Health professionals for Diet and nutrition in Attica

A Step Beyond is a center for Counseling, Psychotherapy, Personal Development, Wellness, and Prosperity Growth. It was established by Kentro Psyxikis Ygeias Kai Euimerias A Step Beyond - Katranis Konstantinos Kai Synergates with the aim of providing therapies to individuals who wish to overcome their problems, to make their lives fuller and more beautiful, and to be guided towards wellness and prosperity through the necessary and appropriate means. The center’s specialists act as allies and companions for those who seek to discover new strategies and apply them, to enhance and utilize their internal resources, to learn new things or to view old matters from new perspectives, to heal traumas, to acquire new skills, to overcome fears and phobias, to eliminate chronic stress, and to live mindfully in the present moment, setting goals and achieving them. At A Step Beyond, the individual’s needs are addressed by selecting the appropriate specialist from among the trained Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Mental Health Professionals, or Personal Development Counselors to design a flexible and tailored evolution plan for each person.

Fountouli Nefeli - Maria is a Specialist in General and Family Medicine with clinical experience in managing chronic diseases, focusing on diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolism. She is certified by SCOPE (Specialist Certification of Obesity Professional Education) from the World Obesity Federation, with specialized training in the modern and scientifically validated management of obesity. Dr. Fountouli is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Crete and holds a Master's Degree in Leadership, Innovation, and Value-based Health Policies. She collaborates with the Diabetes Unit and Obesity Unit of a major private medical center and participates as a researcher in international clinical studies. She provides personalized, holistic care grounded in scientific evidence and a patient-centered approach, addressing both preventive and therapeutic needs in adults.

Zisiadis Dimitris MD, MSc, PhDc, is a General Surgeon and Director of the Surgical Clinic at the Medical Center of Athens - Psychiko, with private practices in Kifisia, Agios Dimitrios, Ilion, and Psychiko. He is a PhD candidate at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a master's degree in Bioethics from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace. Additionally, it is worth mentioning his specialization in Laparoscopic Surgery from the University of Strasbourg in France, Minimally Invasive surgery for inguinal hernia repair at IRCAD, and training in robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. He has participated in thousands of surgeries for critically ill patients during his surgical practice in the public sector, as well as numerous advanced surgical reconstructions abroad, with a strong commitment to implementing these techniques in Greece. He has served as a collaborating Surgeon in numerous private centers in Greece, Italy, and the UK (London), participating in a wide range of general, laparoscopic, and robotic surgical procedures. He employs the most modern equipment and state-of-the-art techniques worldwide. He has also been trained in the repair of inguinal hernia, hydrocele, and ventral hernia using double mesh and local anesthesia. Finally, he has actively participated in numerous surgical conferences in Greece and courses organized by the Hellenic Surgical Society.

Synetos Dionysios is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Chalandri. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of East London, and has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling in Kallithea. He has completed an internship at the Alzheimer Day Center in Maroussi and has managed cases at the Psychogeriatric Society "Nestor" as part of his CBT internship and continues to volunteer there to this day. Additionally, he has worked privately with individuals with autism and currently works at the Day Center of PESOPSY in Vyronas.

Athanasiadou Anastasia is an Endocrinologist, maintaining a private practice in the Artemidos area and working at the Lifecheck Polyclinic in Kolonaki. She is a PhD candidate at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology Unit of the Therapeutic Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at the General Hospital "Alexandra." Furthermore, she has participated in Greek and international conferences, aiming for continuous education in her field of expertise, and in her private practice, she provides a variety of services tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Giannitsopoulou Kallia MSc, MBA, SRD is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, practicing continuously since 2003. In 2005, she established the Scientific Dietetic Center "Healthy Body," where she has helped over 3000 individuals find solutions to body weight issues to date. She graduated with honors from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom (2002) and obtained two postgraduate degrees: a Master's in Clinical Nutrition (MSc) from the University of Surrey with distinction (2003) and an MBA (2011) from the University of Leicester. Additionally, she has studied Life Coaching (Dip in Coach.) and successfully applies self-improvement techniques in nutrition sessions. The combination of coaching knowledge and clinical nutrition optimizes results in weight management as it aids in a better psychological approach to the individual. Ms. Giannitsopoulou has a rich portfolio of publications since 2005 in health magazines and newspapers and is intensively engaged in weight loss, clinical nutrition, eating disorders, and nutrition across life stages.

Andreas Thomopoulos is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist with a private practice in Marousi. He holds a degree from the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Naples, Italy, and specialized in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Attica "Amalia Fleming," in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology Department of the General Hospital "Elena Venizelou," and in Endocrinology and Diabetology at the Endocrinology and Diabetology Department of the Regional General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas." Additionally, he specialized in ultrasound imaging of endocrine glands at the Radiology Department of the Specialized Anti-Cancer Hospital of Piraeus "Metaxas." He is the head of the Endocrinology Department at the Bioclinic of Athens and has served as the head of the Endocrinology - Diabetology Department at IKA Marousi. He regularly attends numerous postgraduate seminars and conferences as part of his continuous education and has published papers in both Greek and international scientific journals. He is a member of European and Greek associations, as well as scientific societies.

