Chiara Acquati

What inspired you to work in sexual medicine?

My path to sexual medicine emerged from my work as a psychosocial oncology researcher. For many years, I focused on understanding how people living with cancer navigate the interpersonal and emotional challenges of the illness. Across studies and clinical encounters, couples consistently described sexual health as one of the most pervasive and persistent unmet needs in cancer care.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?

The most rewarding aspect of my career is witnessing how research, clinical care, and education can meaningfully improve the lives of people living with cancer. I find deep fulfillment in helping couples reclaim intimacy and connection. It is equally rewarding to mentor the next generation of clinicians and scholars and to build programs and interventions that expand access to high-quality care. Being able to contribute to systems-level change, while staying grounded in the lived experiences of patients and partners, continues to be a privilege and a source of purpose.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

Most people don’t know that my family is spread across three continents, which means I’m always navigating time zones and longing for the next time we’ll be together.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given comes from my dad, who often said “altro fieno in cascina”, literally “more hay in the barn.” He used it to remind me that every experience, even the difficult or unexpected ones, becomes a resource: something we can draw on, learn from, and carry forward.

What would your ideal vacation be?

My ideal vacation? Finally taking the trip to Japan I’ve postponed for far too long!