Health professionals for Anaemia

Η Σοφία Κατσίλα, MD, MSc, PhDc είναι Γαστρεντερολόγος, Επιμελήτρια στο Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Αθηνών «Ιπποκράτειο» και Υποψήφια Διδάκτωρ του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών (ΕΚΠΑ). Είναι απόφοιτος της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης και κάτοχος μεταπτυχιακού διπλώματος στη Χειρουργική Ογκολογία από το ΕΚΠΑ. Πραγματοποίησε μέρος της ειδικότητάς της στο ΓΝΑ «Ευαγγελισμός» και ολοκλήρωσε την ειδικότητα της Γαστρεντερολογίας στο ΓΝΑ «Ιπποκράτειο».

Παράλληλα, είναι επιστημονική συνεργάτιδα της Α΄ Προπαιδευτικής Χειρουργικής Κλινικής του ΕΚΠΑ, με αντικείμενο τη φυσιολογία και την κινητικότητα του οισοφάγου. Το ιδιαίτερο κλινικό και ερευνητικό της ενδιαφέρον επικεντρώνεται στη γαστροοισοφαγική παλινδρόμηση, τη διάγνωση και θεραπεία του οισοφάγου Barrett, τη διερεύνηση της δυσφαγίας, καθώς και τη διάγνωση και ενδοσκοπική αντιμετώπιση των κινητικών διαταραχών του οισοφάγου. Διαθέτει εμπειρία στη μανομετρία οισοφάγου υψηλής ανάλυσης και την 24ωρη pHμετρία–εμπεδησιομετρία, καθώς και σε νεότερες τεχνικές, όπως το EndoFLIP και το EsoFLIP.

Επιπλέον,διαθέτει μακρόχρονη εμπειρία στη διαγνωστική και θεραπευτική ενδοσκόπηση του πεπτικού, καθώς και στην παρακολούθηση ασθενών με ιδιοπαθή φλεγμονώδη νοσήματα του εντέρου (Ν.Crohn, Ελκώδης Κολίτιδα).

Ο Δρ. Γιαννακόπουλος Γιώργος είναι Ειδικός Γαστρεντερολόγος-Hπατολόγος-Επεμβατικός Ενδοσκόπος - Παγκρεατολόγος με πολυετή εκπαίδευση και κλινική εμπειρία στη Σουηδία, σε πανεπιστημιακά και ιδιωτικά νοσοκομεία υψηλής εξειδίκευσης, καθώς και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στο Μαρούσι. Αποφοίτησε από την Ιατρική Σχολή του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών με βαθμό πτυχίου «Άριστα». Μετά την ολοκλήρωση των σπουδών του, συνέχισε την εκπαίδευσή του στη Σουηδία, όπου ειδικεύτηκε στην Εσωτερική Παθολογία στο Νοσοκομείο Danderyds Sjukhus της Στοκχόλμης, αποκτώντας τον τίτλο ειδικότητας το 2014. Στη συνέχεια, πραγματοποίησε την εξειδίκευσή του στη Γαστρεντερολογία στο Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, ένα από τα κορυφαία πανεπιστημιακά νοσοκομεία της Ευρώπης. Ο τίτλος ειδικότητας Γαστρεντερολογίας του απονεμήθηκε το 2017. Από το 2021 έως σήμερα, εργάζεται ως ειδικός γαστρεντερολόγος στις γαστρεντερολογικές κλινικές Capio και Aleris στη Στοκχόλμη, προσφέροντας υψηλού επιπέδου ιατρικές υπηρεσίες τόσο στον διαγνωστικό όσο και στον θεραπευτικό τομέα. Το κλινικό του έργο καλύπτει ένα ευρύ φάσμα περιστατικών, όπως Διαγνωστική και θεραπευτική ενδοσκόπηση (γαστροσκοπήσεις, κολονοσκοπήσεις, αφαίρεση πολυπόδων), Διαχείριση φλεγμονωδών παθήσεων του εντέρου (Νόσος Crohn, Ελκώδης Κολίτιδα), Αντιμετώπιση λειτουργικών διαταραχών του πεπτικού (δυσπεψία, Σύνδρομο Ευερέθιστου Εντέρου), καθώς και παρακολούθηση και θεραπεία ηπατοπαθειών και παγκρεατικών παθήσεων. Παράλληλα με την κλινική του δραστηριότητα, ο Δρ. Γιαννακόπουλος έχει αναπτύξει ενεργό επιστημονικό και εκπαιδευτικό έργο. Την περίοδο 2018–2019, ανέλαβε τον ρόλο του υπεύθυνου οργάνωσης του Πανσουηδικού Εκπαιδευτικού Προγράμματος για Ειδικευόμενους Γαστρεντερολογίας, συντονίζοντας σεμινάρια, κλινικές ασκήσεις και επιμορφωτικά προγράμματα για νέους γιατρούς σε εθνικό επίπεδο. Επιπλέον, ο ιατρός έχει συμμετάσχει σε πλήθος ιατρικών συνεδρίων, με στόχο τη διαρκή επικαιροποίηση των γνώσεών του και την παρακολούθηση των διεθνών εξελίξεων στη Γαστρεντερολογία. Εφαρμόζει στην καθημερινή του πρακτική τις πλέον σύγχρονες, τεκμηριωμένες θεραπευτικές στρατηγικές, με έμφαση στην εξατομικευμένη προσέγγιση και τον σεβασμό στον ασθενή. Τέλος, η επιστημονική του δραστηριότητα περιλαμβάνει και συγγραφικό έργο σε διεθνή ιατρικά περιοδικά.

