Health professionals for Diet and nutrition

Raptis Athanasios is a Pathologist - Diabetologist and maintains private clinics in Athens and Kalyvia Attikis. He is an Emeritus Professor of Pathology - Diabetes Mellitus at the Medical School of the University of Athens (EKPA) and an Associate of the Athens Medical Center (Marousi). He specializes in Diabetes Mellitus (type 1, type 2, gestational, insulin pumps), its complications, arterial hypertension, as well as the entire spectrum of metabolic diseases (dyslipidemia, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). He was a member of the Diabetology Center of the 2nd Propaedeutic Pathology Clinic of the University of Athens from 1982 to 2024, except for the period of his military service, rural medical practice, and further training. He holds a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He underwent two years of postgraduate training at King’s College London, in the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases at Guy's Hospital, focusing on arterial hypertension and diabetic nephropathy. He possesses significant academic and research work and is a member of the Medical Association of Athens, the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine, the Hellenic Professional Association of Pathologists - Diabetologists, the Hellenic Diabetological Society (elected member of the Board of Directors), and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD).

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.

Katsantonis Vasilis is a Psychologist with a private practice in Gkyzi. He is a doctoral candidate at the University of Oxford, specializing in Applied Psychology, with at least 15 years of experience in this field as well as in Clinical and Forensic Psychology. He holds a degree in Applied Psychology from Seattle University, Washington, and a master's diploma in Applied Psychology from the University of Oxford, as well as in Clinical and Forensic Psychology from the University of Portsmouth. Additionally, he has ten years of experience in Counseling Psychology. He is also a member of the American Psychological Association.

Η Αρετή Δήμητρα Παινέση είναι Διαιτολόγος – Διατροφολόγος και εδρεύει στο Χαλάνδρι, πτυχιούχος του Τμήματος Διατροφής και Επιστήμης Τροφίμων από το Πανεπιστήμιο του Reading του Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου, και κάτοχος δύο μεταπτυχιακών τίτλων (MSc Med Sci): στην Κλινική Διατροφή από το Πανεπιστήμιο της Γλασκώβης και στον Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη & την Παχυσαρκία από την Ιατρική Σχολή Αθηνών.

Είναι επί σειρά ετών επιστημονική συνεργάτιδα στο ΙΑΣΩ Παίδων, όπου ασχολείται με τη διατροφική υποστήριξη παιδιών και εφήβων, τόσο για την απώλεια βάρους, όσο και για τη διαχείριση κλινικών περιστατικών, όπως αλλεργίες, δυστροφία και άλλες διατροφικές ή ιατρικές καταστάσεις που απαιτούν εξειδικευμένη υποστήριξη. Παράλληλα, διαθέτει πολύχρονη εμπειρία στη διαχείριση ατόμων με νοσογόνο παχυσαρκία που έχουν υποβληθεί σε βαριατρική επέμβαση καθώς συνεργάζεται με ομάδα εξειδικευμένων χειρουργών, όπως ο Καθηγητής Χειρουργικής Λέανδρος Εμμανουήλ και η Χειρουργός Μαρία Νατούδη, συμβάλλοντας ουσιαστικά στη διατροφική τους αποκατάσταση και στη μακροχρόνια διατήρηση της απώλειας βάρους τους. 

Επίσης έχει ασχοληθεί εκτενώς με άτομα με Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη Τύπου 1 και Τύπου 2, εγκυμονούσες με διαβήτη κύησης, καθώς και άτομα με μεταβολικές και ενδοκρινικές διαταραχές (δυσλιπιδαιμίες, παθολογικές καταστάσεις του θυρεοειδούς).

Η φιλοσοφία της βασίζεται στην εξατομικευμένη, ρεαλιστική και επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένη προσέγγιση, με στόχο τη δημιουργία βιώσιμων συνηθειών και τη βελτίωση της σχέσης του ατόμου με τη διατροφή.

