Date published: April 28, 2026
May Fellow Spotlight: Alessandro Colletta, MD
In this month’s Fellow Spotlight, we feature Alessandro Colletta, MD, a gastroenterology and hepatology fellow at UMass Chan. We recently caught up with Dr. Colletta to learn more about his clinical and research interests, why he chose UMass Chan for his fellowship, and why northern Italy is his favorite place to travel! 
Hometown?
San Maurizio d’Opaglio, Italy
What are your clinical and research interests?
My clinical and research interests lie at the intersection of advanced liver disease, transplant hepatology, and advanced endoscopy. I am especially interested in the renal manifestations of cirrhosis, including hepatorenal syndrome–acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI) and chronic kidney disease progression. In particular, my work focuses on improving the diagnostic accuracy of HRS-AKI through the development of machine learning approaches to analyze urine sediment. I am also interested in the application of artificial intelligence in advanced endoscopy, including AI-assisted identification of optimal windows for EUS-guided gallbladder drainage in critically ill patients. More broadly, I aim to bridge advanced endoscopy and transplant hepatology to better characterize disease physiology and develop innovative approaches to guide management in advanced liver disease.
Why did you choose UMass Chan for your fellowship?
I knew I wanted to train at a gastroenterology fellowship with a strong transplant hepatology program that also values research and innovative approaches to patient care, and UMass Chan provided this unique environment. Having completed my residency here, I developed strong relationships with mentors in both gastroenterology and hepatology. Staying at UMass Chan has allowed me to continue working closely with them, which has been invaluable for my longitudinal growth both clinically and academically.
Where is your favorite place to travel for vacation, and why?
Northern Italy is my favorite place to travel. I enjoy visiting family, hiking in the Alps, and exploring the small towns and islands around Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. It’s the perfect combination of nature, culture, and great food.
What is your go-to board game?
Risk. I grew up playing it with my family, and it’s the perfect mix of strategy and unpredictability while also bringing out my competitive side. It usually starts friendly, but doesn’t always end that way. A close second is Scopone, a classic Southern Italian card game I grew up playing with family, more lighthearted but still rooted in teamwork and strategy.
What topping does not belong on pizza?
Pineapple. While I love it as a fruit, I’m a bit of a purist when it comes to pizza, especially since I enjoy making my own dough from scratch. The sweetness and acidity of pineapple just do not balance well with classic ingredients like mozzarella and tomato.
Favorite holiday?
Christmas. I love the time spent with family, the traditions, and of course, the food, especially Panettone, which is hard to beat.