Health professionals for Diet and nutrition in Attica

Pathologist Dr. Syneifakoulis Theoxaris is the third generation of physicians in his family. He graduated with "Excellent" from the Medical School of the University of Pécs, Hungary, and was awarded his Doctorate from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, having completed his dissertation on skin melanoma. Additionally, he is a member of the RCPSG (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow) and collaborates with the private hospitals "Hygeia" and "Euroclinic".

Dr. Syneifakoulis Theoxaris's further specialization and sequential years of training, including postgraduate studies in Mountain Medicine at the University of Leicester, U.K., as well as his certifications as an instructor for the American Heart Association ("AHA"), the European Resuscitation Council ("ERC"), Prehospital Trauma Life Support ("PHTLS") by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians ("NAEMT"), and Advanced Trauma Life Support ("ATLS") from the American College of Surgeons ("ACS"), have inspired him to continue the family tradition and broaden his professional horizons. These qualifications have provided him with the motivation and tools to engage not only in Internal Medicine but also in Travel and Mountain Medicine, as well as emergency Prehospital Medicine, both as an instructor and as a healthcare professional.

Kanellopoulos Petros is a Pathologist and has maintained a private practice in Ampelokipoi since 2003. He holds a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a postgraduate degree in "Clinical and Laboratory Medicine," specializing in Clinical Immunology from the same institution. He graduated in Medicine from the Universite Catholique de Louvain in Belgium and completed his specialty training at the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko." The doctor has worked for many years at the "Errikos Dunant" Hospital Center, as well as previously at the Euroclinic Athens. To this day, he serves as a Physician-Consultant for patients onboard Med Solutions International. Additionally, he is a member of the medical staff and head of the Pathology department at Metropolitan Hospital, responsible for the monitoring team on the consumption and proper use of antibiotics, and a member of the Hospital Infection Committee of the same hospital.

Prekas Xristos is a Clinical Dietitian – Nutritionist, BSc, and has operated two dietetic offices since 2011, located in Petralona and Santorini. He holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics at Harokopio University of Athens and is a member of the Hellenic Dietitians – Nutritionists Association. He has participated in numerous research studies, organizes seminars and lectures for adults and children on nutrition and childhood obesity, and regularly contributes articles to nationwide websites and newspapers.

Dr. Xarikleia Xristakou is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Vrilissia. She completed her studies at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She began her clinical and research career in the Endocrinology Department of the First Internal Medicine Clinic at Laiko Hospital in Athens and at the Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit of the Ευγενίδειο Therapeutic Institute, with a special interest in disorders of female reproduction and metabolism. She was awarded the title of Doctor of Medicine from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2014. Subsequently, she specialized at the First University Pediatric Clinic of the "Agia Sofia" Children’s Hospital, focusing on Pediatric Endocrinology. She continued and completed her specialization in Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism at the First Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine Clinic of Laiko Hospital. She is the author of scientific articles in reputable Greek and international journals and has contributed to the authorship of Greek and international scientific textbooks on Endocrinology. Additionally, she has participated as a speaker at Greek and international conferences. Since January 2022, she has been an academic fellow at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where she has been involved in clinical and teaching activities. Furthermore, as a member of the interdisciplinary team at the Center of Excellence for Neuroendocrine Diseases at the University of Athens at Laiko Hospital, she actively participates in Medical Board meetings, where interesting patient cases are discussed with the aim of accurate diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with neuroendocrine diseases. She also serves as an instructor in the postgraduate program "Endocrine Neoplasms".

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.

