Get to know the Milk Bank’s new director, Dr. Michael Pitino

In January 2025, Dr. Michael Pitino became the director of the Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk Bank. He has extensive experience in nutrition and has spent 10 years studying human milk. He aims to improve donor milk and help hospitalized, preterm infants. In this Q and A, he shares why he is interested in human milk banking and ideas for the Milk Bank’s future.

How did you first become interested in this field of work?

As a PhD-trained scientist in nutritional sciences, I have worked in the field of human milk for more than a decade. I began my research in human milk and lactology as part of a small thesis project while in university. I was captivated by the complexity and mystery of human milk, as well as 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 preterm infants.

Tell us about your research. What has been your primary focus?

My research has focused on improving 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 artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to create optimal “recipes” for pooling milk from multiple donors, which helps ensure our donor human milk has 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 donor human milk guidelines.

What most inspires your work?

This work directly contributes to the well-being of hospitalized infants who rely on donor milk. It is 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 the East Coast. 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 provide the highest quality 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 starts his new role, we extend a heartfelt thank you to founding director Debbie Stone. Since April 2013, she has played a key role in establishing Ontario’s only human milk bank. Debbie has been a strong advocate for the benefits of infant feeding, and we are grateful for her ongoing support as a senior consultant.