Health professionals for Obesity in Psychiko

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Prokopiou Maria is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist with private practices located in Mavili Square and Gerakas. She holds a master's degree in healthcare management from the Hellenic Open University and a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes Unit of the First Internal Medicine Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, at the General Hospital "Laiko". Additionally, she has attended Medical Acupuncture seminars at the International Postgraduate Acupuncture Center AcuScience. She possesses valuable professional and clinical experience in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapeutic management of endocrine gland disorders, specifically thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal glands, pituitary, and hypothalamus, as well as diabetes mellitus and obesity. She manages cases such as metabolic bone diseases - osteoporosis, female and male endocrinology, and hypertension. Finally, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Diabetology Society, and the European Society of Endocrinology.

Ο Δρ. Βούλγαρης Νικόλαος ΜD, MSc, PhD είναι Στρατιωτικός Ιατρός, Ενδοκρινολόγος - Διαβητολόγος και Διδάκτωρ της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Διαθέτει πτυχίο Ιατρικής από την Ιατρική Σχολή του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης και είναι απόφοιτος της Στρατιωτικής Σχολής Αξιωματικών Σωμάτων (Σ.Σ.Α.Σ.). Ειδικεύτηκε στην Ενδοκρινολογία, στο Ενδοκρινολογικό Τμήμα του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Αθηνών "Γ. Γεννηματάς", στην Α΄ Παθολογική Κλινική του Ναυτικού Νοσοκομείου Αθηνών και στην Α' Παιδιατρική Κλινική του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών του Νοσοκομείου Παίδων "Η Αγία Σοφία", όπου εκπαιδεύτηκε στην αντιμετώπιση περιστατικών παιδιατρικής Ενδοκρινολογίας. Επίσης, κατά τη διάρκεια της Ειδικότητας εκπαιδεύτηκε στην αντιμετώπιση Ενδοκρινοπαθειών και Σαχαρώδους Διαβήτη στην Κύηση στο Ενδοκρινολογικό Τμήμα του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου - Μαιευτηρίου "Έλενα Βενιζέλου" και στην αντιμετώπιση παθήσεων Εμμηνόπαυσης στο Πανεπιστημιακό Τμήμα Κλιμακτηρίου - Εμμηνόπαυσης της Β΄ Μαιευτικής και Γυναικολογικής Κλινικής του Αρεταιείου Νοσοκομείου. Μετά την ολοκλήρωση της Ειδικότητας ο Ιατρός εξειδικεύτηκε στη Γυναικεία Αναπαραγωγή, καθώς και στις παθήσεις Επινεφριδίων - Ενδοκρινικής Υπέρτασης. Είναι κάτοχος Μεταπτυχιακού Διπλώματος (MSc) ειδίκευσης "Έρευνα στη Γυναικεία Αναπαραγωγή" της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών (Βαθμός "Άριστα"), είναι Διπλωματούχος των Ευρωπαϊκών Εξετάσεων Ενδοκρινολογίας, Διαβήτη και Μεταβολισμού (Fellow of the European Board of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism), ενώ ολοκλήρωσε με "Άριστα" τη Διδακτορική του Διατριβή (PhD) και αναγορεύτηκε σε Διδάκτωρ της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Είναι Επιμελητής στο Τμήμα Ενδοκρινολογίας, Σακχαρώδους Διαβήτη και Μεταβολισμού στο Ναυτικό Νοσοκομείο Αθηνών (Ν.Ν.Α.), όπου αντιμετωπίζει περιστατικά που άπτονται του επιστημονικού πεδίου της Ενδοκρινολογίας και του Διαβήτη. Είναι επιστημονικός συνεργάτης της Μονάδας Ιατρικώς Υποβοηθούμενης Αναπαραγωγής (Μ.Ι.Υ.Α.) των Ενόπλων Δυνάμεων. Διαθέτει πλούσια ερευνητική δραστηριότητα με δημοσιευμένες εργασίες σε ιατρικά περιοδικά της διεθνούς βιβλιογραφίας και ανακοινώσεις σε ελληνικά και διεθνή συνέδρια. Είναι μέλος της Ελληνικής Ενδοκρινολογικής Εταιρείας, καθώς και των εταιρειών Εndocrine Society, European Society of Endocrinology (ESE), Εuropean Neuroendocrine Association (ENEA), European Young Endocrinologists & Scientists (EYES). Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στην πλατεία Μαβίλη.

Prokopiou Maria is an Endocrinologist with private practices in Mavili Square and Gerakas. She holds a postgraduate diploma in healthcare management from the Hellenic Open University and a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes Unit of the 1st Internal Medicine Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, at the General Hospital "Laiko." Additionally, she has attended Medical Acupuncture seminars at the AcuScience International Postgraduate Acupuncture Center. She possesses valuable professional and clinical experience in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapeutic management of endocrine gland disorders, specifically affecting the thyroid, parathyroids, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus, as well as diabetes mellitus and obesity. She also manages cases such as metabolic bone diseases - osteoporosis, female and male endocrinology, and hypertension. Finally, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Diabetes Association, and the European Society of Endocrinology.

Markada Al Xasount Aleksandra is a Dietitian practicing in Galatsi. She studied at the University of Hertfordshire and has worked as a Dietitian at the Cardiology Clinic of the University General Hospital "Attikon" and at Metaxa Hospital. She possesses extensive experience and manages issues such as the management of diabetes mellitus, obesity, eating disorders, nutritional counseling, clinical nutrition, and more.

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.

Oikonomou Nansy is a Specialist Pathologist and maintains private practices in Peristeri and Neo Psychiko, where she provides high-quality medical care. She has many years of experience and specialization in the field of pathology. She completed her specialty at the General Hospital of Attica "Sismanoglio," has served as a collaborator in the Oncology Clinic at the private clinic 'Iaso,' as well as in the Oncology Clinic of 'Hygeia' Hospital, managing a wide range of medical issues such as the nutrition of oncology patients. Additionally, she has served as a scientific collaborator in the Psychiatric Clinic "Panagia I Grigorousa," handling the management of pathological problems of psychiatric patients. Committed to the quality of healthcare, she is a reliable choice for those seeking meticulous medical care, including home care services, as she also undertakes home hospitalization cases upon request.

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.

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.

Manou Eirini is a Dietitian – Nutritionist, MSc, licensed to practice and maintains a private practice in Patima, Chalandri. She holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and a postgraduate degree in "Nutrition and Exercise" from the Department of Dietetics – Nutrition Science at Harokopio University. She has been trained in the management of eating disorders and obesity at the National Centre for Eating Disorders in the United Kingdom and the Educational and Treatment Center for Eating Disorders in Greece. She completed her internship at the General Hospital of Athens "Sismanoglio – Amalia Fleming" and began working as a Dietitian in the Nutrition Department of the hospital for 4 years, where she dealt with numerous clinical cases. Additionally, she collaborated for several years with various sports facilities and gyms, providing nutritional support and guidance to many athletes. She has extensive experience in the support of cases with eating disorders, regulation of body weight and metabolism, as well as clinical cases. She provides personalized nutrition services based on the needs and habits of her clients. Her goal is to educate and consequently promote the adoption of new, healthy eating habits by her clients, always placing particular emphasis on psychological support and empowerment through counseling. She has attended numerous conferences, seminars, and workshops related to nutrition, exercise, obesity, and psychological support. Her guiding principle is always nutritional and psychological support as well as a holistic and individualized approach for each person, taking into account their desires and lifestyle. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Dietetic and Nutrition Association.

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.