Health professionals for Obesity in Attica

• Η Λούφα Θεοδώρα είναι Παθολόγος-Διαβητολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στην Καλλιθέα. Είναι απόφοιτη της Ιατρικής σχολής του Αριστοτέλειου Πανεπιστήμιου Θεσσαλονίκης και Διδάκτωρ στο Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών. Τελείωσε την 5ετή εκπαίδευση στην Κλινική της Παθολογικής Φυσιολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών του ΛαΪκού Νοσοκομείου. Υπηρέτησε από 9/3/2001 ως επιμελήτρια & Διευθύντρια από το 2016 έως το 2023 στο Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Ασκληπιείο Βούλας ως ειδικός παθολόγος & από το 2008 έως 2023 επιστημονικά υπεύθυνος του εξωτερικού Διαβητολογικού Ιατρείου αυτού. Επιπλέον διετέλεσε από 1992 έως 1997 Διευθύντρια στην Θεραπευτική Κλινική Αθηνών Συγγρού 202 Καλλιθέας.
• Επί 6ετία τακτικό μέλος στο Επιστημονικό Συμβούλιο του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Ασκληπιείου Βούλας.
• Διευθύντρια Σύνταξης στο περιοδικό «Ασκληπιειακά Χρονικά»
• Μέλος της Συντακτικής Επιτροπής του περιοδικού «Σύγχρονη Ιατρική Ενημέρωση-Current Medical Journal.»
• Έχει διατελέσει μέλος της Επιστημονικής Επιτροπής του περιοδικού «Ιατρικά Χρονικά»
• Μέλος Ελληνικής Διαβητολογικής Εταιρείας
• Μέλος της Eυρωπαϊκής Διαβητολογική Εταιρείας. EASD
• Μέλος Ελληνικής Εταιρίας Στρατηγικών Μελετών Διαβήτη (ΕΛΕΣΜΕΔ)
• Μέλος Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Μελέτης & Εκπαίδευσης Για τον Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη.
• Πρώην Δ.Ε.Β.Ε.
• Μέλος Ελληνικής Εταιρίας Εσωτερικής Παθολογίας
• Συμμετοχή στην Μελέτη «REDIT-2-DIAG» με τίτλο «Πανελλαδική Μελέτη Καταγραφής της Νεφρικής Νόσου σε Ασθενείς με Διαβήτη Τύπου 2» της Ελληνικής Διαβητολογικής Εταιρείας
• Παρακολούθηση πληθώρας Συνεδρίων. Συμμετοχή σαν ομιλήτρια και Προεδρεία Επιστημονικών Συνεδρίων.
• Συγγραφή επιστημονικών Άρθρων δημοσιευμένων σε έγκριτα περιοδικά που κατέχουν την εθνική αναγνώριση.
• Λόγω της επί σειρά ετών Νοσοκομειακής εμπειρίας της, έχει την ικανότητα της προσέγγισης και διαχείρισης όλων των νοσημάτων της Εσωτερικής Παθολογίας και της Διαβητολογίας.

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.

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. 

Zoi Viky is a General Practitioner and operates a private clinic in Exarchia. She specialized in General Medicine at Papageorgiou Hospital in Thessaloniki and received further training in Diabetes Mellitus at the Dietetic Association of Northern Greece (D.E.V.E). Additionally, she has completed postgraduate studies in Public Health at the National School of Public Health and training in Emergency Medicine at the National Emergency Aid Center. Finally, she possesses substantial clinical and scientific experience.

Denaksa Lena is a Psychologist and the founder - Scientific Director of the Counseling & Psychotherapy Center "Close to the Family" in Glyfada. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Synthetic Systemic Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relationships. Additionally, she has completed several postgraduate trainings in areas such as Cognitive Behavioral Drama (CBD), eating disorders, learning difficulties, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). She has extensive experience, having worked in various institutions and organizations, and continues to coordinate experiential parent groups in schools.

Pappa Lina is an Acupuncturist who operates a private clinic specializing in Acupuncture and Aesthetic Medicine in Agia Paraskevi. She holds a medical degree from the G. D'Annunzio Medical School in Chieti, Italy, with postgraduate training at the International Council of Medical Acupuncture and Related Techniques (ICMART) and at the European Cosmetic Academy of Chinese Acupuncture (Dr. Radha Thambirajah). The physician has extensive experience in pain management and aesthetic medicine and has also obtained relevant certification from the Italian School of Mesotherapy. Additionally, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Medical Acupuncture Society, and a founding member of the Hellenic Medical Mesotherapy Society.

