The ASBMR helped Nicola ignite his passion for clinical research in bone and become a better physician.

Dr. Nicola Napoli is an Associate Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome in Italy and also works with Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in the United States. His research focus is on pathophysiology and treatment of osteoporosis as well as bone fragility in diabetic reactions. With over 18 years in the field and 17 years as an ASBMR member, he shares what has helped him advance in his research and career over the years.   

How have connections with other ASBMR members helped you in realizing your career path? 

I consider myself very lucky to by chance met Professor Roberto Civitelli in 2001. This encounter led me to training in his lab at Washington University in St. Louis. For a young fellow coming from a remote Italian University, it was a dream come true. Working with Roberto ignited my passion for the field of bone research. Ever since those early days, Roberto has been a mentor to me in both the lab and in life, and I consider him a close friend. From Roberto, I learned the importance of scientific accuracy and the art of becoming a physician. He has always made the time to share his wisdom and experience despite his very busy schedule.  From Roberto I also learned to enjoy my free time cooking, watching cinema d'essai films and listening to jazz.

My chance meeting with Roberto lead me to meet and collaborate with numerous ASBMR members that have also impacted my career. Dr. Reina Villareal is one of the best endocrinologists there is. She keeps a very low profile, but is an endless source of ideas and possesses such passion for scientific research. Dr. Dennis Black also mentored me and has become another close friend. From Dennis I learned how to work with epidemiological studies, giving me access to cohorts like the SOF, MrOS and HABC. Dennis introduced me to Dr. Ann Schwartz, now a close friend and collaborator. Several connections that I made with future mentors and collaborators were the direct result of informally meeting them at the ASBMR Annual Meeting, including Drs. John Bilezikian, Ego Seeman, Clifford Rosen, and Steven Teitelbaum. My experiences are a testament to how welcoming Society members are.

How has the ASBMR helped you in your career?

I have received several ASBMR awards and travel grants over the years that aided my career. In receiving financial support, I was able to participate at my first ASBMR Annual Meetings, be exposed to the amazing science of the scientific sessions and to present my own data. For a young fellow coming from a rural area of Italy, having the chance to listen to outstanding speakers and network with luminaries in the field was a dream come true. My most recent ASBMR awards have also given me the opportunity to share not just my scientific research, but my experiences in this field with the broader bone community. I also appreciate the great job ASBMR does to make award and grant recipients feel special through not only ceremonies, but the opportunities to interact with the top minds in the field. To me, ASBMR is like family.

As an ASBMR member, what are benefits or resources that have been most valuable to you?

The ASBMR Annual Meeting is the most important event of the year for a bone scientist or a clinician with an interest in this field. To present and share data, impressions, opinions with other colleagues is an amazing opportunity to grow as a scientist or a clinician. Moreover, ASBMR offers several opportunities to interact with opinion leaders and network with hundreds of attendees. ASBMR events are very well organized and allow everybody, especially those in the early stage of their careers, to feel welcomed and become an active part of the bone community. ASBMR also has programs to address the needs of members at every career stage.

Join ASBMR to connect with other members who will help shape and influence your own career path in bone, mineral and musculoskeletal science. Review member benefits that can help you in your career and join today.