Health professionals for Diet and nutrition in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Ο Πλούταρχος Τζούλης, Ενδοκρινολόγος – Διαβητολόγος, είναι επίτιμος Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής Ενδοκρινολογίας στην Ιατρική Σχολή του UCL (University College London). Έλαβε τον ιδιαιτέρως τιμητικό τίτλο του FRCP (Lon) από το Βασιλικό Κολλέγιο των Παθολόγων το 2022 σε αναγνώριση της 18ετούς συμβολής του στην πρόοδο της ιατρικής επιστήμης μέσω της κλινικής και ερευνητικής του δραστηριότητας στη Μεγάλη Βρετανία. Επιπλέον του ερευνητικού και διδακτικού του έργου στnν Ιατρική Σχολή του UCL, που συγκαταλέγεται στις 10 κορυφαίες ιατρικές σχολές παγκοσμίως, συνεχίζει το κλινικό του έργο τόσο στη Μεγάλη Βρετανία, εκτελώντας καθήκοντα Διευθυντή στην Ενδοκρινολογική και Παθολογική Κλινική του Νοσοκομείου Whittington του Λονδίνου, όσο και στην Ελλάδα, στη Γενική και Μαιευτική Κλινική ΙΑΣΩ.  

Μετά την εισαγωγή του με πανελλήνιες εξετάσεις και αποφοίτησή του από την Ιατρική Σχολή του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, μετέβη το 2004 στη Μεγάλη Βρετανία, όπου και εργάστηκε σε κορυφαία Πανεπιστημιακά Νοσοκομεία μέχρι το 2018. Το 2007 έγινε, μετά από εξετάσεις, τακτικό μέλος του Βασιλικού Κολεγίου των Παθολόγων (Member of the Royal College of Physicians, UK). Μετά την ολοκλήρωση της ειδικότητάς του στην Ενδοκρινολογία και Διαβητολογία στη Μεγάλη Βρετανία (CCT in Endocrinology & Diabetes, UK) και συγκεκριμένα στα Πανεπιστημιακά Νοσοκομεία Royal Free Hospital, University College London Hospital και Whittington Hospital του UCL, τον Φεβρουάριο 2015 ανέλαβε θέση Διευθυντή στην Ενδοκρινολογική - Διαβητολογική Κλινική και Παθολογική Κλινική του Νοσοκομείου Whittington του Λονδίνου. Έλαβε  μεταπτυχιακό τίτλο MSc (Hons) στην Κλινική Ενδοκρινολογία από το Barts & the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London. Aκολούθως, έγινε διδάκτορας (PhD, Doctor of Philosophy) στην Ιατρική Σχολή του UCL μετά την ολοκλήρωση σειράς κλινικών μελετών και της διδακτορικής διατριβής του με θέμα τη διερεύνηση και θεραπεία της υπονατριαιμίας.

Συνεχίζει το ερευνητικό του έργο με βάση το UCL και πλήθος διεθνών συνεργασιών με περισσότερες από 55 δημοσιεύσεις σε έγκριτα διεθνή περιοδικά και περισσότερες από 50 παρουσιάσεις εργασιών και ομιλίες σε βρετανικά, ευρωπαϊκά και αμερικάνικα ιατρικά συνέδρια. Έχει μεγάλη εμπειρία στη διάγνωση και αντιμετώπιση όλου του φάσματος των ενδοκρινολογικών παθήσεων και διαβήτη και το πρωταρχικό του μέλημα είναι η προσφορά υψηλού επιπέδου εξατομικευμένων υπηρεσιών υγείας με βασικό γνώμονα την Ιατρική με βάση την πιο επικαιροποιημένη επιστημονική γνώση (Evidence - Based Medicine).

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.