Restart Coaching & Psychological Solutions was founded by Katia Petrocheilou and Evangelia Bakola and is based in Agia Paraskevi. The life issues they address concern common problems or crises that occur in ordinary people living ordinary lives. The creation of healthy and functional relationships, child-rearing, self-care and self-esteem, and career development are such life matters. To these are added less common life challenges, such as managing a chronic medical condition, handling a psychiatric diagnosis, or coping with a disability, which result in a complete and radical disruption of daily life. The scientific team at Restart is committed to providing the tools and techniques you need to successfully address both common and uncommon problems at every stage of life. Utilizing many contemporary as well as traditional proven methods (coaching, psychotherapy, EMDR, etc.), they offer you over 30 years of experience and a holistic approach that combines coaching, psychotherapy, EMDR, nutrition, and physical fitness improvement, ensuring that no issue remains unsolvable.

Maria Thliverou is a Mental Health Counselor and Psychotherapist, maintaining a private practice in Peristeri. She completed her studies in Counseling at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. Subsequently, she pursued a postgraduate seminar in learning difficulties and special education issues at the University of Ioannina. Additionally, she attended a postgraduate seminar in the design and coordination of psychoeducational groups at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling and a postgraduate seminar titled “Promotion of Mental Health in Children and Adolescents” at the University of West Attica. She has experience and specializes in self-awareness groups, individual therapy, and parent counseling.

Maria Kolia is an Internist with a private practice in Koropi. She is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a doctoral degree with honors from the same institution. She has specialized in diabetes mellitus at the Diabetes Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko" and has since been monitoring patients with diabetic conditions. Through her work at the IKA Koropi and the Municipal Clinics of Koropi, she has gained experience across the full spectrum of internal medicine, including infections, viral illnesses, etc. She has many years of professional experience and regularly attends conferences both in Greece and abroad to stay updated on developments in her field. Finally, Dr. Kolia is a member of the Athens Medical Association and the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine.

Haroula Tsatsani is a Psychologist, graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), and a Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, certified by the Institute of Relational and Group Psychotherapy (ISOPS). She is a member of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP) and the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA). She has successfully completed the Master's Program in "Clinical Management of Addictions" at the Athens Medical School and has extensive clinical experience in public and private mental health institutions. She has collaborated with Day Centers (Ariadni–KMOP, Galini–Prometheus), the Psychological Support Hotline 10306, primary and secondary education schools as a school psychologist, as well as hospitals such as "Evangelismos". Additionally, she has experience in the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunctions, as well as supporting children and adolescents in shelters for unaccompanied minors. Currently, she maintains a private practice in Mets, providing psychotherapy to adults and adolescents facing difficulties in interpersonal relationships, mental disorders, psychosomatic symptoms, addictions, and other challenges. Simultaneously, she collaborates with the psychotherapeutic center "Psychoplefsi" in Athens and the Konstantakou office in Western Attica. She holds a Professional Practice License as a Psychologist (7894/12.10.2016) and receives consistent supervision and training, continuously advancing her personal and professional development.

Evgenia Grypari is a Psychologist with extensive experience in the field of mental health, currently collaborating with the center “Charin Noiseos” in Moschato. She graduated from the Department of Psychology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Philosophy, while simultaneously attending the Hellenic Military Academy of Corps Officers (2009–2013). She later completed her Master’s Degree in “Mental Health and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry” at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2020–2022).

Since 2013, she has been serving as a psychologist in the Hellenic Navy, having worked in several mental health units such as the Psychiatric Clinic of the Naval Hospital of Athens, the Joint Center for Mental Health of the Armed Forces (414 SNEN), and the Naval Hospital of Salamina. She has also staffed the 24-hour National Helpline for Psychological Support and Crisis Intervention, and has served aboard a warship as a military psychologist, gaining valuable insight into the psychological challenges faced by personnel in operational environments. Additionally, she has held administrative and coordinating positions related to health and personnel management within the Armed Forces.

Evgenia Grypari participates annually in the selection and evaluation processes for candidates of the military academies and Armed Forces personnel. She has also completed internships at the Self-Help Promotion Program of Thessaloniki (supporting individuals in substance recovery) and at the Psychiatric Department of the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital.

