General surgeon with experience in Obesity in Cholargos

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.

Mousiolis Dimitris MD, MSc, cPhD is a General Surgeon with a private clinic in Ilion. He graduated from the Medical School of Plovdiv University and obtained his specialty in General Surgery from the General Hospital of Athens "Elpis". He holds a postgraduate diploma in Liver - Biliary - Pancreatic Surgery from the Medical Department of Democritus University of Thrace and a Diploma from the Hellenic School of Mastology. Additionally, he has received specialized training in adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation, bariatric surgery, vascular access, sentinel lymph node biopsy, as well as in Laparoscopic & Robotic General Surgery. He specializes in the modern management of perianal diseases and has received specialized training in the minimally invasive treatment of perianal conditions (hemorrhoids, pilonidal cyst, perianal fistulas, anal fissures, condylomas) using specific surgical lasers (LHP, SiLAC, FiLaC) as well as in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease with the use of ultrasound. To date, he is a collaborating General Surgeon at the Medical Center of Athens, the Bioclinic of Athens, and the Affidea - Euromedical Group. He has published scientific articles in reputable international medical journals and participates in specialized medical events in Greece and abroad. Finally, the doctor is a member of the Medical Association of Athens, the Hellenic Surgical Society, the Hellenic Scientific Society of Robotic Surgery, the Clinical Robotic Surgery Association, as well as the European Resuscitation Council.

Ioanna Papadopoulou is a General Surgeon and maintains private practices in Cholargos and Glyfada. She performs exclusively laparoscopic surgery for benign and malignant conditions of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder and bile ducts, as well as all types of abdominal wall hernias. She received her Medical Degree from the “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi in 2012. She completed her rural service at the General Hospital of Messinia – Kyparissia Nursing Unit in 2013–2014. In 2021, she obtained her surgical specialty certification.

During her specialty training, she served at the 417 Army Fund Nursing Institution (N.I.M.T.S), where she specialized in advanced laparoscopic surgery for malignant colon diseases, obesity, reflux, and hernias, as well as thyroid malignancies. Additionally, at the Sismanogleio General Hospital of Athens, she participated in a large volume of colon and thyroid cancer surgeries. Considering that the present of surgery lies in laparoscopic and robotic techniques, she attended advanced laparoscopic seminars organized by ELPEN under the auspices of the Hellenic Surgical Society from 2016 to 2018.

In 2021, she completed further training in Surgical Oncology, earning a Master of Science (MSc) degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Finally, in 2023, she received additional training in the latest methods for managing complex diaphragmatic hernias and reflux at the Symposium on Innovation in Surgery in Malta.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Anna Georgiou BSc, MSc is a Dietitian-Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She holds a degree from the Dietetics department of Queen Margaret University in Scotland and a postgraduate degree in "Applied Dietetics and Nutrition" from Harokopio University of Athens. She has worked as a Clinical Dietitian at the Athens Medical Center, and currently, in addition to her private practice, she works as a Dietitian-Nutritionist at IASIS Medical Diagnostic Centers. Finally, she is a regular member of the Hellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists.

Synetos Dionysios is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Chalandri. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of East London, and has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling in Kallithea. He has completed an internship at the Alzheimer Day Center in Maroussi and has managed cases at the Psychogeriatric Society "Nestor" as part of his CBT internship and continues to volunteer there to this day. Additionally, he has worked privately with individuals with autism and currently works at the Day Center of PESOPSY in Vyronas.

