Health professionals for Obesity in the Northern suburbs of Athens

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.

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.

Manolopoulou Thomi is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychoanalyst and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She studied Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and subsequently pursued postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology as well as in "Psychoanalysis and Social Field" at the University of Paris. Additionally, she has trained in Psychoanalysis at the Psychoanalysis School of the Lacanian Field Forums in Paris and is a member of the clinical training committee of the Athens Forum (Psychoanalysis School of the Lacanian Field Forums), serving as a lecturer and seminar facilitator. She has extensive clinical experience, having worked both in Greece and abroad in hospitals, NGOs, and other institutions, such as the Psychiatric Hospital of Prémontré in France (where she holds a position as Clinical Psychologist and seminar facilitator), the Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit of Château-Thierry Prisons, and the Reception Center for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Thessaloniki. Simultaneously, she provides supervision to trainee Psychoanalysts, Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Educators.

Artemis Kyrka, MSc., RD., is a registered Dietitian and founder of the online clinic WellPlate. She offers modern online dietetic services to patients of all ages, with the primary goal of changing their dietary behaviours and improving their relationship with food.

She works with cases such as weight management through intuitive eating programmes and behaviour change techniques, women's health, fertility, gut health, and paediatric & adolescent nutrition. She provides evidence-based and practical guidance tailored to each individual's needs.

She holds an MSc in "Women & Children's Health" from King's College London and has trained in diabetes clinics serving the general population, pregnant women, children, and young people at Guy's & St Thomas' Foundation Trust.

She brings years of experience from voluntary work in South Africa, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom, delivering nutrition and hygiene education to children from diverse populations. She collaborates with SLP, OT, IVF units, gynaecologists, and paediatricians, offering holistic and personalised care to her patients.

Her mission is to provide flexible, evidence-based nutritional support, empowering patients to transform their dietary behaviours and improve their relationship with food, enhancing their overall health and well-being.

Marinakis Euaggelos is an Internist - Health Coach, maintaining a private clinic in Chalandri, bordering Psychiko (Agia Varvara area of Chalandri). He studied Medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. With knowledge and extensive experience in internal medicine and ongoing education in health coaching, life coaching, behavioral psychology, and the fundamental principles of the Cognitive-Behavioral approach, Marinakis Euaggelos approaches the individual holistically and guides them with modern methods towards achieving their personal goals and aspirations in broader health and personal development matters. Well-being is an exciting challenge-goal in life, analyzed into physical and non-physical components, which include the individual, family, parenthood, and close or broader human relationships. Whether it concerns chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, bulimia, overeating, emotional eating, uncontrolled food consumption, cognitive restriction, and restrictive diets, psychogenic anorexia, or issues related to relationships and psychosocial aspects within the framework of health and lifestyle coaching, Marinakis Euaggelos possesses extensive training and experience.

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.

Manta Dimitra is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist with private practices in Kolonaki and Agios Stefanos. She completed her undergraduate studies in Business Administration at the University of Portsmouth and gained extensive experience working in human resources and organizational management departments. Through this path, she realized the crucial role that psychological needs play in everyday life as well as the importance of managing personality elements. Consequently, she specialized in Business Psychology and pursued postgraduate studies in Counseling and Psychotherapy at the University of East London. Psychotherapeutically, she works integratively, adapting her knowledge to the unique needs of each individual, with a priority on creating a stable and safe environment in which the client feels comfortable trusting their inner self. She has specialized in anxiety disorders, self-development, and healthy relationships, and through group work, focuses on assertive behavior, self-awareness, and emotional attachment. Finally, considering education to be a continuous process, she consistently engages in professional development by attending training programs, seminars, conferences, and workshops.

