondrial microproteins in age-related diseases.

As an Associate Professor, Dr. Vicinanza is currently teaching several courses at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology including the fundamentals of nutrition for the Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan, and Longevity coordinated program.

Academic Career

 

Associate Professor of Gerontology

Associate Professor of Gerontology at University of Southern California, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

7/1/2022
 

University of Southern California (USC)

Assistant Professor of Gerontology at University of Southern California, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

Learn More8/15/2019
 

Specialist in Geriatric Medicine

Board Certification in Geriatric Medicine from Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. Final Degree Grade: 70/70 cum laude; Supervisor: Prof. Vincenzo Marigliano. Thesis: Aging and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet: Relationship with Cardiometabolic Disorders and Polypharmacy.

7/21/2017
 

Postdoctorial Training - Univerisity of Southern California (USC)

Research and Teaching fellowship at University of Southern California, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

Learn More8/28/2016
 

Doctor of Philosophy - Sapienza Univerisity of Rome

Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine with the supervision of Prof. Alberto Gulino and Prof. David Heber. Thesis: "Cellular and molecular mechanism of action of pomegranate metabolites in prostate cancer. In vitro and in vivo study. Implication of gut microbiome metabolism for cancer prevention.

2/20/2012
 

Post-Doctorial Training - Univerisity of California Los Angeles ( UCLA)

Visiting researcher at UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, Los Angeles. California. Dr. Vicinanza was trained in clinical and molecular nutrition from Prof. David Heber, who plays an internationally prominent role in the fields of nutrition, metabolism and obesity.

9/7/2009
 

Graduation in Medicine and Surgery - Sapienza University of Rome

Medical Doctor Degree with highest honors (110 e lode) Dr. Vicinanza defended his thesis on the mechanism of action of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine and cholesterol LDL- and oxLDL on nitric oxide synthase activation pathway in human endothelial cells.

10/31/2008
 

School of Medicine - Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza, University of Rome. Rome Italy

9/10/2001
 

High School Diploma in Languages - Liceo linguistico G.Carducci, Rome, Italy.

High School Diploma in languages (liceo linguistico) with distinction 100/100 at liceo linguistico G.Carducci, Rome, Italy.

7/23/1999

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Obesity and Chronic Diseases

Obesity affects more than 42% of adults in the U.S. Approximately 6 in 10 adults in the U.S. have at least one chronic disease, and 4 in 10 adults have two or more chronic diseases. Chronic diseases can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes.

 

Physical Activity and Stress

Only 23% of U.S. adults get enough physical activity. Regular exercise is a helpful stress-management tool Physical activity may have a positive impact on cardiovascular and health and metabolic functions.

 

Dietary habits

Approximately 36% of adults and adolescents consume fast food regularly. Only about 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. eat enough fruits and vegetables as part of their daily diet.

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Learning experiences

 

I am a wholistic Dietitian, working as the Resource Dietitian for the USDA-funded Head Start and Early Head Start programs of South Los Angeles. Dr. Vicinanza led my cohort’s classes in Macro and Micronutrients, and I had the unique opportunity to work with him on a research project focused on the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet and mental health in older adults. Dr. Vicinanza’s support and high expectations of me during my Master’s program in Nutrition, Healthspan, and Longevity and encouraged one of the greatest learning experiences of my early career. He is equal parts professional and approachable, and makes challenging topics factual yet engaging and useful. He sets high standards and expectations of his students, but he also values cultivating a supportive community environment that sets you up for success.

Melanie Murphy, MS, RDN.
Los Angeles, California
 

I am a Registered Dietitian, having recently completed my master’s degree at the University of Southern California in nutrition, healthspan, and longevity. I had the pleasure of having Dr. Vicinanza instruct my Macronutrients and Micronutrients classes at USC. He was a wonderful professor both in the expertise and knowledge he afforded us, but also in the support he provided and genuine interest he had in our success. His thorough explanations helped us to understand difficult concepts and his sense of humor made his classes enjoyable. He provided us with valuable feedback on research papers and class presentations as well as making himself available should we need further instruction. I was also lucky enough to have Dr. Vicinanza advise me in preparing my capstone project regarding phytonutrient supplementation in patients with ulcerative colitis. He provided me with guidance in determining the scope of my literature review and helped me to perfect my review article. I hope to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Vicinanza again in the future.

Laura Kauffman, MS, RDN.
Los Angeles, California
 

I first met Dr. Roberto Vicinanza when I was a 5th year medical student and I was looking for a tutor to help me with my project for my degree thesis. Although at the time Dr. Vicinanza was still a geriatric resident, he was already an independent physician and investigator. His enthusiasm was contagious and he has always encouraged me to improve my skills and strive to become the best version of myself. Dr. Vicinanza is a true leader and a great role model. I am currently a resident physician in Geriatric Medicine at Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome. I am very thankful for many of the principles that Dr. Vicinanza instilled in me that have been fundamental for my growth and have made me a better physician. Dr. Vicinanza served as my mentor and was the first instructor to introduce me to the concept of the holistic vision of the geriatric patient, the rudiments of the clinic, and taught me how to set up a research project. Dr.Vicinanza is creative, charismatic, inspirational, and a motivator. Thanks to his method, I graduated with my degree in medicine (M.D.) with full marks. I was lucky to be able to publish two academic works with him and to this day we are still collaborating on some clinical research projects.

Alessandro Frizza, MD. Resident in Geriatrics
Rome, Italy
 

I work as a clinical and sports dietitian at a county hospital, county jail, and for the Major League Baseball team. Dr. Vicinanza’s class on macronutrients and micronutrients laid the foundation for the nutrition knowledge that I use in my career every day. His expertise in nutrition combined with his background as a physician led to a more in-depth understanding of metabolism. I was fortunate to work with Dr. Vicinanza on my master level capstone project at USC. Under his tutelage, I improved my academic writing and learned how to use a statistical program to analyze large amounts of data which allowed me to present my capstone findings on body composition parameters and IGF-I in older adults for the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics conference. Dr. Vicinanza is extremely supportive of his students’ interests and always finds ways he can create an atmosphere for their success. He encourages intellectual curiosity and brings positive energy and enthusiasm to our classes and projects. Working with him has enriched my life and led me to the career path where I am at today.

John Lew, MS, RD.
Oakland, California
 

I have just completed the program of Medical Gerontology, and I took two classes that Dr. Vicinanza taught – Prevention of Chronic disease through nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle changes and Multiple chronic diseases and older adults. This is such a precious experience since I did not have plenty medical background, and Dr. Vicinanza help me get through the hardest start. He showed so much patience and passion with equal profession to teach us the knowledge in a humorous way. I am so grateful to had him as my professor. He was always supportive when we have questions and gave us the best resources he can provide. The classes he offered will always be a memorable experience and will continue to bring me positive influences.

Yixin Tan, MAMG
Shanghai, China