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

Elena Papathanasopoulou MSW, Dip Psych (Hons) is a Psychotherapist - Mental Health Counselor with a private practice in Cholargos. She studied Psychology in the Department of Philosophy, Pedagogy, and Psychology at the University of Ioannina and subsequently at the Open University in the UK (Diploma in Psychology). Additionally, she completed postgraduate studies in the USA at the Smith College School for Social Work (Massachusetts) with a Fulbright scholarship. Upon returning to Greece, she continued her training at the Hellenic Psychoanalytic Society. She has worked as a therapist in psychotherapeutic centers in the USA and Athens. She possesses extensive teaching experience (in psychodynamic counseling seminars for mental health professionals and at the Technological Educational Institute of Patras). She has also worked in parent training schools and on various research projects. She has numerous presentations at conferences and educational and continuing education programs abroad and in Greece, as well as publications in scientific journals in Greece. She is a member of the British Psychological Society, the Hellenic Association of Social Workers, and the Hellenic Psychoanalytic Society. In her private practice, she treats a wide range of conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, self-awareness, generalized anxiety disorder, interpersonal difficulties, mood disorders, using psychodynamic psychotherapy and counseling as her primary therapeutic modalities.

Fragkoulopoulos Euaggelos is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist who maintains a private practice in Nea Filadelfeia. He graduated with honors from the Medical School of Naples in Italy and completed his specialization in endocrinology at the General Hospital "Red Cross". During his specialty training, he worked at the Children's Hospital "Agia Sofia" focusing on pediatric endocrinology. He has worked at the Garyfallidis Institute (KAT) on osteoporosis issues and at the General Hospital - Maternity "Elena Venizelou" on reproductive endocrinology matters. He has served as Medical Director at NovoNordisk, primarily involved in the design and development of clinical trials for new insulins and other medications in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. Additionally, he has served as Medical Director at Bristol Myers Squibb, focusing on research of new pharmaceutical formulations for Diabetes Mellitus and other therapeutic categories. Finally, he has participated in numerous international conferences and has conducted a substantial number of medical studies.

Eleonora Tsilimpakou is a Social Worker, graduate of Democritus University of Thrace, with postgraduate studies in Clinical Social Work with families and children from the University of West Attica. After completing her postgraduate studies, she trained as a Career Guidance Counselor at the Higher School of Pedagogical and Technological Education and completed a four-year training program in Gestalt Psychotherapy at the Gestalt Foundation Psychotherapy and Training Center. Additionally, she has been trained in coordinating parent groups by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as in the Healthy Relationship Building Program between the two genders. She possesses extensive professional experience as a Social Worker, having worked in both private and public sectors, including the Elderly Care Unit "Frontizo," the Adult Psychiatric Clinic "Agia Aikaterini," the 2nd Special Vocational Education and Training Laboratory (EEEKK) of Piraeus "Anixi," the Foster Care Service of SOS Children’s Villages, the 2nd Local Health Unit of Nea Filadelfeia, as well as the Day Center for Children and Adolescents of the Hellenic Society of Medical Psychology. As a Career Guidance Counselor, she has collaborated with the Career Office of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and since 2020 she has maintained a private practice in Agia Paraskevi, Attica, where she provides psychotherapy services in both individual and group settings.

Η Σηφάκη Μελιτίνη - Μελίνα είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, απόφοιτη Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, από όπου αποφοίτησε με άριστα, ενώ παράλληλα εκπαιδεύεται στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT) στο Κέντρο Εφαρμοσμένης Ψυχοθεραπείας και Συμβουλευτικής. Διαθέτει επαγγελματική εμπειρία σε Κέντρα Ψυχοθεραπείας ενηλίκων, όπου σήμερα εστιάζει κυρίως το θεραπευτικό της έργο, παρέχοντας ψυχοθεραπευτική υποστήριξη ενηλίκων, πραγματοποιώντας συνεδρίες ατομικής ψυχοθεραπείας, καθώς και ομαδικές συνεδρίες και θεραπεία ζεύγους. 

