Health professionals for Obesity in Attica

Pantelis Athanasios MD, MSc (QMUL), FMBS, SCOPE Cert., FACS, is a General Surgeon with a private practice in Ilion. He specializes in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and holds two postgraduate degrees from Queen Mary University of London and the Medical School of Athens. He has received specialized training in laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery as well as in obesity and metabolic disease surgery, having trained at the prestigious Mohak centers in India and Ponderas in Romania as a fellow of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES). He has gained experience in hospitals in Greece and abroad, having served as a Consultant Surgeon in hospitals in Bucharest and India. Currently, he is a Consultant Surgeon at the Psychiko Medical Center and a Scientific Collaborator at the 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at the General Hospital of Athens "Hippocrates." He maintains an active research portfolio, is an author and reviewer for international medical journals, and regularly participates in international conferences and educational programs. His expertise includes minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic surgery), bariatric and metabolic disease surgery, as well as the modern management of abdominal wall hernias, digestive system diseases, and thyroid gland disorders. His approach is founded on consistency, scientific evidence, and respect for the patient.

Pantazis Xristos is a psychologist with a degree in Psychology from Middlesex University in the United Kingdom. In 2009, he attended an annual seminar at Aeginiteio Hospital titled "Clinical Psychopathology." His interest in the functioning of the subconscious led him, in 2011, to obtain a diploma in "Clinical Hypnotherapy" and later a diploma in "Advanced Practice in Clinical Hypnotherapy."

In 2020, he participated in the training program "Adult Educators Training," as well as the program "Management of Parental Separation - Divorce" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Since 2017, when he was licensed to practice as a psychologist, he has worked in his private practice, where he exclusively conducts individual sessions, addressing cases based on the personalized needs of each individual.

Mr. Pantazis states, “When someone arrives at a psychologist's office, they are often ready to approach the prospect of change in certain situations that concern them. In most cases, change arises through the adoption of a different way of thinking. Thinking is a form of listening – an internal listening. Who is the one speaking? Why do we listen to them? What are the reasons behind our actions or reactions to what we hear? To achieve a desired outcome, it is important to understand that the goal is to change the way we listen to ourselves.” If the way of thinking is repetitive and leads to specific outcomes, it is considered a mechanism.

In his office, you will observe these mechanisms and aim to negotiate or reconsider their usefulness. His invitation to clients is clear:

“Talk to me so I can negotiate with the one trying to be heard!”

Makrogianni Vitalioti Mariantzela is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as in Biothymia Clinical Hypnosis. She maintains a private practice in Peristeri. She is certified by the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. She is the Director of the Damala Foundation, a contributing writer, and has worked at KETHEA in action and street work, gaining extensive experience in Anxiety Disorders and addictions. Additionally, she attends numerous seminars on eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and holistic medicine as part of her continuous professional development.

Dr. Koutsaki Maria is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Kaisariani. She is undertaking postgraduate studies in Female Reproduction at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specializes in Gynecological Endocrinology, Thyroid Disorders, and Diabetes Mellitus. Additionally, she has extensive experience in conditions such as gestational diabetes, osteoporosis, calcium and vitamin D metabolism, Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, menstrual disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, metabolism, growth disorders, endocrine hypertension, adrenal diseases, pituitary adenomas, neuroendocrine tumors, and endocrine aspects of pregnancy. Furthermore, she has participated in numerous diabetes and endocrinology conferences both at the European and national levels, presenting clinical research studies and case reports aimed at continuous education and professional development in endocrinology. Finally, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association and the Hellenic Endocrine Society and is proficient in English, Italian, and German.

Kyriaki Sapalidou is a physician specialized in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with extensive experience in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal, rheumatological, neurological conditions, and chronic pain. She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Ioannina and is a member of the Hellenic Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (EEFIAP) and the European Board of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, recognized by the UEMS (Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes).

She has been practicing as a physiatrist since 2003 as an independent professional at her private clinic in Peristeri, where she is the scientific head of the physiotherapy department. Additionally, she practices medical acupuncture, having been trained and certified by the International Acupuncture Medical Association (ICMART).