Dr. Panagou Maria MD is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist with private practices in Melissia and Koropi. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed her specialization in Endocrinology, as well as in Pathology, at the Endocrinology Clinic of the General Hospital of Melissia "Amalia Fleming". Alongside her private practices, she currently serves as the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the Medical Diagnostic Center "Praxis Hygeias," and in the past, she was the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the South East Aigaion Clinic in Mykonos. Finally, Dr. Panagou has extensive experience in thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis.

Mr. Eksarxakos Mixail is an Internist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia, Attica. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Athens and has specialized in Internal Medicine. His clinical and research interests include arterial hypertension, dyslipidemias, oncological diseases, diabetes mellitus, and infections. He has accumulated over 30 years of professional experience, having worked in major hospitals across the country. From 2016 to 2021, he served as the Director of the Pathology Clinic at Euroclinic Athens, and since 2003, he has been a Scientific Collaborator at Hygeia Hospital and the head of a medical team. He has participated in many international conferences and has published numerous research papers. Finally, he is the Vice President of the Primary Care Society, a member of the Board of Directors of the Prostate Focal Therapy Society, and a member of the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine.

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.

Dr. Maria Livanou, PhD, MSc, Senior Lecturer, is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist specializing in child and adolescent therapy, with a particular emphasis on the psychodynamic approach. She has an academic background in the United States and the United Kingdom and holds an academic post at King’s College London (KCL). Her research focuses on child and adolescent mental health.

Her therapeutic approach is primarily grounded in psychodynamic therapy, aiming to understand deeper emotional processes and relationship patterns. At the same time, it remains individualized and holistic, responding to the unique needs of each child, adolescent, adult, and family.

During sessions, parental counselling and parent therapy are offered—from pregnancy through the early years of the child—along with support for families during early parenthood. Discussions may include topics related to early child development and the parent–infant relationship. She places particular emphasis on addressing communication difficulties, enhancing psychological well-being, building self-confidence, and improving social relationships.

She works with a wide range of issues concerning childhood and adolescence, including:

• Anxiety and anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic attacks)
• Phobias, separation anxiety, and attachment issues
• Depressive mood, depression, social withdrawal
• Adjustment difficulties and emotional distress
• Psychosomatic symptom
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulties in communication and social relationships, family conflicts, and adaptation to change (e.g., divorce)
• Grief and loss management
• Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns
• School-related difficulties, academic stress, and performance anxiety
• Issues of identity, self-image, and adolescent development
• Conduct problems, anger management difficulties, delinquent behavior
• Family counselling and therapy
• Neurodevelopmental difficulties (e.g., autism, ADHD)
• Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), developmental trauma, and adverse childhood experiences

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.

Specialist Internist - Diabetologist Papadopoulos Paris maintains private practices in downtown Athens and Cholargos. He is a graduate of the English-speaking department of the University of Belgrade. He specialized in Internal Medicine initially at the 7th IKA Therapeutic Hospital and subsequently at the Konstandopouleio - Patision General Hospital of Nea Ionia, where he actively participated in the activities of the Diabetology Center. He holds a two-year postgraduate degree focused on Diabetes Mellitus from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom, and possesses the internationally recognized SCOPE (Specialist Certification of Professional Education) certificate for Obesity management, awarded by the World Obesity Federation. His name is included in the official list of healthcare professionals with international certification in Obesity management. He has served as Consultant of the Diabetology Unit and the Obesity Unit at the Athens Medical Center and as Head of the Internal Medicine Department at a private clinic in Peristeri. The physician offers high-level specialized and personalized medical services aimed at the best possible care for each patient, understanding their individual needs. He has extensive experience in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases across the full spectrum of Internal Medicine, with a particular interest in Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, Gestational Diabetes, Prediabetes, and Metabolic Syndrome. He has participated in multicenter domestic and international medical studies related to Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity. Finally, the physician regularly attends international and domestic conferences as part of his continuous professional development.