Her clinical experience covers a wide range of cases, including:

• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Personality disorders and psychoses
• Relationship and marital difficulties
• Parental counseling and divorce management
• Perinatal and postpartum depression
• Eating disorders
• Adolescent issues and identity development
• Sexual disorders and sexual identity concerns

She has further training and specialization in:

• Child psychology
• Relationship and divorce management
• Art Therapy (Vera Vasarhelyi method) for children and adolescents (6–18 years)
• Children’s drawing interpretation
• Music therapy
• Eating disorders
• High-functioning autism

Her therapeutic approach is person-centered and integrative, aiming to provide a safe and supportive environment that fosters self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal growth.

Anastasopoulos Vasilis is an Internist at the General Hospital of Attica KAT with the rank of Senior Registrar and maintains a private practice in Nea Filadelfeia. He holds a Medical Degree and specialized in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Attica KAT and the General Oncology Hospital "Agioi Anargyroi," as well as in Diabetes Mellitus at the University General Hospital "Attikon." He holds a postgraduate diploma in Occupational and Environmental Health from the National School of Public Health. He has received further training in emergency pre-hospital medicine at the National Center for Emergency Care (EKAB), as well as in the 2nd Propaedeutic Internal Medicine Clinic of the University General Hospital "Attikon," focusing on lipid disorders and cardiovascular disease prevention. He has served as the scientific director at the Local Health Unit in Petroupoli and at the Health Center of Peristeri. He is a member of the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine, the Society for the Study of Risk Factors for Vascular Diseases, and the Hellenic Lipidology Society. As part of continuous medical education, he has attended numerous scientific conferences and has contributed to the writing of scientific papers.

Zagkalis Theologos is a General Practitioner providing online medical services. He is a graduate of the Medical School of Varna Medical University and holds a postgraduate specialization degree in Public Health from the National School of Public Health. He served as a salaried resident physician during his ten-month training for obtaining the General Medicine specialty at the Nea Makri Health Center and later at the General Hospital of Athens "Korgialenio - Benakeio" - Hellenic Red Cross. He has held the position of Assistant General Practitioner, grade B Registrar, at the Primary Health Care Center - Lavrio Health Center, and Assistant General Practitioner with the rank of NHS Physician, Registrar B, at the Primary Health Care Center - Nea Makri Health Center. Finally, from 2022 to 2025, he collaborated with Affidea in the 24-hour DrOnline program, a telemedicine platform offering consultations via text messages and video calls, and was responsible for conducting pre-insurance medical examinations for applicants on behalf of Ethniki Insurance.

Η Σταυρουλάκη Γεωργία - Μαρία είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Κολωνάκι. Είναι κάτοχος διδακτορικού τίτλου (PsychD) στη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχολογία από το University of Roehampton στο Λονδίνο, αναγνωρισμένο από τη British Psychological Society. Η διδακτορική της διατριβή επικεντρώθηκε στον ρόλο του ναρκισσισμού στον τρόπο με τον οποίο οι συμβουλευτικοί ψυχολόγοι διαχειρίζονται τον εαυτό τους στη θεραπευτική σχέση, ακολουθώντας μια συνθετική προσέγγιση που ενσωματώνει στοιχεία γνωσιακής - συμπεριφορικής και ψυχοδυναμικής θεωρίας. Έχει επίσης αποκτήσει Professional Certificate στις δεξιότητες Συμβουλευτικής από το The Hellenic Association of Continuing Education (THACE)), ενώ είναι απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου Κοινωνικών και Πολιτικών Επιστημών.

Από το 2016 έως σήμερα εργάζεται ως Ψυχολόγος στο Υπουργείο Παιδείας, παρέχοντας κλινική αξιολόγηση και ψυχο-συναισθηματική υποστήριξη σε μαθητές ηλικίας 4 έως 21 ετών, καθώς και ψυχοπαιδαγωγικές παρεμβάσεις στο σχολικό πλαίσιο. Παράλληλα, υποστηρίζει εκπαιδευτικούς, υλοποιεί σεμινάρια ευαισθητοποίησης και πρόληψης σε θέματα ψυχικής υγείας και διαφορετικότητας, συμβουλεύει γονείς και συνεργάζεται με φορείς όπως νοσοκομεία και κέντρα ψυχικής υγείας. Έχει εργαστεί ως ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και εισηγήτρια ψυχοεκπαιδευτικών σεμιναρίων στο ΠΑΙ.ΚΕ.ΨΥ, παρέχοντας αξιολόγηση και θεραπευτική παρέμβαση σε παιδιά με μαθησιακές και συμπεριφορικές δυσκολίες, καθώς και υποστήριξη σε γονείς. Στο Συμβουλευτικό Κέντρο του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης προσέφερε ατομικές συνεδρίες συμβουλευτικής σε φοιτητές, αντιμετωπίζοντας ζητήματα όπως άγχος, διαπροσωπικές δυσκολίες και μαθησιακές προκλήσεις.