Η Αλεξοπούλου Κωνσταντίνα-Μαρία είναι Ψυχολόγος-Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο κέντρο της Αθήνας, και στο Ψυχικό. Παράλληλα, εργάζεται σε Μονάδα Φροντίδας Ηλικιωμένων & Μονάδα Alzheimer, καθώς και στην μονάδα Έγκαιρης Παρέμβασης για την Ψύχωση του Ερευνητικού Πανεπιστημιακού Ινστιτούτου Ψυχικής Υγειινής. (ΕΠΙΨΥ, Χολαργού-Αθηνών. Είναι κάτοχος δυο μεταπτυχιακών, πιο συγκεκριμένα Msc Counselling Psychology/Psychotherapeutics και Msc Psychotherapy of couples and families, από το Πανεπιστήμιο του Λονδίνου. Επίσης, έχει ολοκληρώσει το εκπαιδευτικό Πρόγραμμα του Νational Center of Eating Disorders, στο Λονδίνο. Έχει εργαστεί για 5 χρόνια, στην μονάδα Διατροφικών Διαταραχών του εθνικού κέντρου Διατροφικών Διαταραχών (National Centre of Eating Disorders) στο Πρόγραμμα Ατομικής - Ομαδικής Θεραπείας - Eποπτείας Ψυχοθεραπείας Συστημικής Κατεύθυνσης και Φαρμακευτική Αντιμετώπιση των Διατροφικών Διαταραχών. Ακόμη, έχει εργαστεί ως Επιστημονικός συνεργάτης της Ύπατης Αρμοστείας ΟΗΕ σε ζητήματα εφήβων και ενηλίκων και στο Κέντρο Ελέγχου και Πρόληψης Νοσημάτων, και στον παρόντα χρόνο στο Οικοτροφείο Αλκυονίς Καπανδρίτι Αθηνών, και επιστημονική Υπεύθυνη στο κέντρο ψυχοκοινωνικής Υγείας Χαλανδρίου ''Θέτις'' Αθηνών, στο Ινστιτούτο ψυχικής υγείας παιδιών και ενηλίκων της ΕΨΥΠΕ, συνεργάτις Ειδικού Ιατρείου Ψυχικής Υγείας Γυναικών Ε.ΨΥ.Γ) στο Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο, πρόγραμμα Βραχείας ψυχοθεραπείας-παρέμβασης και αντιμετώπισης των ψυχικών διαταραχών γυναικών-παιδιών-νέων ενηλίκων με διαταραχές εξάρτησης από ουσίες στον ΟΚΑΝΑ, Γραμμή ψυχοκοινωνικής υποστήριξης ΟΚΑΝΑ, 1031, για τις διαταραχές συμπεριφοράς/ διαταραχές χρήσης ουσιών/ αλκοόλ ή και αυτοκτονική συμπεριφορά/ ιδεασμό, ενηλίκων εφήβων-παιδιών με ψυχωτικές διαταραχές/ διαταραχές ύπνου/ διατροφής, διαταραχές προσωπικότητας καθώς επίσης και εργάζεται σε βάρδιες, και είναι μέλος στην 24 ωρη γραμμή ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης 10306, μόνιμης πλέον υπηρεσίας του Υπουργείου Υγείας για θύματα βίαιων συμπεριφορών/άτομα με νοητικές διαταραχές/οικογενειακά θέματα φύλου/σχέσεων/γάμου/ ανεργία/ απασχόληση ,συμβουλευτική ζεύγους παιδιών, εφήβων, ενηλίκων για απασχόληση/ συμβουλευτική σε άτομα με σεξουαλικά προβλήματα, άτομα με διάφορα ψυχικά νοσήματα/ φοβίες κατάθλιψη κρίσεις πανικού, άγχος φοβίες, και εκφοβισμό σε ΛΟΑΤΚΙ+ άτομα/ με ψυχοσωματικές παθήσεις και είναι μέλος Θεραπευτικού Προγράμματος των εξαρτήσεων, ΙSSUP, και της επιτροπής για πρόληψη και αντιμετώπιση της Βίας ανηλίκων/ ενηλίκων στην Ευρώπη, European psychosocial group against bulling and Mental Health Resiliense' και του μη κερδοσκοπικού οργανισμού Μαζί για το Παιδί καθώς επίσης συμμετέχει ως συντονίστρια στις δράσεις και ομάδες υποστήριξης της γραμμής 11525, επιπλέον διατελεί και μέλος της διεπιστημονικής ομάδας στο Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο πραγματοποιεί διαδικτυακές/ οnline, και δια ζώσης συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας κατόπιν τηλεφωνικού ραντεβού. Είναι μέλος του Συλλόγου Ελλήνων Ψυχολόγων και της Ελληνικής Εταιρίας Συστημικής, Γνωσιακής- Συμπεριφοριστικής- Σχεσιακής-Διαπροσωπικής και Ψυχοδυναμικής-Ψυχαναλυτικής Ψυχοθεραπείας. Τέλος, έχει συμμετάσχει σε πληθώρα επιστημονικών συνεδρίων και έχει πραγματοποιήσει επιστημονική έρευνα σε θέματα Σχιζοφρένειας /Διπολικής Διαταραχής, Ψυχαναγκαστικής Διαταραχής Διαταραχών Μνήμης -Άνοιας- Θεραπείας/ Συμβουλευτικής Φροντιστών Αμεα/ ψυχωτικών χρόνιων ασθενών. Οικογενειακής Βίας - Θεραπευτικής Παρέμβασης σε Ζευγάρια/Οικογένειες και Ψυχο-εκπαιδευτικές Ομάδες Εφήβων-Παιδιών- Ενηλίκων, Εφαρμογές Ενναλακτικών Θεραπευτικών Μεθόδων στην θεραπεία χρόνιων παθήσεων και πόνου μέσω κλινικής υπνοθεραπείας-nlp coaching program certified INLPTA-ICCP. ΕCP GHR AGCPP IRC-Eyropsy Psychosocial health in addictions and trauma applied psychotherapy with hypnosis techniques and mindfullness stress relief time line treatment. NLPTA ISSUP-AGGPTI .