Maria Eustratiadou is a Hematologist collaborating with Genesis Clinic and Euromedica General Clinic. She graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed her specialization in Hematology at Papageorgiou Hospital. She has served as a Senior Registrar B at Papageorgiou Hospital, gaining extensive experience in the diagnosis and therapeutic management of patients across the full spectrum of benign and malignant Hematology (Myelodysplastic Neoplasms, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, Acute Leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Thrombocytopenias, Anemia, Hematology Counseling). She has attended numerous conferences with active participation and publications. She successfully passed the European Hematology examinations in 2023. She provides patient services both in clinical settings and via video consultation for patients in remote areas without access to an in-person Hematologist. She undertakes treatments including (immunotherapy, chemotherapy), transfusions, phlebotomies, intravenous iron administration within the clinic, with participation of the National Organization for the Provision of Health Services (EOPYY) in the clinical costs. She performs bone marrow aspiration and biopsy using the latest and minimally painful "drill biopsy" technique because her priority is the comfort and quality of life of her patients. Her goal is the timely and accurate management of her patients, with respect and consideration for the individual.

Giourga Filanthi BSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She graduated from the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics at the International Hellenic University. She has attended numerous seminars related to nutrition and has completed specializations in Clinical Nutrition and Eating Disorders at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her goal is to provide personalized nutritional solutions, tailored to the needs, lifestyle, and objectives of each individual. She focuses on weight management, improving health in chronic conditions, supporting cases of eating disorders, as well as nutritional education across all age groups. She believes that nutrition is not merely a diet but a lifestyle that can bring balance, well-being, and long-term health. Her purpose is to support every individual with guidance, encouragement, and positive energy, enabling them to develop healthy habits that will accompany them throughout their lives.

Asimakopoulou Theodora is a Hematologist and maintains private practices in Ampelokipoi and within the Athens Medical Center (in Marousi). She holds a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She served as the Director of the Hematology Clinic at Sismanogleio Hospital for 15 years and was solely responsible for the Short-Term Hospitalization Unit and the Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation department. Additionally, she was the Director of the Blood Bank and Hematology Department at KAT Hospital and served for many years as a consultant within the National Health System (ESY). She has an extensive research and clinical portfolio, with publications in international and Greek scientific journals, and her broad experience focuses on benign and malignant hematological diseases, including their diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring.

Rizos Euripidis is a Gastroenterologist who maintains a private practice in Agios Dimitrios, Attica. Concurrently, he serves as a consultant in the Gastroenterology Department of "Lefkos Stavros" hospital. He is a graduate and a doctoral candidate at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He obtained his specialty title at the Hepatogastroenterology Unit of the University Hospital "Attikon," where he was trained in the full spectrum of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and particularly Interventional Endoscopy, having performed a substantial number of diagnostic and interventional endoscopies. He specialized at the Neurogastroenterology Department of Queen Mary Royal London Hospital in the United Kingdom, focusing on gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and other functional digestive disorders. He actively participates in Greek and international conferences with lectures and presentations, as well as publications in international scientific journals. Finally, he is a member of the Medical Association of Athens and Piraeus and the Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology.

Giannikos Theofanis is a Hematologist with private practices in Nea Ionia and Kallithea. He graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as well as the Military School of Officers Corps. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Air Force School of Aviation Medicine and completed his specialty in Hematology. Beyond his private practice, he serves as a Unit Physician in the Air Force General Staff Squadron, an External Collaborator and Hematologist at the Central Clinic of Athens, and Consultant in the Hematology Clinic 251 of the General Air Force Hospital. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that during his professional career, he worked and trained at the 251 General Air Force Hospital, where he rotated through various departments including Internal Medicine, Surgery, Psychiatry, and Orthopedics. Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Society of Hematology and the Athens Medical Association and has attended national and European hematology conferences, aiming for continuous education and training in his field.

Kiapidou Stefania is a Gastroenterologist - Hepatologist and maintains a private practice in Kalamaria. She holds a medical degree from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and obtained her Gastroenterology specialty title at the 4th University Department of Internal Medicine of the Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, where she continues to be an active member as a scientific collaborator. She has earned a postgraduate degree focusing on Hepatology, specifically non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. She is a member of the Hellenic Gastroenterological Society and the Hellenic Association for the Study of the Liver. Her scientific work includes participation and presentations at national, European, and American conferences, as well as publications in both Greek and international peer-reviewed scientific journals. Dr. Kiapidou has extensive experience in interventional endoscopy and capsule endoscopy. Additionally, she is skilled in the diagnosis and management of gastroenterological diseases and chronic conditions of the liver, biliary tract, and pancreas, and has expertise in esophageal manometry. Finally, she is an external collaborator of private clinics in Thessaloniki.