Η Ζωή Μαυρίδου είναι Διαιτολόγος – Διατροφολόγος, απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Επιστήμης Διαιτολογίας και Διατροφής του Χαροκοπείου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Με πάθος για την επιστημονική ακρίβεια και την εξατομικευμένη προσέγγιση, δημιούργησε το Κέντρο «Διατροφή Ζωής», με στόχο να παρέχει προσωποποιημένη καθοδήγηση βασισμένη στις ανάγκες και τις ιδιαιτερότητες του κάθε ανθρώπου.

Πιστεύοντας στην αξία της δια βίου μάθησης, έχει εξειδικευτεί περαιτέρω σε σημαντικά πεδία της διατροφής όπως:

• Διατροφή στην κύηση, το θηλασμό και τη γονιμότητα, μέσω προγράμματος του ΚΕΔΙΒΙΜ του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης.
• Διατροφικές διαταραχές (βουλιμία, ψυχογενής ανορεξία, συναισθηματική υπερφαγία) με εξειδίκευση επίσης από το ΕΚΠΑ.
• Health Coaching, ολοκληρώνοντας σχετική εκπαίδευση στο Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, ώστε να ενισχύσει τη βιωσιμότητα των διατροφικών αλλαγών στην καθημερινή ζωή των συμβουλευόμενων.
• Εκπαίδευση στο πρόγραμμα “Πέρα από τα όρια της δίαιτας”, από το Κέντρο Ψυχολογικών Εφαρμογών (ΚΕ.Ψ.ΕΦ), που επικεντρώνεται στη σχέση με το φαγητό και τη βελτίωση της διατροφικής συμπεριφοράς χωρίς περιοριστικές δίαιτες.

Έχει επίσης ενεργή παρουσία σε εκπαιδευτικά και επιστημονικά δρώμενα, όπως:

• Παρακολούθηση συνεδριών, ημερίδων και ιατρικών συμποσίων που αφορούν την παχυσαρκία, τις τροφικές αλλεργίες, τις ΙΦΝΕ, την οστεοπόρωση και άλλα συναφή θέματα.
• Είχε συνεργασία με το Ινστιτούτο Prolepsis για εκπαιδευτικές δράσεις σε σχολεία με θέμα τη διατροφική εκπαίδευση παιδιών.
• Πραγματοποίηση πολλών ομιλιών σε παιδικές και εφηβικές αθλητικές ομάδες.

Παράλληλα, εμπλουτίζει συνεχώς τις γνώσεις της μέσω της παρακολούθησης μαθημάτων της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης Κλινικής Διατροφής και Μεταβολισμού (ESPEN LLL) και του World Obesity Organization (SCOPE), για την απόκτηση της πιστοποίησης “Specialist Certification of Obesity Professional Education”.

Με γνώμονα ότι «η διατροφή δεν είναι ίδια για όλους», η Ζωή Μαυρίδου εργάζεται με σεβασμό στη μοναδικότητα κάθε ατόμου, προσφέροντας ουσιαστική, εφαρμόσιμη καθοδήγηση και υποστήριξη. Όραμά της είναι η βελτίωση της σχέσης με το φαγητό και η ουσιαστική αλλαγή τρόπου ζωής, μέσα από επιστημονική γνώση, ενσυναίσθηση και ρεαλισμό.

Diamantopoulos Aristeidis Aris is a graduate physician of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and obtained his professional license in 2015. He was a trainee in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Nea Ionia - Patision from 2016 to 2018, and from 2018 to 2023 he specialized in "Endocrinology – Diabetes – Metabolism" at the Endocrinology Department – Diabetes Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos," which has also been certified as a National and European Reference Center for "Pituitary - Adrenal - Thyroid Cancer." Concurrently, since 2021, he has been pursuing a PhD at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. As an endocrinologist – diabetologist, he has contributed to numerous publications in reputable Greek and international medical journals. He has also received awards at conferences, including the "Young ESE Investigator Award 2022" from the European Society of Endocrinology. In addition to clinical and research studies, he has participated in multiple conferences in Greece and abroad, presenting lectures, oral communications, and posters. In his private practice, he manages cases spanning the entire spectrum of Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus, with the primary concern being the benefit of the patient.