Kakoulidis Ioannis is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist maintaining a private practice in Nea Ionia. He holds a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a Master's degree in "Research in Female Reproduction" from the Medical School of NKUA. He specialized in Endocrinology at the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism of the General Hospital - Maternity Hospital of Athens “Elena Venizelou.” During his specialization, he focused on Pregnancy Endocrinology and Andrology, and received training in thyroid ultrasound. He has participated in conferences both in Greece and internationally and has been actively involved in the design and implementation of prospective and retrospective studies in the Endocrinology department, which have been subsequently published or presented in national and international journals and conferences. In 2019, he was awarded by the Hellenic Endocrine Society with the I. Giannatos Award for Best Research Work in Clinical Endocrinology. His practice manages cases covering the entire spectrum of Endocrinology, specifically: Thyroid - Parathyroid Glands, Gestational Diabetes, and Pregnancy Endocrinology.

Mpenetatos Nektarios MD is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains private practices in Koukaki and Nea Filadelfeia. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Internal Medicine at the 1st Internal Medicine Clinic of the General Hospital of Elefsina “Thriasio” and in Endocrinology at the Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes of the 1st University Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko". He has worked as an endocrinologist in the Endocrinology Unit of the Evgenidio Hospital and in the Clinics of Endocrine Disorders of Pregnancy, Menopause, and Osteoporosis, in the Reproductive Endocrinology Clinic, and in the Andrology Clinic of the General Hospital "Elena Venizelou". Finally, he is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Athens Medical Society, and the Hellenic Endocrinological Society.

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 Δρ. Μαριδάκη Χρυσούλα - Διδάκτωρ Ιατρικής Σχολής Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών MD, PhD είναι Παθολόγος - Διαβητολόγος - Διαιτολόγος - Διατροφολόγος με ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στα Βριλήσσια. Είναι Επιστημονικός συνεργάτης του Διαβητολογικού Κέντρου του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Αθηνών "Λαϊκό". Διατηρεί ιατρείο παχυσαρκίας, στο οποίο γίνεται διερεύνηση μεταβολικού συνδρόμου, ρύθμιση βάρους, λιπομέτρηση, μέτρηση βασικού μεταβολισμού, ρύθμιση λιπιδίων και δίδεται εξατομικευμένη διατροφή. Στο ιατρείο της γίνεται διερεύνηση και ρύθμιση υπερτασιακού ασθενούς, 24ωρη παρακολούθηση υπέρτασης (holter πιέσεως) και ηλεκτροκαρδιογράφημα. H Δρ. Μαριδάκη Χρυσούλα είναι Διδάκτωρ της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και έλαβε τον τίτλο της Ιατρικής Ειδικότητας της Παθολογίας το 2000. Εκπαιδεύτηκε στο γνωστικό αντικείμενο του σακχαρώδη διαβήτη, της παχυσαρκίας και του διαβητικού ποδιού στο Διαβητολογικό κέντρο της Α’ Προπαιδευτικής Παθολογικής Κλινικής του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και επί 7 έτη συμμετείχε στην εξέταση και παρακολούθηση ασθενών του Τακτικού Εξωτερικού Διαβητολογικού Ιατρείου, ασθενών του Ιατρείου Παχυσαρκίας , ασθενών του Ιατρείου Διαβητικού Ποδιού καθώς και Χειρουργηθέντων διαβητικών ατόμων. Παρακολούθησε και συμμετείχε στα μαθήματα και στις τακτικές βιβλιογραφικές ενημερώσεις του Διαβητολογικού Κέντρου και για 5 έτη είχε ενεργό συμμετοχή στις εργασίες του Τακτικού Εξωτερικού Ιατρείου Υπέρτασης, στην εξέταση και παρακολούθηση ασθενών του Εξωτερικού Υπερτασικού Ιατρείου, υπό την εποπτεία του Αναπληρωτή καθηγητή κ. Δ. Παπαδόγιαννη. Από το 2012 έως και σήμερα, παρακολούθησε και συμμετείχε στις εργασίες του Ιατρείου Διαβητικού Ποδιού της Α’ Προπαιδευτικής Κλινικής και Ειδικής Νοσολογίας του Διαβητολογικού Ιατρείου και του Ιατρείου Παχυσαρκίας. Το 2020 έλαβε τον τίτλο της Ιατρικής Εξειδίκευσης στον Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη κατόπιν εξετάσεων που διενεργήθηκαν από το Υπουργείο Υγείας στο Λαϊκό Νοσοκομείο. Έχει συμμετάσχει σε πολλά σεμινάρια, συνέδρια ελληνικά και παγκόσμια με γνωστικό αντικείμενο τον Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη και την Παχυσαρκία και στο γνωστικό αντικείμενο της Παθολογίας και της Υπέρτασης και έχει συμμετάσχει σε επιστημονικές ανακοινώσεις σε συνέδρια. Είναι συγγραφέας του βιβλίου με γνωστικό αντικείμενο την Υπέρταση "Η επιρροή της αρτηριακής υπέρτασης και της φαρμακευτικής αγωγής στην ποιότητα ζωής σε ασθενείς άνω των 65 ετών", που ανακοινώθηκε στο 21ο Πανευρωπαϊκό Συνέδριο στο Μιλάνο Ιούνιο 2011.Οι εξετάσεις που γίνονται στο ιατρείο είναι τεστ ανίχνευσης καλπροτεκτίνης στα κόπρανα για τη διάγνωση φλεγμονής εντέρου, τεστ ανίχνευσης αίματος (μη ορατού) στα κόπρανα για πρόληψη του καρκίνου του εντέρου, τεστ ανίχνευσης του ελικοβακτηριδίου του πυλωρού σε αίμα και κόπρανα, τεστ για λοιμώδη μονοπυρήνωση, καθώς και strep test για διάγνωση στρεπτόκοκκου σε πονόλαιμο. Παρέχεται γραμματειακή υποστήριξη για κλείσιμο ραντεβού και η δυνατότητα εξυπηρέτησης μέσω τηλεϊατρικής (μέσω Skype, Messenger, Viber, Face time, κλπ.). Τέλος, στο ιατρείο υπάρχει σύστημα συνεχούς καταγραφής του σακχάρου για μια βδομάδα (holter σακχάρου) και γίνεται επίσης εκμάθηση υπολογισμού των υδατανθράκων της τροφής.