Dr. Ioannis Virlos is a General Surgeon who maintains a private practice in Glyfada. He graduated from the Medical School of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, obtaining his medical degree in 1990. In 2000, he earned a Master’s degree in Surgical Sciences (MSc in Surgical Sciences) as well as a Diploma from Imperial College London (Diploma Imperial College), United Kingdom. In 2009, he was awarded a Doctorate (Medical Doctorate) from the University of Manchester, UK.He has been a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCSEd.) since 1998 and of the Intercollegiate Board in Surgery of the United Kingdom (FRCS (Gen Surg)) since 2008. Since 2011, he has been a Fellow of the European Board of Surgery in the field of Colorectal Surgery (FEBS (Coloproctology)).Dr Ioannis Virlos is a specialized colorectal and bariatric surgeon, also trained in minimally invasive surgery — both laparoscopic and robotic. He has received training not only in Greece but also in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Belgium.After completing his military service in 1992, he trained in General Surgery in hospitals in Athens and the United Kingdom between 1992 and 1999, obtaining his specialty title in General Surgery in 1999. From 2002 to 2012, he served as a surgical consultant in hospitals in the UK, Australia, Belgium, and Greece. Specifically, he worked at the following hospitals in the UK: North Middlesex, Arrowe Park, Derriford, Torbay, Exeter, Cheltenham, and North Bristol, as well as at Sir Charles Gairdner University Hospital in Perth, Australia, and Sotiria Hospital in Athens (as Senior Consultant).During the same period, he received advanced training in laparoscopic colorectal surgery and laparoscopic bariatric surgery at Singleton Hospital in Swansea, UK, and Heilighart Ziekenhuis in Roeselare, Belgium.From 2012 to 2021, he worked as a Consultant Surgeon at the following hospitals in the UK: Ealing Hospital, Homerton University Hospital, John Radcliffe & Churchill Hospitals in Oxford, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Northampton General Hospital, and University Hospitals of Derby and Burton. He returned to Greece in 2021.Since 2023, Mr. Virlos has been the Director of Surgery at Metropolitan General Hospital in Athens. He also serves as the General Secretary of the Hellenic Society of Coloproctology. Finally, for the period 2025–2028, he will represent Greece at the European Society of Coloproctology.

Iatrokosmos is a comprehensive primary healthcare unit located in the Ambelokipi area. It consists of the Iatrokosmos Endocrinology Department, staffed by highly trained scientific personnel and equipped with state-of-the-art medical devices. The center's objective is to provide the solution that each patient desires, namely diagnosis through to treatment, in an affordable and reliable manner, using only the necessary examinations. The goal is to cover the health needs of every family, insured or uninsured, of any age, with comprehensive solutions. Their philosophy includes three main principles: friendly service, high-quality examinations, and affordable prices. Finally, always prioritizing patient safety, they take responsibility for the patient's health from beginning to end, that is, from diagnosis through to treatment.

Trikoili Eirini is a Psychologist with a private practice in Neo Irakleio, offering psychotherapeutic support and psychological assessment services. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment in which adults, adolescents, and children can experience understanding, trust, and care. She is a graduate of Panteion University, with postgraduate training in School Psychology from Unic. Her psychotherapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (trainee member of the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies / EABCT), which is enriched—depending on the needs of the client—with elements from other approaches. She has experience in the psychotherapeutic process, psychological and psychometric assessment, implementation of individualized interventions, parental counseling, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. She has worked as a Psychologist in the private sector, managing therapeutic cases using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach, as a school psychologist at KEDASY, as a psychologist at the Aeromedical Center, and at a Center for Special Therapies.

Lampros Kontogiannis is a Dietitian - Nutritionist - Pediatric Nutritionist - Metabolism Specialist and operates a private dietetic office: "Scientific Metabolism Center" in Sepolia, next to the Attiki metro station. He holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Higher Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki. In 1997, he moved to the United Kingdom, where he attended specialized seminars at the Department of Clinical Psychology, "Eating Disorder," with a project titled “Anorexia Nervosa” at the private British College "British College." Simultaneously, he participated in a postgraduate program specializing in Counseling and Integrative Psychotherapy, MSc in "Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy" at the University of Derby. Currently, he has completed his specialization in systemic family therapy and couples therapy. He expanded his studies in childhood obesity at the Agia Sophia Children's Hospital - Panagiotis & Aglaia Kyriakou and, as a pediatric dietitian, participated in a four-year research study by the World Health Organization, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education in 2011, undertaking the study and documentation of anthropometric data of children from various primary schools in Athens to produce results related to childhood obesity in Greece. Subsequently, he completed the pediatric dietetics program and earned the title of Master Nutritionist in Pediatric Nutrition. He has been trained in quality control and taste evaluation and apprenticed under a specialized Tibetan teacher, knowledgeable in Tibetan medicine, focusing on neuropathy and chiropractic. Finally, the dietitian-nutritionist combines two disciplines, offering a holistic approach and solution by investigating psychological, physical, and spiritual factors, providing a comprehensive assessment and advice tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Dr. Papadopoulou Efi, MD, MSc, PhD, is an Internist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Patras, holds a Master's Degree specializing in Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity, as well as a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a medical specialization in Diabetes Mellitus. She completed her specialty training in Internal Medicine at the Therapeutic Clinic of the University of Athens at GNA "Alexandra" Hospital, while also receiving clinical training in Diabetes Mellitus at the Diabetes Clinic of the same institution. Currently, she maintains a private practice in Athens and concurrently works as an Internist Consultant at the 7th Internal Medicine Clinic of HYGEIA Hospital. Her clinical and research interests encompass the full spectrum of Internal Medicine, with particular emphasis on Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity.