Stauraki Xristina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates her private practice in Chalandri. She holds a degree in Clinical Dietetics from Queen Margaret University Edinburgh. She has served as a Clinical Dietitian in a pathology clinic and, as part of her practical training, worked at the Athens Medical Center and in a Dietetic office. She is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists and has attended postgraduate seminars and conferences related to her specialty. At her Dietetic practice, she supports individuals seeking to enhance their well-being through healthier nutrition and daily habits.

Η Τσόπελα Χρύσα είναι Ψυχολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στα Μελίσια. Είναι αριστούχος απόφοιτος του τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του University of East London και είναι μέλος του Συλλόγου Βρετανών Ψυχολόγων με τίτλο GMBPsS. Η ψυχοθεραπευτική κατεύθυνση που χρησιμοποιεί στην θεραπεία είναι η Συστημική - Οικογενειακή Ψυχοθεραπεία από το Εργαστήριο Διερεύνησης Ανθρώπινων Σχέσεων. Στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο παρέχει ατομικές, οικογενειακές και ομαδικές θεραπείες και συμβουλευτική σε ενήλικες και εφήβους. Aντιμετωπίζει πλήθoς περιστατικών όπως αυτοβελτίωση, άγχος, κατάθλιψη, αυπνία, πένθος, συγκρουσιακές και ενδοοικογενειακές σχέσεις, κακοποίηση, σχέση ζευγαριού, διαζύγιο, διαχείριση θυμού, περιστατικά διατροφικών διαταραχών, προβλήματα διατροφής και βάρους, συμβουλευτική γονέων, συμβουλευτική εφήβων. Επιπρόσθετα, παρέχει επαγγελματικό προσανατολισμό, σε εφήβους αλλά και σε ενήλικες που ενδιαφέρονται να κάνουν στροφή στην επαγγελματική τους ταυτότητα.Το επιστημονικό της ενδιαφέρον στις διατροφικές διαταραχές την ώθησε στο να εξειδικευτεί ως Master Practitioner στις Διατροφικές Διαταραχές και στην Παχυσαρκία από το Κέντρο Αντιμετώπισης Διατροφικών Διαταραχών και το National Centre for Eating Disorders της Μεγάλης Βρετανίας. Στα πλαίσια του να βοηθήσει περαιτέρω τους έφηβους άλλα και τους ενήλικες στις επαγγελματικές τους επιλογές και στην σταδιοδρομία τους, πιστοποιήθηκε ως σύμβουλος σταδιοδρομίας εφήβων και ενηλίκων από την Evalion, για την χρήση των ψυχομετρικών εργαλείων για επαγγελματικό προσανατολισμό και συμβουλευτική σταδιοδρομίας της EvCareer. Κατά την διάρκεια της καριέρα της εργάστηκε ως εκπαιδευτικός σε ιδιωτικά σχολεία όπου ασχολήθηκε με την διδασκαλία, την ψυχοκοινωνική διαπαιδαγώγηση και υποστήριξη παιδιών και εφήβων καθώς και με την συμβουλευτική γονέων. Έχει πραγματοποιήσει πρακτική στο Οικοτροφείο ΕΠΑΚΜΟΣ επικεντρώνοντας την επιστημονική της μελέτη σε θέματα Αυτισμού, Νοητικής Στέρησης και συνυπάρχουσων Ψυχικών Διαταραχών ενώ ταυτόχρονα συμμετείχε και ως μέλος της Διεπιστημονικής Ομάδας. Παράλληλα με το ιδιωτικό της γραφείο, είναι εξωτερικός συνεργάτης στον Οργανισμό Κοινωνικής Προστασίας και Αλληλεγγύης του Δήμου Βριλησσίων όπου ασχολείται με την ψυχολογική υποστήριξη ατόμων και την αντιμετώπιση διαφόρων ψυχοκοινωνικών προβλημάτων. Στο ίδιο πλαίσιο, είναι συντονίστρια της ομάδας συμβουλευτικής και ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης ατόμων με διαβήτη. Στο πλαίσιο της συνεχούς επιμόρφωσης και κατάρτισης της έχει παρακολουθήσει και παρακολουθεί πληθώρα εκπαιδευτικών σεμιναρίων.