Krikeli Eleni is a Psychologist and Author. Her academic studies began in the Department of History, Archaeology, and Social Anthropology at the University of Thessaly and were completed at the University of Crete, where she graduated from the Department of Psychology. Since then, she has continued her studies at the Center for Systemic Study and Therapy (ΚΕ.Σ.ΜΕ.Θ), where she is training in Systemic Psychotherapy. During her professional career, she has collaborated as a volunteer Psychologist with the General Hospital of Rethymno in the Psychiatry Department and has worked for several years as a Psychologist at the private Neuropsychiatric Clinic "KASTALIA." Currently, her professional activity continues with online sessions, while she also serves as the lead Psychologist at the Elderly Care Unit "Leonia" in Kallithea, Attica. Additionally, organizing seminars related to her professional interests and the knowledge she acquires each time enriches an ever-expanding portfolio, which is a priority for her. Finally, writing articles and authoring books are significant facets of her life, playing an important role. Having already published a book titled "The Comfort of the Lion," she regularly presents the fascination and admiration inspired in her by human existence, diversity, flexibility, anxiety, and fear. As a Psychologist, she admires the truth revealed by the client during their sessions, takes pride in their courage and strength to focus on their real challenges, and equally rejoices in the changes they achieve! With all these perspectives she has had and continues to encounter, it is clear that the central theme of her articles and books is... the human being!

Nezi Markella MD, MSc is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist with a private practice in Pallini. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a Master's degree in the specialization program "Research in Female Reproduction." Additionally, she completed her endocrinology specialization in the Endocrinology - Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism Department at the "E.E.S Korgialeneio - Benakeio" Hospital, and she currently serves as a Scientific Collaborator at the Aretaieio Hospital in the Endocrinology Unit. Furthermore, she has numerous presentations and published abstracts in Greek and international conferences and significant research activity, highlighted by her distinction for the best clinical paper at the 28th Panhellenic AIDS Conference in 2018 in Athens. Finally, Dr. Markella is a member of the Athens Medical Association and the Hellenic Endocrinological Society.

Dr. Kontou Paraskeui is a specialist Endocrinologist - Diabetologist who maintains her private practice at Mavili Square and also has a private clinic in Sparta, Laconia. Additionally, she works as an Endocrinologist at the private medical center MEDICA in Agios Stefanos and serves as the Scientific Director of the private polyclinics LIFECHECK in Psychiko and Kallithea. She is also a Scientific Collaborator of the Unit "HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis". She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Patras. She specialized in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology Unit - Metabolism and Diabetes Center at the General Hospital of Athens “Alexandra - Elena Venizelou”. She has obtained a postgraduate specialization degree in “Research in Female Reproduction” from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is a member of the Athens Medical Association and the Hellenic Endocrinological Society. She has participated in numerous Greek and international endocrinology and diabetes conferences and seminars, continually updating her knowledge on the latest advances in her field, and has publications in reputable medical journals. She has been trained and possesses extensive clinical experience in a wide range of endocrine disorders, including type 1 & 2 diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes, thyroid and parathyroid diseases, osteoporosis and calcium metabolism disorders, endocrine disorders during pregnancy, menstrual disorders, adrenal and pituitary diseases, endocrine hypertension, and obesity. Finally, she holds degrees in English and German. In her clinic, she approaches each patient individually and empathetically, aiming to provide high-quality medical services.

Aggeli - Kilitsian Maria is a Nutritionist - Dietitian and maintains a private practice in Elliniko, Attica. She is a graduate of the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and holds a Master's degree (MSc) titled "Food, Nutrition, and Microbiome" from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace in Health Sciences. Her master's thesis focused on the "Correlation of the Microbiome with Depression and the Role of the Mediterranean Diet." Additionally, she is a graduate of the "Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders & Obesity" program, certified by the British NCfED (National Centre for Eating Disorders). She works as a freelancer with a professional practice license and has over 20 years of experience. From 2017 to 2020, she served as the head of the Dietetic Department at the Municipal Clinics of the Municipality of Agios Dimitrios, Attica, managing numerous cases of adult and pediatric obesity, diabetes mellitus, kidney diseases, hypercholesterolemia, pregnancy, etc. Her practical training took place at the General Hospital "Asklipieio" of Voula. As part of her research thesis, she investigated the quality of life of hemodialysis patients, which she presented at the EFAD conference in Barcelona in 2011 and was ranked among the top 10 presentations. Furthermore, her work has been published in the EFAD e-journal: Angeli-Kilitsian M., Meintani J. Quality of Life in Greek Hemodialysis Patients Correlated with Anthropometric Evaluation, EFAD e-journal 2015;2(1):13-14. Within the framework of continuing education, she has attended seminars on topics such as "Diabetes Mellitus," "Genetics," "Special Education and Training," "Evidence-Based Medical Nutrition," and "Metabolomics and Clinical Application in Autoimmune and Chronic Diseases" at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as well as participation in workshops, conferences, and webinars.