Οι συνεδρίες πραγματοποιούνται δια ζώσης ή online, με πλήρη αξιολόγηση και καθοδήγηση, πάντα με σεβασμό στις ανάγκες, το ιατρικό ιστορικό και τον τρόπο ζωής κάθε ατόμου.

Στο πλαίσιο των δια ζώσης συνεδριών, γίνεται χρήση σύγχρονου λιπομετρητή, για ακριβή ανάλυση της σύστασης σώματος (λιπώδης μάζα, μυϊκή μάζα, σωματικά υγρά), που επιτρέπει πιο στοχευμένη και αντικειμενική παρακολούθηση της προόδου.

Ο Κουραβάνας Κωνσταντίνος είναι Σύμβουλος ψυχικής υγείας και Συνθετικός ψυχοθεραπευτής και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Ηλιούπολη. Είναι κάτοχος πτυχίου Συμβουλευτικής και ψυχολογίας(HND) από το Μεσογειακό κολέγιο (Mediterranean college) πιστοποιημένος απο το BTEC με υποτροφία που διατήρησε όλα τα έτη σπουδών του.Ολοκλήρωσε την πρακτική του άσκηση στο Πειραικό Ισνστιτούτο (ΕΨΥΘΕ), εταιρία ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης , θεραπείας και εκπαίδευσης.

Ακολούθησε διετής συμμετοχή σε ομάδα εποπτείας και πρακτικής άσκησης στο κέντρο συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοθεραπείας " ΨΥΧΗΛΑΤΟΝ".Στη συνέχεια παρακολούθησε τετραετές πρόγραμμα Συνθετικής ψυχοθεραπείας μέ έμφαση στη Γνωσιακή- Συμπεριφορική, την Ψυχοδυναμική και τη συστημική -οικογενειακή ψυχοθεραπεία στο Πειραικό Ινστιτούτο (ΕΨΥΘΕ) που αποκόμισε τον τίτλο-εξειδίκευση του Συνθετικού ψυχοθεραπευτή.Είναι μέλος της (ΕΕΣ) Ελληνικής Εταιρίας Συμβουλευτικής και του Βρετανικού ψυχοθεραπευτικού συλλόγου(BACP) που απορέει απο τον τίτλο σπουδών του στη Συνθετική ψυχοθεραπεία.

Ήταν για αρκετά χρόνια ενεργό μέλος της κοινότητας "Ξεναγέτης" που έχει σκοπό την ανάπτυξη των ανθρωπίνων σχέσεων σε μια λειτουργική και ανθρώπινη προοπτική.

Έχει εργαστεί για πολλά χρόνια στο διατροφολογικό κέντρο του κλινικού διαιτολόγου -διατροφολόγου Πανόπουλο Παναγιώτη ώς Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας σε διατροφολογικές διαταραχές και συνεργάζεται μέχρι σήμερα.

Επίσης σε ανδρολογική κλινική σε θέματα σεξουαλικών δυσλειτουργιών.

Παρακολουθεί ατομική, ομαδική ψυχοθεραπεία και εποπτεία όπως επιτάσσει ο Βρετανικός σύλλογος Συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοθεραπείας και η Ελληνική Εταιρία Συμβουλευτικής.

Στο γραφείο του ως ψυχοθεραπευτής προσφέρει ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία και Συμβουλευτική ενηλίκων σε διατροφικές διαταραχές(ψυχογενή βουλιμία, νυχτερινή υπερφαγία, παχυσαρκία), αγχώδεις διαταραχές(άγχος, κρίσεις πανικού, φοβίες, ψυχαναγκασμοί), διαταραχές της διάθεσης (κατάθλιψη), αδυναμία λήψης αποφάσεων, βελτίωση διαπροσωπικών σχέσεων, ανάπτυξη -αυτογνωσία, βελτίωση αυτοεικόνας ,διαχείρηση Πένθους και σεξουαλικές δυσλειτουργίες(στυτική δυσλειτουργία, απουσία ερωτικής διάθεσης,πρόωρη εξπερμάτωση.)