Marinakis Euaggelos is an Internal Medicine Specialist and Health Coach maintaining a private practice in Chalandri, bordering Psychiko (area of Agia Varvara, Chalandri). He studied Medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He has extensive experience and certified training in metabolic and nutritional disorders, including Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus, as well as specific conditions such as Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, and Emotional Eating. He served for many years as an instructor in Advanced Life Support, with certified training and extensive experience in Emergency Medicine, in hospitals in Greece and abroad [The Royal Surrey County Hospital, UK], and holds certified training in Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, and Gestational Diabetes (General Hospital of Athens "Laiko" and the Endocrinology-Diabetes department in a private clinic). Marinakis Euaggelos applies modern, individualized, comprehensive-holistic methods based on continuous education in areas such as health coaching and life coaching, behavioral psychology, and fundamental principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy, aiming to achieve personal goals in nutrition and body weight management, management of chronic diseases such as obesity, bulimia, binge eating, emotional eating, restrictive eating, anorexia, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (elevated cholesterol), and lifestyle improvement, with the ultimate goal of achieving substantial health and well-being. With long-term work experience in two university clinics, Marinakis Euaggelos has an extensive educational role in lecture halls, seminars, and conferences, as well as participation in the authorship of scientific texts. Finally, he collaborates with reputable private clinics for emergency cases and situations requiring hospitalization.

Maria Mpergele is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains her private offices in Nea Ionia and in the center of Athens. She holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Thessaly and, as part of her continuous professional development, she has attended and continues to attend numerous postgraduate scientific seminars and conferences related to her specialty. She has extensive experience in managing clinical cases (such as Diabetes Mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, thyroid disorders, gut health) and also treats adolescent cases. In the past, she served as a Dietitian - Nutritionist at a Nutrition and Aesthetics Center and completed her internship in the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at the Korgialeneio-Benakio General Hospital (Red Cross). Currently, in addition to her private practice, she collaborates with a Nursery School providing nutritional services as well as with a Wellness and Care Center.

Dr Anamaterou Xrysanthi is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist, PhD graduate from the University of Heidelberg in Germany, and maintains a private practice in Marousi. She holds a medical degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed her specialization in Endocrinology and Diabetology at the University Hospital of Heidelberg in Germany. She has worked as an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist in a private polyclinic in Frankfurt, Germany, and has served as an endocrinology registrar at the University Hospital of Heidelberg. She specializes in thyroid gland disorders and has particular expertise in the management of thyroid cancer and other endocrine tumors (adrenal glands, pituitary gland, neuroendocrine tumors, endocrine syndromes). Additionally, she has experience in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Due to her doctoral dissertation, she specializes in parathyroid gland diseases (calcium and vitamin D metabolism) and osteoporosis.

Poulis Arsenios is a Specialist in Internal Medicine, a collaborator of the Diagnostic Therapeutic Center of Athens "HYGEIA" for many years, and maintains a private practice in Alsoupoli, Nea Ionia. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Ioannina. He completed his specialty in Internal Medicine and trained in Medical Acupuncture, Chinese Acupuncture, Auricular Neuromodulation (auriculotherapy), and New Cranial Acupuncture according to YAMAMOTO (YNSA). During his professional career, he served for 17 years as a Chief Consultant in the 1st Pathological Oncology Clinic of the "HYGEIA" Hospital. Currently, he is a collaborator at "HYGEIA" Hospital with extensive experience in managing pathological diseases and applying Medical Acupuncture. Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Institute of Acupuncture Education as well as a founding member of the Academy of Auricular Neuromodulation.