Παράλληλα, έχει προηγούμενη εμπειρία σε κλινικά και μη κλινικά πλαίσια ψυχικής υγείας, μέσα από τη συμμετοχή της σε αξιολογητικές και θεραπευτικές παρεμβάσεις.

 Επιπλέον, προσφέρει εθελοντική εργασία στο Υπνωτήριο Αστέγων των Γιατρών του Κόσμου, υποστηρίζοντας ευάλωτες ομάδες του πληθυσμού μέσω ανθρωπιστικού έργου.

Έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα εξειδικευμένων σεμιναρίων και επιστημονικών συνεδρίων, μεταξύ των οποίων:

• Θεραπεία Γνωστικού Ερεθισμού (CST) – Impact Hub Athens (2024)

• 1ο Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Έγκαιρης Παρέμβασης στην Ψύχωση (2024)

• 5ο Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Γνωσιακών Συμπεριφοριστικών Προσεγγίσεων σε Παιδιά και Εφήβους με θέμα «Σύγχρονες προκλήσεις σε έναν συνεχώς μεταβαλλόμενο κόσμο» – Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο (2023)

Σήμερα διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Χαλάνδρι, όπου παρέχει συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας σε ενήλικες, δια ζώσης και διαδικτυακά, κατόπιν ραντεβού. Προσφέρει επίσης συνεδρίες στην αγγλική και γερμανική γλώσσα.

Maurandrea Nota is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, PhD Candidate at the Medical School of the University of Athens, and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She works with adults and adolescents facing mental health challenges such as eating disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, addictions, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem, and others. Additionally, she supports parents in strengthening their role. Her approach is based on developing a therapeutic relationship in which the patient can safely and confidently understand and connect with themselves. Regarding her education, she is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the University of Crete with postgraduate studies in Addiction Treatment. She is specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy and concurrently specializes in the Treatment of Eating Disorders at Aeginiteio Hospital, where she also serves as a Scientific Collaborator in the respective Unit.

Kritsini Olga is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Chalandri. She is a graduate of the University of Crete and contributes articles to various scientific websites on topics of nutrition and wellness. She has extensive experience in a Dietetic Unit and an Endocrinology Clinic in Athens. Additionally, she has participated in and attended numerous conferences, workshops, and seminars.

Dr. Dermitzakis Stylianos is a Pathologist, founder and owner of the Premedicare Medical Center. He graduated from the Medical School of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" and holds a postgraduate degree in "Health Unit Management" from the School of Social Sciences of the Hellenic Open University of Patras. Within his specialty training, he served at the 1st IKA Hospital "Papadimitriou," the Regional General Hospital of Attica "Sismanoglio," as well as at the Military Fund Nursing Institution NIMTS. Additionally, he served as Head of Pathology at the Athens Bioclinic and concurrently was Director of Medical Services at Cross Border, providing medical coverage to medical tourism patients.

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.

Zaxarodimos Nikolaos is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, a doctoral candidate at the Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life of the Agricultural University of Athens, and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. He graduated from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and holds a master's degree in "Molecular and Applied Physiology" from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a research specialization in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Simultaneously, he collaborates with medical clinics, hospitals, and fitness centers, offering personalized nutrition programs and body composition analyses. His professional experience includes salaried practice at the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko," participation in research projects and scholarships within the framework of the "Research – Create – Innovate" initiatives, and active involvement with publications in international journals and conferences both in Greece and abroad. He also has experience as a lecturer and trainer for students, as well as extensive volunteer work in nutritional education activities. Furthermore, the specialist is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists and ACSM Exercise is Medicine Greece. Finally, at his dietetic office in Agia Paraskevi, he provides nutritional guidance for conditions such as diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, and muscle strengthening.

