Maurizio Pacilli
Dr Maurizio Pacilli MBBS (Hons), Paed Surg (IT), MD (Research), FRCS (Paed Surg), FRACS, FACS, Academic Paediatric Surgeon, Monash University and Monash Children’s Hospital, Senior Lecture, Department of Paediatrics and Department of Surgery, Monash University
Maurizio is an Academic Paediatric Surgeon at Monash Children’s Hospital and Monash University. He graduated in Medicine from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” in 2000 and completed basic surgical training in Italy before moving to the United Kingdom in 2003 to pursue clinical research. He obtained an MD (Research) from University College London for his work on minimally invasive surgery in children, which earned multiple international awards, including the prestigious Peter Paul Rickham Prize from the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons. After obtaining the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons in 2006, he trained at leading centres including Great Ormond Street Hospital, Cambridge University Hospital, Oxford University Hospital, and the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. In 2015, he was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Paediatric Surgery.
At Monash, Maurizio leads a research program dedicated to pragmatic, high-quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that are directly embedded in clinical practice. He has successfully delivered 16 RCTs, by fostering a culture of inquiry among medical students, trainees, and allied health professionals. His work has had substantial clinical impact worldwide; for example, his Lancet trial on laparoscopic versus open pyloromyotomy informed international adoption of laparoscopic surgery in infants, while his Paediatrics trial on long peripheral intravenous catheters has changed vascular access practice at Monash Children’s Hospital and beyond. His research focuses on four key pillars: peri-operative nutrition, peri-operative pain and enhanced recovery, vascular access, and vascular anomalies.
Maurizio has published more that 120 peer reviewed articles, six book chapters, and 164 international conference presentations, with over 3,200 citations, an h-index of 32, and more than 6,500 Altmetric mentions. He serves as Assistant Editor for the Journal of Paediatric Surgery and as a peer reviewer for leading journals including The Lancet and JAMA Paediatrics. He is frequently invited to speak at international meetings, having delivered 36 invited talks and eight keynote addresses.
As an educator, Maurizio contributes extensively to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at Monash University and Monash Children’s Hospital. He has supervised Honours, Masters, and PhD students, whose collective output includes nearly 50 publications, 95 international conference presentations, and multiple awards. As Director of Clinical Training at Monash Health, he oversees the professional development of interns through structured tutorial programs, procedural workshops, and mentorship.
Maurizio also plays a key role in professional engagement and leadership. He is an executive member of the RACS Victoria State Committee, Chair of the ANZAPS Scientific Sub-committee, and an active member of nine learned societies, including IPEG, ISSVA, and PAPS. He contributes to Monash University governance through executive roles within the Department of Paediatrics and the Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine program.
Through his research, clinical practice, and leadership, Maurizio continues to advance Monash University’s and Monash Children’s Hospital’s global reputation in paediatric surgery, driving innovations that directly improve the lives of children and their families.
Find out more from Dr Maurizio Pacilli's Monash profile.