Ioanna Xatziemmanouil is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Nikaia. She holds a degree from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University, specializing in Pediatric Nutrition, having completed the educational program “Master Nutritionist in Pediatric Nutrition.” She possesses clinical and scientific experience and is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists. Additionally, she has attended numerous workshops and conferences.

Vamvakari Konstantina is a Dietitian-Nutritionist who has operated a private practice in Agios Dimitrios, Attica, since 2023. She graduated from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Thessaly (formerly TEI of Thessaly) and is a member of the Hellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists (HADN), holding a professional license. As part of her continuous education, she specialized with postgraduate studies in Clinical Nutrition at Harokopio University.

Panagiotou Maria - Anna is a Psychologist (BSc) and Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy. She graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a professional practice license valid nationwide (License No: 1401991). She has worked as a Psychologist at the Elderly Care Unit "Rodi" in Filothei, as well as an external collaborator in a Medical Clinic and an English tutoring center to support employees and students. Additionally, she has volunteered in various settings, including public elderly care units and telephone support platforms. She has been trained in the Behavioral-Cognitive approach (higher education) at KEPSYSY in areas such as anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, psychosomatic disorders, depression, traumatic experiences, relationship issues, and has specialized in the non-pharmacological management of geriatric issues and caregivers, including dementia, grief, and anxiety at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She works with both adults and adolescents on family matters, crisis management, school performance, and violence-related issues. Her approach is based, among others, on the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy model by Ellis, Beck's Cognitive Therapy model, as well as Meichenbaum's Cognitive-Behavioral Modification. Finally, the specialist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS). Guided by empathy, authenticity, and scientific practices, individuals will progressively be able to manage life situations effectively. For optimal service provision, she is supervised and participates in personal psychotherapy.

Makrogianni Vitalioti Mariantzela is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as in Biothymia Clinical Hypnosis. She maintains a private practice in Peristeri. She is certified by the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. She is the Director of the Damala Foundation, a contributing writer, and has worked at KETHEA in action and street work, gaining extensive experience in Anxiety Disorders and addictions. Additionally, she attends numerous seminars on eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and holistic medicine as part of her continuous professional development.

Stefanakis Lykourgos is a Dietitian-Nutritionist with a private office in Chalandri. He holds a degree in Applied Dietetics from Canterbury Christ Church University and is an accredited member with ISAK level 1, after completing the educational program of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry, focusing on Anthropometry. He completed his internship at the Metabolic Self-Regulation and Wellness Center "Homeostasis S.A." He has also attended the specialized program "Sports Nutrition Specialist" by the Academy of Sports Nutrition and is a Scientific Collaborator at Exodos Fitness, where he provides dietary services to athletes. At his private office, Mr. Stefanakis offers a holistic approach to nutrition, combining scientific knowledge with personal interaction. By thoroughly studying the needs of each individual, he designs personalized nutrition programs based on the principles of balanced nutrition.

Tsoukala Xrysoula MD is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist who maintains private practices in Aigaleo and Glyfada. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Subsequently, she specialized in Pathology and then in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the General University Hospital "Attikon" as well as at the Athens Children's General Hospital "Panagiota & Aglaia Kyriakou." Additionally, she has completed postgraduate courses in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. The physician has extensive clinical experience and is specialized in diabetes mellitus, thyroid and parathyroid glands, as well as in the management of obesity and metabolic disorders. Finally, she has attended numerous scientific conferences both in Greece and abroad.