The Signature
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Sigonella Navy Orthodontist Honored with International Virdimura Award
By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs ew people probably know about Virdimura, a Jewish woman from Sicily during the Middle Ages who made history as the first licensed doctor in the world. However, she now shares a powerful connection to NAS Sigonella. Virdimura stood up for a woman’s right to be a professional physician in a world where women were not allowed to practice as doctors. She was intelligent, skilled and very generous. She was trained by her husband who was a surgeon from Catania and eventually, in 1376, was granted the license to practice medicine throughout the state by the Sicilian royal court, therefore Cmdr. Corinne Devin, NASSIG COMREL Director Alberto Lunetta and the members International Award organizing committee pose for a photo during the presentation of the award at the becoming the first ever licensed doctor in the Virdimura Mercure Hotel in Catania, July 22, 2020. The International Virdimura Awards is presented to individuals world. Instead of working for the nobles as in recognition of volunteering activity and contributions to the promotion of peace, social inclusion and many of her male colleagues did, Virdimura equality among people of the world. (Photo by Marcello Nicolosi) decided to support disabled, poor and the of the Sanitary Art) and was patronized by the Italian needy people. In other words, she embodied women’s Ministry of Education and University (MIUR) and the rights and emancipation as well as the qualities of a true Società Italiana di Storia della Medicina e di Bioetica generous volunteer. Today, her legacy lives on through the (Italian Society of the History of Medicine and Bioethics). work of thousands of women who make a difference in Over the years, other Virdimura Award recipients have many communities where access to healthcare is limited. included President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca In 2013, Catania-based doctor, writer, poet and professor and other individuals who have promoted the values of Cristina Tornali and her husband Ignazio Vecchio, a solidarity, dialogue, peace and understanding among neurologist and professor of History of Medicine at cultures in the Mediterranean area. the University of Catania, created the “International On July 22, Cmdr. Corinne Devin, a passionate and Virdimura Award” to honor healthcare professionals dedicated Sigonella Naval Hospital Navy orthodontist, and philanthropists who have distinguished themselves was the recipient of this year’s Virdimura Award. The through excellence, volunteering and contributions to ceremony took place at the Mercure Hotel in Catania and intercultural education and the promotion of peace and was attended by a group of Catania University medical equality among people of the world. school students and local professionals from different In particular, this award is aimed at promoting gender sectors, including entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, equality, social inclusion and the advancement of magistrates and the honorary consuls of Greece and women in the fields of education, health and work while Azerbaijan. simultaneously fighting discrimination and social prejudice In attendance on behalf of NAS Sigonella was a against people with disabilities and minorities. The award delegation from the Naval Hospital, led by Lt. Deanna is also focused on raising awareness and tackling violence Ciaccia, the Hospital COMREL representative, and a against women, especially by their partners or spouses. group of Marines and sailors from SPMAGTF-CR-AF The Virdimura award is sponsored by the following 20.2 who were accompanied by Chaplain Mike Wise. organizations: AIN, (Associazione Italiana per Tornali said the annual award ceremony showcases the Neurodisabili (Italian Neurodisability Association), outstanding achievements of inspirational women who, Centro Siciliano dell’Accademia di Storia dell’Arte like Devin, work hard, give back to society and inspire Sanitaria (Sicilian Center of the Academy for the History
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"Italian News" cont’d on Page 11
