Meet The Clinicians in the Field: Wanda Lattanzi

Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month is an opportunity to spotlight the people improving care across Europe. Today, we introduce Wanda Lattanzi, one of ERN CRANIO’s expert clinical geneticists.

Wanda is a medical geneticists at the Policlinico Gemelli University Hospital in Italy. “As a medical geneticist, I mainly care for people with craniosynostosis and their families, working within a multidisciplinary paediatric neurosurgery team. I provide genetic counselling, support diagnosis and follow-up, and lead research aimed at understanding the causes of these conditions and developing more personalised treatments.”

The journey into the field of craniofacial genetics was driven by a combination of interests that continue to influence Wanda’s work today.

“I was fascinated by how genes guide the development of the skull and face, and by how much we can learn by connecting clinical care with laboratory research. Meeting patients and families made me realise how urgently scientific discoveries need to be translated into better diagnosis, care and treatment. I am also deeply motivated by the constant interdisciplinary collaboration with the different clinical specialists involved in supporting and treating these patients. “

Through her work with patients and their families, Wanda has learned valuable lessons that continue to shape her approach to care.

“I have learned the importance of listening. Patients and families bring knowledge, strength and perspectives that cannot be found in textbooks. Their contribution is also essential in research, from the earliest project-design stages, which is why I always involve patient advocates in planning my research. Their insight helps make both research and clinical care more relevant, meaningful and responsive to patients’ real needs.”

When asked what she would like more people to know about these rare conditions, Wanda emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary care and international collaboration.

“ These conditions are not simply about appearance. They can affect health, development and quality of life in very different ways, and may have an underlying genetic cause that needs to be investigated. Thus every person needs individualised, multidisciplinary care that considers both medical and psychosocial needs.”

“Rare conditions require expertise that no single center or country can provide alone. ERNs connect specialists, researchers and patient organisations across Europe, helping to share knowledge, improve standards of care and ensure that people can benefit from the best available expertise, wherever they live. On a more personal note, being part of a large international community such as ERN CRANIO is also genuinely enjoyable and makes collaboration both rewarding and inspiring.”