Ioanna Papadopoulou is a General Surgeon and maintains private practices in Cholargos and Glyfada. She performs exclusively laparoscopic surgery for benign and malignant conditions of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder and bile ducts, as well as all types of abdominal wall hernias. She received her Medical Degree from the “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi in 2012. She completed her rural service at the General Hospital of Messinia – Kyparissia Nursing Unit in 2013–2014. In 2021, she obtained her surgical specialty certification.

During her specialty training, she served at the 417 Army Fund Nursing Institution (N.I.M.T.S), where she specialized in advanced laparoscopic surgery for malignant colon diseases, obesity, reflux, and hernias, as well as thyroid malignancies. Additionally, at the Sismanogleio General Hospital of Athens, she participated in a large volume of colon and thyroid cancer surgeries. Considering that the present of surgery lies in laparoscopic and robotic techniques, she attended advanced laparoscopic seminars organized by ELPEN under the auspices of the Hellenic Surgical Society from 2016 to 2018.

In 2021, she completed further training in Surgical Oncology, earning a Master of Science (MSc) degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Finally, in 2023, she received additional training in the latest methods for managing complex diaphragmatic hernias and reflux at the Symposium on Innovation in Surgery in Malta.

Karaxotziti Xristina Dietfocus, MSc, PhD(c), is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains her private practice in the Argyroupoli area. She is specialized in Clinical Nutrition at the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and is a PhD candidate at the Agricultural University of Athens, Department of Human Nutrition Science. Her scientific interests focus on clinical nutrition, eating disorders, and obesity management. She provides personalized, evidence-based nutritional guidance aimed at improving health, restoring a balanced relationship with food, and supporting sustainable lifestyle changes.

Katerina Xrysoulaki is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, BSc, MSc, and she operates a private practice (Thought for food) in Exarchia, where she provides personalized nutrition services. She holds a degree from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University of Athens and possesses a bachelor's and master's degree (BSc - MSc) in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the Agricultural University of Athens. Furthermore, she holds a "Master Practitioner" certification in Eating Disorders and Obesity from KEADD in collaboration with NCFED of the UK. She completed her internship at selected nutrition centers, as well as at the General Hospital of Athens "Alexandra," gaining valuable experience in clinical and preventive settings. She continuously attends specialized seminars and educational programs, staying updated on the latest developments in Nutrition Science, clinical practice, and nutritional behavior. Her primary goal is to help people feel better and improve their lifestyle through nutrition. Based on scientific data, each program is tailored to the needs, daily routine, and lifestyle of each individual. Change does not come through restrictions but through conscious choices that respect the body and the needs of each person.

Prentza Vasiliki is a Pathologist - Diabetologist who maintains private clinics in Haidari and Aspropyrgos. She holds a Ph.D. from the Medical School, a Master's Degree in "Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity," and a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Dr. Vasiliki completed her specialization in Pathology at the 2nd Pathology Department of the General Regional Hospital of Western Attica and at the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos." She has specialized in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of diabetic patients, having trained at the 2nd University Pathology Clinic of Hippocrates Hospital of Athens. During her career, she has worked as a Specialist Physician in the Health Committees of the Centers for Disability Certification (KE.P.A.) and in the Emergency Department of "Hygeia" Hospital. In her clinic, she provides comprehensive information and education to patients on issues related to diabetes complications, diabetic nutrition, insulin therapy, as well as the prevention and management of hypoglycemia. She also treats a wide range of conditions, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, triglycerides, hypertension, and cholesterol. She has published articles in international scientific journals and participates in educational lectures for local groups and associations, as well as conferences on Pathology and Diabetology in Greece and abroad. She also contributes articles to newspapers and health-related magazines.

Dr. Papadopoulou Efi, MD, MSc, PhD, is a Internist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Patras, holds a Master's Degree specializing in Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity, as well as a Doctorate from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a medical specialization in Diabetes Mellitus. She completed her specialty training in Internal Medicine at the Therapeutic Clinic of the University of Athens at Alexandra General Hospital, where she also received clinical training in Diabetes Mellitus at the Diabetes Clinic of the same department. Currently, she maintains a private practice in Athens and concurrently works as an Attending Internist at the 7th Internal Medicine Clinic of Hygeia Hospital. Her clinical and research interests span the entire spectrum of Internal Medicine, with a particular emphasis on Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity.