In November 1949, Gianna received her doctorate in medicine and
surgery. Then, out of love for children but also to be close
to mothers, she specialized in pediatrics and joined her brother
Ferdinando
in a private health clinic in Mesero. The people who already
knew her good family, flocked to her office with great confidence.
Gianna
chose pediatrics so she would have continual contact with the mothers
through their children. She became very close to many
of these women and helped them through some very difficult times.
She would have long discussions with these women about the best
way to raise children and about the value of human life.
She listened very patiently and kindly to each of her patients.
When their illnesses were a consequence of a disordered moral
life it greatly pained her, and she advised them with conviction
to
change their behavior. During poor economic times, often patients
would pay her with eggs or chickens and Gianna herself would
give them money for food or medicine.
“If I give care to a patient
who has nothing to eat, what good is the medication?”
Gianna considered her profession as a service, not only to the
bodies but also to the souls of those whom she attended.
“Everyone works in the service
of man. We doctors work directly on man himself... The great
mystery
of man is Jesus: 'He who visits
a sick person, helps me,' Jesus said... Just as the priest
can touch Jesus, so do we touch Jesus in the bodies of our
patients...
We have opportunities to do good that the priest doesn't have.
Our mission is not finished when medicines are no longer of
use. We must bring the soul to God; our word has some authority...
Catholic
doctors are so necessary!”
In addition to her busy medical practice, Gianna became a member
of various medical organizations and volunteered her services to
local facilities. Some of these are:
