Health professionals for Obesity in the Northern suburbs of Athens

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.

Trigonis Sotirios is a General Practitioner with a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, holds a postgraduate degree in Public Health from the National School of Public Health, and a postgraduate diploma from EKAB in Emergency Prehospital Medicine. He has extensive experience in managing emergency cases, home care, and treating patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity, while also implementing the Eurodiet medical weight management method. In addition to his private practice, he serves as an emergency and chronic disease management physician at the modern polyclinic of Alimos. Previously, he was the head of emergency cases at the Polyclinic of the Olympic Village and served as Scientific Director at the Health Center of Keratea. Furthermore, he continues to collaborate with numerous private clinics to date.

Dr. Panagou Maria MD is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains 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." In addition to her private practices, she is currently the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the Medical Diagnostic Center "Praxis Ygeias," and previously served as the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the South East Aigaion Clinic in Mykonos. Finally, Dr. Panagou has particular expertise in thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis.

Pyksara Souzana is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains her practice in Neo Iraklio. She studied at the Technological Educational Institute of Larissa and holds a professional license.​ Her career path led her to recognize the close relationship between psychology and nutrition, which guided her to specialize as a "Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders and Obesity" from the Center for Education and Treatment of Eating Disorders (KEADD).

Foteini Nika graduated from the Department of Science of Dietetics - Nutrition at Harokopio University in 2016. She continued her academic path by completing the postgraduate program in Applied Dietetics-Nutrition at Harokopio University, specializing in Clinical Nutrition, where she graduated with distinction. Her master's thesis focused on the development and validation of a predictive index for assessing the likelihood of vitamin D deficiency in a pediatric school-aged population. Interested in continuous education and training, she has completed additional postgraduate courses in the following areas: "Stress Management & Health," National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), "Eating Disorders," NKUA, “Advanced Dietary Management and the low FODMAP Diet in IBS,” King's College London, and “Online Introduction to Paediatric Nutrition for Health Professionals,” Monash University. She has attended numerous conferences related to her field over time and has also served as a speaker at conferences, seminars, and workshops. She maintains her dietetic practice in Nea Erythraia. Within the framework of her professional experience, she has managed numerous clinical and sports nutrition cases in both adults and children. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Dietitians-Nutritionists Association. 

Ms. Mamali Anastasia is a Psychologist, licensed to practice professionally, and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She holds a second degree in Greek Culture. She has completed postgraduate studies in Human Resource Management (MBA HR) and further training in Systemic and Family Psychotherapy. She has also completed a Continuing Education Program on the "Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Infants, Children, and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)" from the Hellenic Society for the Study of ADHD. She undergoes personal psychotherapy and supervision with a systemic orientation and has completed a two-year clinical internship in Systemic Family Psychotherapy. She undertakes psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and families facing difficulties, and also provides counseling sessions for parents and adolescents. Sessions can be conducted in person or online.

Piki Eirini works as a psychologist, psychotherapist, family therapist, lecturer and supervisor. She is a member of the ‘Greek Psychological Association’ as well as the ‘Hellenic Association of Systemic Therapy (HELASYTH). She has also obtained the European Certificate in Psychology (EuroPsy), and a work license as a psychologist (No. 5522/07). She completed her undergraduate degree (BSc) at the University of North London and her postgraduate (MA) and doctoral (PhD) studies at Goldsmiths University of London. Furthermore, she completed a training in individual, group and family psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relations. She has worked for several years in different contexts in the field of psychology, such as in prisons, nursing homes and orphanages. She has given lectures at Goldsmiths University of London (UK) and at Mediterranean College (Greece). Since 2002, she has taken part in several seminars, with the aim of informing either the laymen or specific groups, such as parents, teachers and/or mental health care professionals. Since 2005, she has been working in private practice at her office in Agia Paraskevi, Athens, as a psychologist-psychotherapist for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, as a group therapist, and also as a supervisor. Moreover, since 2005, she has been cooperating with a number of nurseries and, since 2012, she is in collaboration with the European Network of Women, which is an NGO dealing with issues of interfamilial violence and racial discrimination.

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.

Η Μαρκούση Μαριέττα είναι Κλινική Διαιτολόγος-Διατροφολόγος, απόφοιτη του Χαροκοπείου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών με μεταπτυχιακό τίτλο στην Αθλητική Διατροφή. Ασκεί το επάγγελμα του διατροφολόγου για τουλάχιστον 16 έτη. Από το 2013 διατηρεί διαιτολογική μονάδα στη περιοχή της Νέας Ερυθραίας ενώ από το 2020 διατηρεί ακόμα μία στην περιοχή της Νέας Φιλαδέλφειας.

Κατά την πρακτική της άσκηση, παρείχε διαιτολογική υποστήριξη σε πολλά δημόσια νοσοκομεία της Αττικής ενώ έχει εργασθεί και εθελοντικά με το νοσοκομείο «Ερυθρός Σταυρός», στην Ενδοκρινολογική Κλινική, στο τμήμα Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη & Παχυσαρκίας, στα πρώτα χρόνια της επαγγελματικής της καριέρας. Έκτοτε, έχει συνεργασθεί ως υπεύθυνη διαιτολόγος σε Ιδιωτικά γραφεία της Αθήνας. Το 2013 ίδρυσε το πρώτο διαιτολογικό της γραφείο στην περιοχή της Νέας Ερυθραίας ενώ το 2020 εγκαινιάστηκε η λειτουργία του γραφείου στη Νέα Φιλαδέλφεια.

Στην πολυετή πορεία της έχει συνεργασθεί με πολλούς elite αθλητές διαφόρων Εθνικών ομάδων και αθλημάτων (ενόργανη γυμναστική, ρυθμική γυμναστική, στίβος, επαγγελματικό μπαλέτο/ επαγγελματικός χορός, δρομείς μεγάλων αποστάσεων, καταδύσεις, κολύμβηση, καράτε, ποδόσφαιρο). Έχει συμβάλλει στην βελτίωση διατροφικών συνηθειών και της σχέσης του ανθρώπου με τη τροφή και το σώμα του (mindfulness). Με μεγάλη αποτελεσματικότητα, σε πλήθος ασθενών, συνεισέφερε στην βελτίωση κλινικών δεικτών. Ως προς τα περιστατικά με διαταραχές λήψης τροφής (ψυχογενή ανορεξία, ψυχογενή βουλιμία, υπερφαγία) εφαρμόζει τεχνικές διατροφικής συμβουλευτικής (γνωσιακή συμπεριφορική) προκειμένου να επιτυγχάνεται η έννοια της ισορροπημένης διατροφής βιωματικά! Άξονας του επαγγελματισμού της είναι η εξατομίκευση!

Τα γραφεία πλαισιώνονται και από άρτια καταρτισμένους συνεργάτες, πτυχιούχους Κλινικούς Διαιτολόγους- Διατροφολόγους του Χαροκοπείου Παανεπιστημίου. Μιας και η επιστήμη της διατροφής είναι μια συνεχώς εξελισσόμενη και ερευνητικά επικαιροποιημένη επιστήμη τόσο η ίδια όσο και οι συνεργάτες της φροντίζουν να επιμορφώνονται διαρκώς μέσα από μετεκπαιδεύσεις, συνέδρια και ομιλίες προκειμένου να παρακολουθούν όλα τα νέα επιστημονικά δεδομένα.

Thomopoulou Aleksia is a Dietitian - Nutritionist who operates two private dietetic clinics, located in the Marousi area and Neos Psychiko. She completed a postgraduate program in International and Public Health and Nutritional Program Design at the University of Westminster in London, having previously studied at the Department of Nutrition of the University of Surrey, United Kingdom. Her extensive professional experience is noteworthy, as she has worked as a Dietitian in hospitals, companies, medical centers, and associations across Greece. Specifically, she was employed in the Oncology Department of the Medical School of Athens at the General Thoracic Diseases Hospital "Sotiria," where she specialized in the nutritional support of patients with neoplastic diseases. Additionally, she collaborated with the Home Care company “Medella” as a Scientific Advisor on issues related to cancer and the nutritional support of oncology patients. Simultaneously, she voluntarily provided her services as a Dietitian for the Hellenic Society of Palliative and Symptomatic Care for Cancer Patients (PARI.SY.A.) and the cancer patients’ association "K.E.F.I." Finally, she has been a collaborator of the Gastroenterology Department of the Athens Medical Center and the "THORAX" Institute. Throughout her career, she has participated in conferences—many of which she has addressed as a speaker—focusing on the nutrition of oncology patients.

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.

Loukogiannaki Souzana - Human Kinetics is a Physiotherapist specializing in acupuncture and operates a private physiotherapy and biomedical acupuncture center in Pefki. She holds a physiotherapy degree from the Technological Educational Institute of Athens and completed a research postgraduate program in Exercise and Quality of Life at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science of Democritus University of Thrace. Furthermore, she was trained in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy using the McKenzie method at the Hellenic McKenzie Institute and has obtained certification in the Scenar - Cosmodic method from LET Medical Research Lab in the United Kingdom. Subsequently, she specialized in Biomedical Acupuncture at the Laboratory of Musculoskeletal and Respiratory Physiotherapy of the University of West Attica. She further completed advanced training in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. In addition, she has received certification in Therapeutic Exercise Health Qigong Ba Duan Jin and Taiji Eight Routines & Five Steps through a training program held at the Tai Ji Health Center of the Laboratory of Musculoskeletal and Respiratory Physiotherapy of the University of West Attica, in collaboration with the Shanghai Qiging Research Institute at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as in the Humantecar - Synergistic Healthcare Methodology. Previously, she worked as a Physiotherapist at the Creative Adult Employment Laboratory in Korydallos and as a lecturer in pedagogy and coaching at the Omega Vocational Training Institute. At the center, she manages cases encompassing the entire spectrum of acupuncture; it is noteworthy that she specializes in medical acupuncture, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Dalakoura Stella is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Chalandri. She holds a degree from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace and a Master's Degree in "Molecular & Applied Physiology" from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology-Diabetology in the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the General Hospital of Athens "Korgialenio-Benakeio" E.E.S. During her specialization, she also gained expertise in the management of patients using insulin pumps. In her practice, she handles cases covering the entire spectrum of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism. She is a member of the Hellenic Endocrine Society, the Athens Medical Association, and the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom. In 2022, she obtained the SCOPE certification from the World Obesity Federation, following a scholarship award from the Hellenic Endocrine Society.

Kiousi Katerina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains private practices in Paiania and Cholargos. She holds a degree in Nutrition Science from the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom and a postgraduate degree in Education and Public Health Promotion from King’s College London. Additionally, she holds a Diploma in Basic Clinical Practice and Health Investigation from seminars attended at the International Academy of Health Investigation, Brookwood. She has gained significant professional experience and currently serves as the scientific director of the dietetics center at Voulioukaleio Clinic in Aigaleo and as an External Associate of boarding schools. In her private practices, she provides comprehensive nutrition programs tailored to individual needs. Finally, she has attended numerous industry conferences and is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.

Η Λάσπα Έλενα είναι Ενδοκρινολόγος - Διαβητολόγος και διατηρεί το ιδιωτικό της ιατρείο στο Χαλάνδρι. Μέσω πανελληνίων εξετάσεων εισήχθη στην Ιατρική Σχολή Αθηνών το 1990. Μετά από γραπτό διαγωνισμό έλαβε και διατήρησε για όλη τη διάρκεια των σπουδών την υποτροφία του κληροδοτήματος "Αντωνίου Παπαδάκη". Μετά την αποφοίτηση της τον Ιούλιο του 1996 εκπλήρωσε την υπηρεσίας υπαίθρου, στην διάρκεια της οποίας πήρε απόσπαση για τις εφημερίες της στην μονάδα εμφραγμάτων του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Πρεβέζης. Εν συνεχεία ειδικεύτηκε για 2 έτη στην παθολογία ως προαπαιτούμενη εκπαίδευση για την κύρια ειδικότητα. Εξειδικεύθηκε στην ειδικότητα της Ενδοκρινολογίας στο Πανεπιστημιακό Νοσοκομείο Ιωαννίνων υπό τη διεύθυνση του καθηγητή Α.Τσατσούλη. Ολοκλήρωσε το τελευταίο τμήμα της την ειδικότητας στο St.Mary’s Hospital του Λονδίνου, όπου εξειδικέυθηκε στο υπερηχογράφημα τραχήλου και στις καθοδηγούμενες υπερηχογραφικά παρακεντήσεις όζων θυρεοειδούς αδένα. Παράλληλα με την κλινική της δραστηριότητα στο Λονδίνο, συμμετείχε σε ερευνητικά προγράμματα μελέτης της μεταβλητότητας παραγόντων κινδύνου για την εμφάνιση διαταραχής ανοχής γλυκόζης και αθηροσκληρωτικής νόσου. Μετά το πέρας της ειδικότητας παρέμεινε επιστημονικά ενεργή με την συμμετοχή της σε έρευνες του Πανεπιστημιακού Νοσοκομείου Ιωαννίνων για τον καρκίνο του θυρεοειδούς, για τις ανάγκες της οποίας ανέλαβε μεγάλο αριθμό παρακεντήσεων όζων θυρεοειδούς. Έχει συμμετάσχει ως κλινικός ερευνητής στην Διεθνή κλινική μελέτη Lantus HOE901/3505: ATLANTUS. Επίσης συμμετείχε ως ομιλητής σε πλήθος ελληνικών και διεθνών συνεδρίων. Διεθνή επιστημονικά περιοδικά έχουν φιλοξενήσει δημοσιεύσεις της. Το 2015 έγραψε το κεφάλαιο "Παραθυρεοειδείς αδένες και μεταβολισμός των οστών" στο διαδικτυακό πόνημα "Σύγχρονο εγχειρίδιο Ενδοκρινολογίας". Το 2016 έγραψε το κεφάλαιο "Pseudohypoparathyroid States" στην Εγκυκλοπαίδεια Ενδοκρινικών Νοσημάτων (Encyclopedia of Endocrine Diseases). Το 2019 ολοκλήρωσε το εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα «Health Coach» του Κέντρου Επιμόρφωσης και Δια Βίου Μάθησης του Εθνικού Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Είναι ένα πρόγραμμα το οποίο προσφέρει γνώσεις και εφόδια «προπονητή υγείας» ,ώστε ο ιατρός με μοντέλα ειδικής προσέγγισης και μεθοδολογίας να ενδυναμώσει τον κάθε άνθρωπο να αλλάξει βλαπτικές συνήθειες και συμπεριφορές και να επιτύχει τους στόχους υγείας που θέτει. Είναι μέλος της Ελληνικής Ενδοκρινολογικής Εταιρίας και της Ελληνικής Εταιρίας Μελέτης Μεταβολισμού των Οστών. Μετά από εξετάσεις έγινε δεκτή ως μέλος της Ευρωπαϊκής Εταιρίας Ενδοκρινολογίας, Διαβήτη και Μεταβολισμού (Fellow of the European Board of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism).

Meladaki Dimitra Kai Synergates is a Dietitian - Nutritionist maintaining a private practice in Nea Ionia. She holds a master's degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and a bachelor's degree in Dietetics - Nutrition Science from Harokopio University of Athens. Additionally, she has specialized in Obesity and Weight Management at the University of Glasgow. Throughout her career, she has provided voluntary dietetic services to the municipalities of Cholargos and Papagos, and currently collaborates with Harokopio University on research projects as well as with mednutrition to educate the public on nutrition-related topics. Furthermore, she is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists of Greece and has attended numerous conferences and workshops on Nutrition and Dietetics held in Greece.

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. 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.