Get to know the Milk Bank’s new Director, Dr. Michael Pitino
“I look forward to the continued growth of the Milk Bank, and to expanding our research into new quality improvement initiatives that make a positive difference in the lives of critically ill, preterm infants and their families.”
Dr. Michael Pitino
We are thrilled to announce Dr. Michael Pitino as the new director of the Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk Bank.
The Milk Bank is dedicated to providing safe and nutritious donor milk to hospitalized, premature infants throughout Ontario and eastern Canada, and we couldn’t be more excited about the experience, wealth of knowledge and shared vision that Dr. Pitino brings to our team.
We recently caught up with him to learn a bit more about the path that led him to work in human milk banking, and his aspirations for the Milk Bank.
How did you first become interested in this field of work?
As a Ph.D trained scientist in Nutritional Sciences, I have been working in the human milk field for over a decade. I began my research in human milk and lactology, in a small thesis project in university. I was captivated by the complexity – and mystery – of human milk, and the evolution that led to such an important source of nutrition for infants. I saw an opportunity for my research to make a difference in the health of vulnerable premature babies.
Tell us about your research. What has been your main focus?
My research has been focused on how to improve donor milk processing, and exploring new technologies to enhance its quality. I have worked on many quality-improvement initiatives with the Milk Bank over the years. This includes using AI and machine learning to create optimal “recipes” for pooling milk from multiple donors, which ensures our donor human milk has a consistent nutritional content. Most recently I worked on a project commissioned by the World Health Organization. In this project I reviewed current research to support the establishment of global human donor milk guidelines.
What inspires you professionally?
This work is directly contributing to the well-being of hospitalized infants who rely on donor milk. It is always inspiring to hear firsthand the success stories of infants thriving because of donor milk, and it is incredibly rewarding to know that the work we do at the Milk Bank has a positive, lasting impact on the lives of infants, families and donors.
Given that the Milk Bank is the only one in Ontario – and one of only four in Canada – my role is truly unique and impactful. I take pride in being part of such a close-knit team, all working together towards a shared and meaningful goal.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing in this role?
I am committed to maintaining the Milk Bank’s strong reputation for providing safe and nutritious donor milk to infants in neonatal intensive care units throughout Ontario and eastern Canada. I look forward to the future growth and expansion of the Milk Bank. This includes continuing our research into new quality improvement initiatives, to ensure we are providing the highest quality of donor milk to enhance the health of preterm infants.
What’s a fun fact about you that others might not know?
Outside of work, I’m passionate about urban gardening and grow everything from herbs to vegetables. It’s a rewarding hobby that allows me to connect with nature and experiment with sustainable living, all while adding fresh, homegrown ingredients to my meals.
As Dr. Pitino steps into this role, we also bid farewell and celebrate with immense gratitude the remarkable legacy Debbie Stone has left on the Milk Bank, as our founding Director. Since the Milk Bank first opened its doors in April 2013, Debbie has been instrumental in leading the development, and establishing the vision for Ontario’s only Human Milk Bank. Debbie has spent her entire career advocating for the benefits of breastfeeding to both mom and baby, and we look forward to her continued guidance as she steps into a senior consultant role.