Επίσης κάνει συνεδρίες Ζεύγους και συντονίζει θεραπευτικές ομάδες.

Έχει παρακολουθήσει και παρακολουθεί πλήθως ημερίδων και σεμιναρίων που έχουν σκοπό την ανάπτυξη και σωστή επαγγελματική κατάρτιση του λειτουργήματος του.

Τέλος αρθογραφεί για διάφορα θέματα - δυσκολίες του σύγχρονου ανθρώπου στην ηλεκτρονική του σελίδα και σε άλλες και έχει υπάρξει ομιλητής σε δημόσιους και ιδιωτικούς φορείς .

Αν θα μπορούσε να χαρακτηριστεί η ψυχοθεραπευτική εργασία στους πελάτες-ψυχοθεραπευόμενους του θα την ονόμαζε ευθυνοκεντρική με Συνθετικό προσανατολισμό.

"Οι δυσκολίες ,οι κρίσεις και οι ανάγκες είναι τα εργαλεία για να επιτύχουμε μια ζωή με πληρότητα αρκεί να τις προσεγγίσουμε αναπτυξιακά και όχι καταστροφικά και αυτοκαταστροφικά.Είναι εκεί που το τραύμα στη ζωή με συνειδητή επιλογή και ανάλυψη της χαμένης ευθύνης μετουσιώνεται στο θαύμα μια όμορφης λειτουργικής και ευχαριστιακής ζωής."

(Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass

It' s about learning how to dance in the rain).

Amygdala Marina is a Psychologist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a specialization in Clinical/Social Psychology. She completed her internship at the "G. Papanikolaou" Hospital in the Adult Psychiatric Clinic and holds a professional license to practice as a Psychologist. The Psychologist has extensive experience in the healthcare field. In her private practice, she handles a wide range of cases, focusing on providing the best possible service tailored to the individual needs of each person she undertakes.

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.

Marikou Foteini is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist MSc, graduate of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at Harokopio University and holder of a Master's Degree from the Medical School of Athens titled "Pathology of Pregnancy - High Risk Pregnancy." As part of her undergraduate program, she completed internships at the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, a private dietetic office, and a food industry company. Subsequently, she collaborated for several years with NGOs, where she provided voluntary nutritional support to cancer patients during and after anticancer treatments. Simultaneously, she has served as head dietitian - nutritionist in a large gym chain. She has been evaluating private cases since 2018, specializing in nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in cases of eating disorders and clinical conditions such as hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and specialized clinical conditions. Moreover, she continuously updates and actively follows the latest developments in the field of Nutrition and Health through educational seminars, conferences, and workshops. Since 2022, she has been operating her dietetic office in Ambelokipi, Attica, equipped with state-of-the-art technological equipment, catering to numerous individuals by personalizing her approach tailored to each person's specific needs.

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.

Nikolidaki Konstantina is a Psychologist with a private practice in Haidari. She studied psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom and completed the postgraduate program 'MSc in Drugs Addiction' at Liverpool John Moores University, specializing in addiction therapy. Upon returning to Greece, she completed a postgraduate specialization program in Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapy. Additionally, she has attended various specialized training seminars and continuing education programs in family therapy, group analysis, and psychodrama at the Open Psychotherapeutic Center. She trained in couples therapy and sexual disorders at City University of Seattle, while also participating in experiential training for grief management with Dr. Jane Simington. She is a certified trainer-coordinator of Parent Schools with the Panhellenic Association of Parent Schools. Furthermore, she trained in trauma therapy and post-traumatic stress disorder at the Gestalt Institute of San Francisco. Throughout her career, she has worked as a counselor in the syringe exchange program at Lifeline Manchester’s harm reduction and drug and alcohol treatment center, as well as a psychotherapist and coordinator of psychotherapeutic groups and family groups at the Lyrakou Psychotherapeutic Clinic. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society and the British Psychological Society.

