The Department of Medicine and Surgery is characterized by the translational research methodology aimed at promoting human health in its entirety, with the final aim of transferring the results of the research to the clinic, to the health system in the relative relational areas and in all areas clinics of interest. This approach is supported by the presence and strong interaction of multidisciplinary research groups with both basic and clinical skills.
 
The departmental structures are based on the interaction between typically transversal areas of research, that is, those that develop and use methodologies applicable to any clinical sector, and areas of research oriented to clinical problems, or that have the objective of studying a specific field of medicine ( system / organ / function). Each area is multidisciplinary and has the capacity to carry out in-house both research and training activities for post-graduate schools in health, research doctorates and masters / specialization courses.
 
Based on the activities in progress, 3 transversal areas and 7 clinical areas can be identified.
 
Teachers and researchers of the Departments also participate in the activities of numerous Centers and Consortia, including the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Centers of Milan and of the Nano-medicine of the University, both directed by professors belonging to them. They also participate in the "International Center for Digestive Health", which has relationships with other Italian and foreign universities and with other Lombard clinical centers.
 
The Department makes use of technological platforms and large instruments able to enhance internal scientific collaboration and with external bodies.