Aleksaki Sofia is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and a PhD candidate at École des Ponts ParisTech in France, with a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She specialized in Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus, and Metabolism at Venizeleio General Hospital of Heraklion, where she further specialized in Diabetology. She also has many years of clinical and research experience in Greece, the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium.

Welcome.

As the founder and lead physician of a private practice, my goal is to provide comprehensive medical care that combines rigorous scientific evidence with a patient-centered approach.

Education & Specialization: I am a member of the Swiss Medical Association and a graduate of Medicine with a Master of Science (MSc) in Social-Preventive Medicine and Quality in Healthcare from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. My clinical experience is multidimensional, having served in critical departments such as Internal Medicine, High Dependency Units (HDU), COVID-19 wards, and Emergency Departments (ER). Additionally, I hold International Certifications in Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) from the National Health Care Provider Solutions (NHCPS) in the USA.

Clinical Focus: Respiratory & Urinary Tract Infections, Metabolic Diseases & Obesity:

With extensive experience in treating obesity, I specialize in the management of patients with cardiometabolic risk factors. At our practice, we treat cases of both upper and lower respiratory tract infections, as well as urinary tract infections. We also manage patients across the full spectrum of cardiometabolic diseases and Chronic Condition Management, including: Arterial Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol Levels), Obesity. We offer personalized treatment plans that target the root of metabolic disorders, based on scientific evidence and a patient-centered approach.

Scientific Work & International Recognition: My commitment to medical science is reflected in my active participation in the international research community:

·       Medical Associations: Member of the Hellenic Medical Association, the European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM), and a member of the Swiss Medical Association (MEBEKO).

·       Research Activity: Author of over 60 publications and presentations at top-tier conferences, including the European Congress of Internal Medicine (ECIM).

·       Collaborations: Scientific Collaborator for the international AlliGatOr study (appendectomy outcomes) and Guest Editor for the American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research.

Panagiotakopoulou Xristina is a Psychologist - Systemic Family Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Papagou, where she provides individual sessions for adults, couples, and families. She studied Psychology at the Open University of the United Kingdom and subsequently specialized in Systemic Psychotherapy at SKEPSYS (Systemic Center for Training and Psychotherapy). Additionally, she has been trained in the Systemic Appreciative Approach, which is a method for exploring people's strengths, abilities, and resources. She has also received training in psychological support for children, adolescents, families, and communities in bereavement. She possesses notable experience as well as voluntary contributions, having collaborated voluntarily with SYNYPARXI to provide counseling support services. She voluntarily cooperates with the Municipal Polyclinics of Papagou - Cholargos to provide counseling support services and organizes and coordinates adult education groups aimed at their empowerment. Finally, she publishes monthly articles on relevant topics in the magazine Asfalistiki Agora.

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.