For the families of San Michele Mondovì, the role of the pediatrician is more than just a medical appointment. This proves a cornerstone of early childhood development and a primary point of trust for parents. This week, the community enters a new chapter in its local healthcare delivery as the town welcomes Dr. Federica Baldi, who steps in to fill a vital void in pediatric primary care.
The transition comes as Dr. Erica Romano concludes her tenure in San Michele Mondovì to continue her professional practice in the nearby city of Mondovì. While personnel shifts in rural health districts can often cause anxiety for parents regarding the continuity of care, local officials have moved quickly to ensure a seamless handoff, emphasizing both the legacy of the outgoing physician and the credentials of the incoming one.
As a physician, I know that the relationship between a pediatrician and a family is built on longitudinal trust. When a primary provider moves, the priority for the community is not just finding a replacement, but ensuring that the administrative and clinical transition does not interrupt the preventative care schedules—such as vaccinations and growth screenings—that are critical for children under 14.
A Legacy of Community Care
The departure of Dr. Erica Romano marks the end of a period characterized by close ties between the clinic and the community. Mayor Daniele Aimone, speaking on behalf of the municipal administration, highlighted the personal nature of Dr. Romano’s service, noting that her time in San Michele was defined by availability, attentiveness, and a genuine proximity to the families she served.
“We thank Dr. Romano for the commitment and professionalism demonstrated over these years,” Mayor Aimone stated. He emphasized that she served as an essential point of reference for many families, a sentiment that reflects the unique pressure placed on pediatricians in smaller districts where the doctor often becomes a central figure in the town’s social and health infrastructure.
The move to Mondovì allows Dr. Romano to expand her professional reach, but the municipal government has prioritized ensuring that the quality of care in San Michele does not dip during the handover. This has led to the strategic appointment of Dr. Federica Baldi, whose professional reputation preceded her arrival in the district.
The Arrival of Dr. Federica Baldi
Dr. Federica Baldi has officially assumed her duties as of last week. Her arrival is not limited to a single office; rather, she will operate within a regional framework, balancing her time across three distinct areas to maximize coverage for the territory. Her primary base of operations is located in Ceva, but she will maintain a dedicated presence in San Michele Mondovì and the Valle Bormida precinct.
This “hub-and-spoke” model of care is increasingly common in the Piedmont region, allowing specialized providers to cover larger geographic areas while still maintaining local access points for patients. For the families of San Michele, In other words that while their doctor may be regional, their access remains local.
Mayor Aimone expressed confidence in the new appointment, noting that the administration had already received positive reports regarding Dr. Baldi’s professionalism. This confidence is mirrored by Dr. Baldi herself, who has expressed a willingness to adapt her schedule based on the actual needs of the population.
“This represents a path that has just begun,” Dr. Baldi explained. “Based on the number of enrollments and the needs of the territory, I am absolutely available to further expand my presence at the San Michele clinic.”
Navigating the Administrative Transition
One of the most critical points for parents to understand during this transition is that the change of pediatrician is not automatic. In the Italian National Health Service (SSN), the “choice of physician” is a formal administrative act that requires parental action.
To ensure that their children are officially registered under Dr. Baldi’s care, parents must visit the ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) offices. This step is essential for the issuance of prescriptions, the booking of specialist visits, and the official recording of pediatric health records.
Parents are advised to bring the following to the ASL desk:
- The minor’s official identification/health card (Tessera Sanitaria).
- Valid identification for the parent or legal guardian.
To help families plan their visits, the following schedule has been established for the San Michele location:
| Location | Day | Hours | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASL San Michele Mondovì | Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | By Appointment |
| Ceva | Varies | Main Office | Contact ASL |
| Valle Bormida | Varies | Presidio | Contact ASL |
Modernizing the Health District
The transition coincides with a broader effort by the municipal administration to modernize local healthcare. Dr. Baldi will be operating out of newly renovated facilities at the San Michele ASL headquarters. These renovations are part of a larger strategic reorganization and modernization of the sanitary district, aimed at improving both the patient experience and the efficiency of medical staff.
Upgrading these facilities is a vital step in attracting and retaining medical professionals in smaller towns. By providing modern workspaces and updated equipment, the municipality reduces the friction that often leads to physician shortages in rural areas, ensuring that the next generation of doctors sees these communities as viable places to practice.
The integration of renovated infrastructure with a flexible staffing model—as seen with Dr. Baldi’s willingness to expand her hours—suggests a proactive approach to public health management in the Cuneo province.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For specific health concerns or to formalize medical registration, please contact your local ASL office or a licensed healthcare provider.
The next phase of this transition will involve the ASL monitoring the enrollment numbers for Dr. Baldi. Depending on the volume of families registering in the coming weeks, the municipality and Dr. Baldi will evaluate whether the current Tuesday window is sufficient or if additional clinic hours will be added to the San Michele schedule.
We invite the community to share this update with other local parents to ensure no child misses their transition of care. Do you have questions about the registration process? Let us know in the comments.
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