Η επαγγελματική της εμπειρία στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο περιλαμβάνει τη συνεργασία με το Macmillan Bereavement Service στο Ealing Hospital, όπου παρείχε υποστήριξη πένθους σε ενήλικες, εφήβους και παιδιά, καθώς και με το Wandsworth Association of Psychotherapists και το Kid’s Company, προσφέροντας συμβουλευτική σε άτομα με άγχος, κατάθλιψη, διατροφικές διαταραχές και προβλήματα συμπεριφοράς. Επιπλέον, πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση στον ΟΚΑΝΑ Πειραιά, στο πρόγραμμα υποκατάστασης μεθαδόνης.

Στον ακαδημαϊκό τομέα, διδάσκει ως Καθηγήτρια Ψυχολογίας στο Aegean College από το 2022 έως σήμερα, σε προπτυχιακά και μεταπτυχιακά προγράμματα, ενώ στο παρελθόν διετέλεσε καθηγήτρια και υπεύθυνη προγράμματος Ψυχολογίας στο MBS Κολλέγιο Κρήτης, όπου δίδαξε πλήθος μαθημάτων και είχε ενεργό ρόλο στον συντονισμό και την ανάπτυξη του προγράμματος σπουδών.

Έχει συμμετάσχει ενεργά σε επιστημονικά συνέδρια και εκπαιδευτικά σεμινάρια, με εισηγήσεις σε θέματα όπως η ενίσχυση κινήτρων μάθησης, η διαφορετικότητα, ο σχολικός εκφοβισμός και οι ψυχοδυναμικές προσεγγίσεις στην αντιμετώπιση ψυχολογικών επιπτώσεων της πανδημίας COVID-19 σε παιδιά και εφήβους. Τέλος, έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων και σεμιναρίων σε τομείς όπως η ψύχωση, η δραματοθεραπεία, η υποστήριξη ευάλωτων ομάδων και ο αυτισμός.

Kalaitzi Myrto is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Nea Filothei. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as from the Department of Philosophy, Education, and Psychology with a specialization in Psychology at the same university. Subsequently, she pursued postgraduate studies in "Applied Clinical Psychology" at UCLAN University in England and underwent psychodynamic training in the diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults at DIKEPSY. She has worked as a Psychologist at KEDASY, in primary schools of the Chalandri municipality, and in a special secondary education school. Additionally, she has been employed at the Psychosocial Unit of the Samos Reception and Identification Center (KYT) of the National Public Health Organization (EODY) and at a center for therapy of children and adolescents. She possesses extensive experience with all age groups (children, adolescents, adults) and vulnerable populations. Finally, she has participated in numerous educational and scientific seminars, conferences, and workshops.

Drimala Panagiota is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipi. She studied at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the largest autonomous Endocrinology Clinic and Diabetology Center in the country, located at the "Evangelismos" hospital. There, she gained extensive experience in managing patients with diabetes mellitus. Additionally, she specialized in gestational diabetes and thyroid diseases during pregnancy at the "Alexandra" and "Elena Venizelou" hospitals. As part of her continuous professional development, she has attended postgraduate programs related to Human Reproduction, Childhood Obesity, as well as specialized training in Thyroid Ultrasound at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Renta Elisavet is a Dietitian-Nutritionist, graduate of Harokopio University of Athens. She holds a Master's degree in Applied Dietetics - Nutrition from Harokopio University, as well as a Certificate of Pedagogical and Teaching Competence. She conducts home visits and works as a Dietitian at the 2nd Municipal Clinic of the Municipality of Athens. She has served as an Instructor in the course "Practical (Healthy) Nutrition Advice" at the Lifelong Learning Center of the Municipalities of Zografou and Ilioupoli and has collaborated with gyms and the Department of Nutritional Education and Exercise of the Municipality of Palaio Faliro. Finally, she has attended numerous conferences and workshops aimed at continuous professional development in her field.