Dr. Xouzouris Ilias is an Internist who maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds EKAE - OAKA certification for pre-competition athlete screening. He completed his specialty in Internal Medicine at the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens and the General State Hospital of Athens. He has served as a family physician for IKA for a decade. Finally, Dr. Xouzouris is a member of the Athens Medical Association.

Kyritsis Aleksandros is a General Surgeon who maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki, collaborating with major private clinics in the city. He graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He specialized in General Surgery at the "General Hospital of Chalkidiki," the 2nd General Hospital of IKA "Panagia," and the General Hospital of Thessaloniki "Agios Pavlos." He received advanced training in minimally invasive surgery (Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery) at the world-renowned "Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center" in New York, specializing in the management of colorectal and anal diseases alongside the pioneering surgeon Garrett Nash. He worked for three years as a Consultant at leading hospitals in the United Kingdom, including "King’s College Hospital London," "Manchester Royal Infirmary," and "Chesterfield Royal Hospital." Subsequently, he participated in the specialized program for Laparoscopic Surgery and minimally invasive surgery of colorectal and anal diseases at the "Research Institute against Digestive Cancer" (IRCAD) and obtained a diploma in Laparoscopic Surgery from the University of Strasbourg. He has delivered presentations at international surgical conferences in the United Kingdom and the USA. He remains an active member of the Medical Council of England and a member of the American Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons, while periodically continuing to offer his services as a Specialist General Surgeon at the "Manchester Royal Infirmary" hospital in the United Kingdom.

Kokona Anastasia - Frinta is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Kolonaki, providing individual psychotherapeutic sessions for adults, children, adolescents, and parent counseling sessions. She studied Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and completed her postgraduate studies in Health Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire in the UK (MSc in Health Psychology). She is a member of the Greek Psychological Society and the British Psychological Society (BPS), in order to stay continuously updated on new research findings in the field of Psychology. She specializes in psychological support for patients with chronic illness, cancer patients, and psychological support for relatives of cancer patients. She has been trained in Cognitive Psychotherapy as part of the "I.N. Papakostas" program at Aeginiteio Hospital. Additionally, she holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education and Training of individuals with oral and written language disorders. During her professional career, she has worked as a Psychologist - Psychotherapist in special therapy centers in Athens and hospitals, gaining valuable knowledge and experience in her field. Specifically, she has worked as a Psychologist - Scientific Collaborator at the Naval Hospital of Athens, as well as a Counseling Psychologist - Psychotherapist for Children and Adolescents in special therapy centers in Athens and at the Chalandri Mental Health Center. She is also certified in administering psychometric tools. Finally, she has attended numerous seminars aimed at continuous education and training in her field.

Georgakopoulou Stauroula is an Endocrinologist who maintains private practices in Agioi Anargyroi and Nea Filadelfeia. She specialized in the Department of Pathology at the General Hospital of Kyparissia and in the Department of Endocrinology - Metabolism and Diabetes at the General Hospital of Nikaia. Throughout her career, she has worked as an Endocrinologist at the Menopause and Osteoporosis Clinic of Aretaieio Hospital, in the Pathology and Endocrinology departments of the private hospital "Mediteranneo," as well as in the Pathology department of the private Kypseli Clinic. She has extensive experience in thyroid diseases, diabetes and metabolic management, menopause, osteoporosis, menstrual disorders, and hypogonadism. Finally, in her private practice, she can address a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, pituitary disorders, osteoporosis, and obesity.

Antoniou Xaralampos is a Specialist General Practitioner - Family Physician with a private practice in Neapoli, Thessaloniki. He has specialized in Emergency Prehospital Medicine (EKAB) and has undertaken further training in Lipidology. His clinical interests include the management of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia - atheromatosis, arterial hypertension, osteoporosis, as well as acute infections (respiratory, urinary, digestive systems). His private practice is fully equipped with an otoscope, electrocardiographs, the capability to measure glycated hemoglobin (HBA1C), lipids, and more. Finally, the physician is a member of the Hellenic Society of Atherosclerosis.