Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master in Lymphology

The Master in Lymphology is a first-level university master's program designed to train physicians and physical therapists in the areas of lymphological rehabilitation and diagnosis and therapeutic strategies in lymphedema. The program aims to develop skills and clinical reasoning abilities for a multidisciplinary approach to preventing secondary comorbidities, reducing edema, and improving quality of life.

Educational Content

The Master in Lymphology aims to deepen and update knowledge in the field of lymphology, integrating it with various areas of basic sciences, medicine, and surgery, and psychology. The program places a strong emphasis on clinical reasoning and practical workshops, where participants develop skills and competencies in diagnostic assessment and therapeutic intervention. In addition to specialized technical content, the program addresses cross-disciplinary topics such as research methodology, psychology, legal medicine, and bioethics, and healthcare organization.

Course Structure

The Master's program operates under an official agreement with the ULSS 7 Pedemontana Health Authority. On-site classes are scheduled over four weekends, held at the University of Padua and at the ULSS 7 Pedemontana Health Authority. Hands-on workshops are conducted at the same locations. Online lectures and internships are generally held twice a week, typically in the evening.

Course Target and Career Opportunities

The Master in Lymphology is based on the assumption that the subject has evolved greatly over the last decade, requiring a specialized multidisciplinary team. The advanced/specialist skills acquired in the Master in Lymphology allow doctors and physiotherapists to respond to this need, improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment paths for patients with lymphatic system-related pathologies. The professional fields in which the Master's degree can be valorized include:

• Clinical teams of public or private health companies and self-employed activities
• Company groups for rare diseases provided by regional regulations
• Multidisciplinary group activities dedicated to the care of patients with lymphatic problems
• Activities at patient associations, national and international institutions dedicated to rare diseases and primary lymphedema
• Public competitions and tenders, assignment of specialist roles, and enhancement of managerial functions

Course Program

The Master's degree in Lymphology provides training in:

• Anatomy of the Lymphatic System: embryology, histology, micro/macroanatomy, functional and topographic anatomy
• Physiology of the Lymphatic System: fluid balance in extracellular matrix; histology and physiology of the lymphatic system, lymph composition, and flow to the venous system
• Elements of Medical Genetics: basics, mutations in syndromic and non-syndromic lymphoedema; clinical signs, diagnostic algorithms
• Elements of Molecular Biology: molecular mechanisms of biological tissue development (cells, extracellular matrix, microcirculation, and lymphatic network); mechanotransduction
• Elements of Biophysics: mechanical and thermodynamic laws governing physiological and pathophysiological phenomena; mechanical homeostasis, fluid mechanics; resistance of materials
• Internal Medicine: pathologies of large systems and development of lymphoedema
• Physiopathology of the Lymphatic System: mechanisms determining excess fluid and macromolecules in the extracellular matrix and lymphatic drainage deficit; pathophysiology of lymphoedema and lipoedema and the cardiovascular system
• Secondary Lymphoedema in Cancer Patients: physiopathology, incidence, risk, and prevention, diagnosis, treatment, guidelines
• General, Visceral, and Breast surgery: post-surgical lymphoedema; chronic oedema in vascular patients; breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction
• Rehabilitation Part 1 Primary and secondary lymphoedema, lipoedema: clinical signs, evaluation, and diagnosis, treatment principles, and therapeutic education
• Research Methodology: statistical basics; experimental and qualitative research; evidence-based practice; research projects
• Legal Medicine and Bioethics: medical, legal, deontological, and ethical aspects; clinical risk; level of disability
• Nuclear Medicine (Lymphoscintigraphy): fundamentals, diagnostic interpretation; physical principles, properties of radioisotopes, and gamma chambers
• Lymphatic Surgery Surgical Options: conceptual bases and evidence; outcome assessment, post-surgical care
• Skin Disorders in Patients with Lymphoedema: skin care, skin ulcers, hyperkeratosis, mycosis, and other skin infections related to lymphangitis/dermo hypodermatitis
• Nutrition in Lymphoedema and Lipoedema: interactions between lymphoedema and food intake, NaCL, carbohydrates, long-chain fatty acids; nutrition as a therapeutic strategy
• Clinical Psychology: psychological, relational, and communicative dimensions; team support
• Pharmacology
• Healthcare organisation: infrastructures, material and human resources, organisation in the intensive and long-term management of lymphoedema
• Rehabilitation Part 2 Therapeutic strategies and physical treatment of lymphoedema; primary lymphoedema in paediatric age; management of skin ulcers

Faculty

The teaching structure of the Master's programme includes:

• Prof. Luciana Caenazzo Associate Professor of Forensic Medicine, University of Padua (Director of the Master)
• Prof. Jean Paul Belgrado, PhD Associate Professor at the Faculty of Movement Sciences, Research Unit in Lymphology and Rehabilitation, Free University of Brussels
• Prof. Giacomo Rossitto Researcher in Internal Medicine, University of Padua
• Dr. Pamela Tozzo Researcher in Forensic Medicine, University of Padua
• Dr. Silvia Fontana Scientific Contact Center Hub Veneto Region for Lymphedema, AULSS 7 Pedemontana

General Ranking of Merit

The general ranking of merit for the academic year 2025/26 will be published according to the timing provided in the Call.

Information

• Thematic area: Health, environment, and territory
• End of classes: 30/09/2027
• Mandatory attendance: 70%
• Minimum available spots: 18
• Maximum available spots: 25
• First instalment: 3,522.50
• Second instalment: 1,506.50

FAQ

How is the academic portion structured?

The Master includes the following teaching activities in the two-year period:

• 344 hours of theoretical lessons (90 hours delivered in person and 254 hours online)
• 208 hours of laboratories (40 hours of preparatory lessons delivered online and 168 hours in person)
• 100 hours of observational internship in person at the preferred locations
• 100 hours for the drafting of the project work
• 50 hours for the preparation of the final exam

How will the academics be distributed throughout the year?

Teaching will be delivered in a mixed mode (residential and online) with a variable percentage.

• Basic subjects: approximately 70% online with a mainly evening schedule, and approximately 30% in person on 4 weekends in total (on Fridays and Saturdays)
• Workshops: approximately 20% online with a mainly evening schedule, and approximately 80% in person

Where will lessons be held?

The lessons on basic subjects held in person will take place at the University of Padua. The workshops will be held at the AULSS 7 Pedemontana.

Where will those taking part in apprenticeships stay?

To encourage the participation of participants from the national territory and to offer greater choice, locations have been identified in various Italian regions (Veneto, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Puglia) and some foreign ones (Austria, Belgium, France)

Is there a practical part for physiotherapists?

A good part of the laboratory hours planned for physiotherapists (about 50 hours) are focused on a practical part to perfect the technique of performing a multicomponent bandage involving the different parts of the body, deepening the characteristics of the materials used.

Program Details

• Classes start: 12/12/2025
• Duration: Two-year
• Venue: Padua
• Language: Italian
• ECTS: 60
• Teaching method: blended
• Total enrolment fee: 5,029.00
• Pre-enrolment deadline: 24/11/2025