Varytimiadis Lazaros MD, MSc, FEBGH, PhD is a Gastroenterologist - Interventional Endoscopist, Deputy Director of the Gastroenterology Clinic and Endoscopy Department at MITERA Hospital, and maintains private practices in Pefki and Athens. He received a scholarship from the Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology and completed advanced training in Interventional Gastrointestinal Endoscopy at Queen Alexandra Hospital, where he was later appointed and worked as a Consultant. He specialized in Gastroenterology at the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos - Athens Ophthalmological Clinic - Polyclinic," as well as in Internal Medicine at the General Prefectural Hospital of Edessa. In 2017, he was recognized as a Fellow of the European Board of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (FEBGH). Additionally, he holds a PhD from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a dissertation focused on the removal of precancerous lesions (polyps) from the gastrointestinal tract. He completed a postgraduate MSc program in Crisis Management at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and graduated with honors from the Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Romania. It is noteworthy that his main clinical interests include complex polypectomies of large polyps (EMR, pEMR, ESD), monitoring patients with Barrett’s esophagus, and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Furthermore, he has participated in numerous national and international conferences, workshops, and advanced training seminars, has received scholarships and awards for best scientific presentations, and has delivered oral presentations and posters at various scientific meetings.

Oikonomakis Aristeidis is a Gastroenterologist and maintains his private practice in Glyfada. He was admitted through national exams to the Medical Department of the Military School of Corps Officers (SSAS) in Thessaloniki. He completed his studies in 6 years and was commissioned as an officer in the Air Force (Pilot Officer). He holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree titled "International Medicine - Health Crisis Management." He specialized in Internal Medicine at the 1st Internal Medicine Clinic of the 251 Air Force General Hospital and in Gastroenterology at the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas." He holds the position of Consultant Physician at the 251 Air Force General Hospital, while from 2017 to 2019, he worked as a Consultant in the United Kingdom as part of his overseas postgraduate training. Finally, he is a member of the Athens Medical Association.

Aikaterini Benekou, MD, is a Consultant Hematologist with extensive experience in clinical hematology and the management of hematologic malignancies. She runs a private practice in the center of Athens (Pedion tou Areos). She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and in 2015 was awarded the Medical Specialty Title in Hematology after completing her training at Laiko General Hospital of Athens.

From 2015 to 2018, she worked as a Hematology Registrar/Consultant at Barts NHS Trust in London, gaining substantial experience in the management of hematologic malignancies and advanced therapeutic approaches. Subsequently, from August 2018 to April 2019, she served as a Consultant Hematologist at Northwick Park Hospital in London, where she specialized in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Since 2019, she has been serving as a Consultant Hematologist (Grade A) at Laiko General Hospital of Athens, while since 2020 she has also been a regular member of the National Committee for the Evaluation and Reimbursement of Human Medicines at the Ministry of Health, actively contributing to the assessment of new medicines based on documented clinical data on efficacy and safety, with the goal of integrating them into reimbursed therapies.

Her research and academic activity is rich, including publications in international peer-reviewed journals and presentations at major scientific congresses. Her main scientific interests focus on stem cell transplantation, cellular therapies, and modern treatment approaches for lymphomas and leukemias.

Karlaftis Anastasios MD is a Gastroenterologist - Hepatologist and maintains a private practice in Metamorfosi, while also collaborating with the endoscopy department of the diagnostic center "Ionio Iatriki." He is a PhD candidate at the University Gastroenterology Clinic of the Medical School of the University of Athens and a graduate of the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He specialized in the Gastroenterology Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas" and has worked in major hospitals such as the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko," the General Hospital of Athens "Alexandra," and the General Hospital of Chania "Agios Georgios." The physician has participated in numerous scientific meetings and seminars and has numerous presentations in both foreign-language and Greek-language conferences. Additionally, he has several publications in Greek and international journals. During his tenure in university clinics, he has also contributed to teaching by delivering numerous lessons to medical students. Finally, despite practicing private medicine, he continues his research and writing activities, and recently his first book was published, entitled "Modern Guidelines in Gastroenterology and Hepatology."

Borsa Dimitra is a Dietitian-Nutritionist and a top graduate of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University. She holds a postgraduate diploma in Clinical Nutrition from the same university and maintains a private practice in Aigaleo. During her studies, she actively participated in intensive research activities and obtained scientific publications. Furthermore, she has successfully completed a seminar titled "Specialist in Sports Nutrition" under the auspices of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. She has a strong interest in current scientific data and contemporary recommendations in the fields of weight management, nutritional counseling, clinical and sports nutrition, for which she regularly attends conferences and workshops. The principle of her dietetic practice is a personalized nutritional approach based on the medical and nutritional history, needs, and lifestyle of each individual.