Mpaltas Ioannis is a General Surgeon with a private practice in Nea Erythraia. He specializes in Minimally Invasive, Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery as well as Colorectal Surgery. Additionally, he has expertise in modern proctologic surgery (hemorrhoids, anal fissure, pilonidal cyst). He has extensive experience in the effective and safe surgical management of obesity, hiatal hernia, digestive system disorders, and abdominal wall hernias. Furthermore, alongside his private practice, he collaborates with major private clinics in Attica, including Mitera, Athens Medical Group (Peristeri clinic), Mediterraneo, Doctor's Hospital, and Attiko Hospital.

Georgioudaki Natasa is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Marousi. She studied "Dietetics - Nutrition Science" at Harokopio University of Athens. After completing her undergraduate studies, she pursued a master's degree in "Applied Nutrition - Dietetics," specializing in "Nutrition and Exercise." Simultaneously, she completed her internship at major hospitals in Attica, such as the General Hospital of Piraeus "Tzaneio," "G. Gennimatas" Hospital, and the Children's Hospital "Agia Sofia," thereby gaining exposure to a broad range of clinical cases. She has experience collaborating with leading companies, scientific teams, and organizations in the health and wellness sector, as well as working with individuals seeking to improve their quality of life. She specializes in modern techniques and counseling for weight management in children, adolescents, and adults; nutrition during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause; eating disorders; health, wellness, exercise, and longevity coaching; nutritional management of allergies and intolerances; gastrointestinal diseases, particularly irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux; dyslipidemias; high blood sugar and insulin resistance; hypertension; and metabolic syndrome.

Η Κορίνα Πασχαλίδου είναι Κλινική Διαιτολόγος - Διατροφολόγος και διατηρεί το Διαιτολογικό Γραφείο Clinimed Nutrition στο Μαρούσι. Είναι απόφοιτη του Χαροκοπείου Πανεπιστημίου με Μεταπτυχιακό Δίπλωμα από την Ιατρική Σχολή του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης και ειδίκευση στην Κλινική - Ιατρική Διατροφή. Στην πτυχιακή της εργασία μελέτησε τη γενετική προδιάθεση της παχυσαρκίας και το ρόλο της φυσικής δραστηριότητας, συμμετέχοντας ως ερευνήτρια στη μελέτη NAFLD. Στα πλαίσια του μεταπτυχιακού της, ασχολήθηκε με τη δυσθρεψία σε ασθενείς με κίρρωση του ήπατος, σε συνεργασία με το Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Θεσσαλονίκης "Ιπποκράτειο". Έχει ειδικευθεί, μέσω του κέντρου διά βίου μάθησης του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, στις Διαταραχές Πρόσληψης Τροφής και στο Health Coaching για επαγγελματίες υγείας. Το έντονο ενδιαφέρον της για τη Διατροφογενετική (διατροφή βασισμένη στο γενετικό υλικό DNA) την ώθησε στο να λάβει πιστοποίηση από το Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών (ΕΚΠΑ), πάνω στις Εφαρμογές της Γενετικής στη Διατροφή Ακριβείας. Πραγματοποιεί ομιλίες σε αθλητικούς συλλόγους και σχολεία και διαθέτει επαγγελματική εμπειρία σε δεκάδες περιστατικά κλινικής διατροφής και διαχείρισης βάρους. Ενημερώνεται συνεχώς για τα νεότερα επιστημονικά δεδομένα στον κλάδο της διαιτολογίας - διατροφής.

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).

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.

Garzonis Spyros is an Internist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Cholargos. He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital for Chest Diseases of Athens "Sotiria". Additionally, he received further training in Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Foot at the Diabetology Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko," where he remained as a collaborator for over 10 years. He holds official specialization in Diabetes Mellitus. He has a particular interest and involvement in diabetes technology and insulin pumps. He has participated as a volunteer physician in a Doctors Without Borders - Greece mission in Zambia and in programs within Greece. Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Diabetological Association, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, the Hellenic Society for the Study of Diabetic Foot Disorders, the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine, and Doctors Without Borders - Greece.

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.

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".

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.