Dr. Villa

I am a Consultant in Genitourinary Medicine with a specialist background in Infectious Diseases and a strong academic foundation in global health. My medical career began with an MD from the University of Udine (Italy) in 2008, where I first developed an interest in complex infections through my thesis on vertebral osteomyelitis. I subsequently trained in Infectious Diseases at the University of Verona, completing my specialty in 2014 with a focus on antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.

Driven by a passion for global health and emerging infections, I pursued a Master of Science in Tropical and Infectious Diseases at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, where my research explored testing strategies for arboviral infections in Brazil. This broadened my perspective on how infectious diseases intersect with healthcare systems, resource allocation, and public health policy.

My academic journey continued at the University of Liverpool, where I joined Professor Anna Maria Geretti’s research group and completed a PhD in Infection and Global Health. My doctoral work and subsequent clinical research fellowship enabled me to gain expertise in molecular virology, laboratory techniques (including nucleic acid extraction, PCR amplification, and Sanger sequencing), as well as epidemiological and statistical methods. These experiences shaped my interest in translational research—bringing innovation from bench to bedside.

Since 2019, I have worked in the United Kingdom as both a clinician and researcher. Currently, I serve as a Consultant in Genitourinary Medicine at St. James, with a special focus on HIV prevention, sexual health, and the management of complex infections. As the PrEP Lead Clinician at Ascleon Medical, I oversee prevention strategies, service delivery, and patient engagement in HIV care.

My clinical and research interests are united by a commitment to tackling infectious diseases through a holistic approach that combines individual patient care, prevention, and population-level strategies. I continue to collaborate on projects addressing antimicrobial resistance, HIV medicine, and global health challenges, while also mentoring trainees and junior colleagues.

I believe that everyone deserves fair, respectful, and compassionate care. Infectious diseases often affect people who already face stigma or barriers to healthcare, and my goal is to make sure every patient feels listened to, supported, and empowered in their journey.

• Patient-centred communication — decisions are made together and tailored to individual needs.
• Prevention first — through education, testing, and evidence-based tools such as PrEP.
• Collaboration — working with patients, colleagues, and communities to make care accessible to all.
• Equity & compassion — combining science with empathy to reduce stigma and improve lives.
• Professional integrity — the highest standards of ethics and accountability in every decision.

At Ascleon Medical, these values are at the heart of everything I do.

My vision is to create a future where infectious diseases are met with timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and strong prevention. I want to help make HIV prevention, including PrEP, accessible to everyone who needs it, and ensure that sexual health is approached without stigma.

I believe in bringing together research, clinical care, and education so that advances in science translate into real improvements in people’s lives. Ultimately, my goal is to reduce health inequalities, empower individuals to take control of their health, and contribute to healthier communities both locally and globally.