Keydiet - Katerina Vamvouka and Associates are based in Chalandri. Katerina Vamvouka is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, graduate of Harokopio University and holder of a postgraduate degree in Public Health and Health Services Administration from the Medical School of the University of Crete. Since 2006, she has maintained a private dietetic office in Chalandri, while in the early years of her career, she served as the scientific head of the dietetic unit at the private hospital "Hygeia" and later at the rehabilitation and recovery center "Filoktitis," gaining extensive experience in predominantly clinical cases with specific nutritional needs. Subsequently, she decided to focus exclusively on managing obesity cases in both adults and children at her private practice, as well as providing counseling and proper guidance for balanced nutrition and exercise, thereby helping many people change their relationship with food and adopt healthier habits and lifestyles. In recent years, she established the Keydiet dietetic unit, where, together with a highly qualified team, she continues to provide dietetic services to an even broader range of cases. Together with her team and always prioritizing the individuality of people and their needs, she personalizes dietary and exercise instructions and strives, through proper guidance, to educate them to adopt a healthier dietary approach that they will maintain over a longer period.

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.

Maria Mantzourani is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with private practices in Nea Ionia and Nea Erythrea. She holds a degree from the Department of Dietetics - Nutrition at Harokopio University and a degree from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has over 10 years of experience as a Dietitian - Nutritionist, as well as an exercise and fitness consultant, having managed thousands of cases. She possesses expertise in body weight management for adults and children, offering personalized nutrition programs and specialized services for clinical cases (such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and others). Additionally, she has significant experience in regulating and improving metabolic rate and provides specifically tailored programs for pregnant and breastfeeding women, along with appropriate education and thorough information on their nutritional needs. Moreover, she designs programs tailored to the nutritional requirements of athletes, students, adolescents, and the elderly, offers individualized monitoring for cases of eating disorders, and monitors body composition through detailed anthropometric and body fat measurements. Finally, she is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists and other associations in Greece and abroad, and consistently attends conferences organized by the Medical and Pharmaceutical Association.