Peter Assembergs has been appointed the modern Director General of the Ulss 8 Berica health authority in Vicenza, Italy, effective immediately. The 65-year-old, who assumed the role 24 hours prior, brings a background in business and over a decade of experience in the Italian healthcare system.
Assembergs, the son of Swedish parents, has been an Italian resident since 1965, when his father, a manager, relocated to Bergamo for work. He previously directed the Asst Garda health authority and expressed a long-held desire to work within the Venetian healthcare system, which he described as “the best in the country.” His appointment was confirmed by Regional President Alberto Stefani, who prioritized attention to local territories in the selection process, according to Assembergs.
“Yesterday, my wife Lidia, who is from Brianza and thoroughly Italian, and one of my two sons who works in London, we celebrated in Bergamo Alta. We ate baccalà alla vicentina. They make it really well here,” Assembergs said, signaling his enthusiasm for the new position and the local culture.
Assembergs’ immediate plans include visiting local structures and meeting with mayors throughout the Ulss 8 territory to understand their specific healthcare needs. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with local physicians and a strong relationship with municipal leaders. He also highlighted the need to address staffing shortages, a challenge facing healthcare systems across Italy.
The new director general also expressed a commitment to innovation and telemedicine, focusing on improving services for patients. He acknowledged the significant specialization of the San Bortolo hospital in Vicenza and drew upon his experience at the Papa Giovanni XXIII hospital in Bergamo, an Italian center of excellence, as a valuable foundation for his new role.
Assembergs has already spoken with his predecessor, Patrizia Simionato, who is transitioning to lead the Veneto Oncological Institute in Padua. He plans to meet with his key collaborators and department heads to establish strong working relationships. A visit to Monte Berico, a local sanctuary, is also planned, as Assembergs described it as a place to “put the mandate under a good star.”