She has served as the scientific director of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department in major private healthcare facilities, such as Metropolitan General and the "Lefkos Stavros" Clinic, while also gaining valuable experience in the public sector with training at prominent hospitals including the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos" - Polyclinic, the General Hospital of Attica "Sismanogleio," and the General Hospital of Attica KAT.

As part of her continuous professional development, she has attended over 30 educational seminars and training programs in Greece and abroad, and has published multiple scientific studies, actively contributing to research and the scientific community in her field.

Stefanakis Lykourgos is a Dietitian-Nutritionist with a private office in Chalandri. He holds a degree in Applied Dietetics from Canterbury Christ Church University and is an accredited member with ISAK level 1, after completing the educational program of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry, focusing on Anthropometry. He completed his internship at the Metabolic Self-Regulation and Wellness Center "Homeostasis S.A." He has also attended the specialized program "Sports Nutrition Specialist" by the Academy of Sports Nutrition and is a Scientific Collaborator at Exodos Fitness, where he provides dietary services to athletes. At his private office, Mr. Stefanakis offers a holistic approach to nutrition, combining scientific knowledge with personal interaction. By thoroughly studying the needs of each individual, he designs personalized nutrition programs based on the principles of balanced nutrition.

Stauraki Xristina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates her private practice in Chalandri. She holds a degree in Clinical Dietetics from Queen Margaret University Edinburgh. She has served as a Clinical Dietitian in a pathology clinic and, as part of her practical training, worked at the Athens Medical Center and in a Dietetic office. She is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists and has attended postgraduate seminars and conferences related to her specialty. At her Dietetic practice, she supports individuals seeking to enhance their well-being through healthier nutrition and daily habits.

Kolyviras - Tzivaniotis Stelios MMedSci is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Glyfada. He is a graduate of the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics at the Hellenic Mediterranean University of Crete and holds postgraduate degrees from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Pathology of Pregnancy and in Environmental Issues Management with Health Impacts. He completed his internship and worked as a Clinical Dietitian Nutritionist at IASO General Clinic. He has served as a Scientific collaborator in clinics and private medical offices, catering companies, and sports clubs as the responsible Dietitian Nutritionist. He participates in and attends seminars and conferences as part of continuous education and updating, considering it every professional's duty to stay continuously educated and informed on the latest developments in their field. Finally, he takes part in association lectures and writes articles for a range of scientific journals and websites.

Fountouli Nefeli - Maria is a Specialist in General and Family Medicine with clinical experience in managing chronic diseases, focusing on diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolism. She is certified by SCOPE (Specialist Certification of Obesity Professional Education) from the World Obesity Federation, with specialized training in the modern and scientifically validated management of obesity. Dr. Fountouli is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Crete and holds a Master's Degree in Leadership, Innovation, and Value-based Health Policies. She collaborates with the Diabetes Unit and Obesity Unit of a major private medical center and participates as a researcher in international clinical studies. She provides personalized, holistic care grounded in scientific evidence and a patient-centered approach, addressing both preventive and therapeutic needs in adults.

Zaxariadis Konstantinos is a Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. He holds a degree in Medicine and Pharmacy from the University of Craiova and has specialized in general medicine at the General State Hospital of Nikaia. Additionally, he continues to attend numerous national and international conferences to ensure his ongoing education. He is a member of the Hellenic Diabetological Association, the Hellenic Society of General Medicine, the American Diabetes Association, and the Hellenic Society of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Protection. The doctor has experience in blood pressure regulation, management of obesity and asthma, as well as smoking cessation assistance. Through his professional experience in major and renowned hospitals in Greece, he is capable of managing a wide range of conditions in his private practice.

Dr. Grammatikou Sofia, MD, PhD, is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Chaidari. She holds a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with a dissertation titled "Health Maintenance Intervention in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus." She is also a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Endocrinology at the Korgialenio-Benakeio General Hospital of Athens. Dr. Grammatikou manages cases across the entire spectrum of Endocrinology, with particular expertise in the management of gestational diabetes as well as type 1 and type 2 diabetes. She is specialized in monitoring diabetic patients using insulin pumps. The clinic is equipped with modern thyroid ultrasound technology. During a diabetic patient visit, a comprehensive clinical examination, neuropathy assessment, training on the use of injectable therapeutic treatments, and dietary guidance are provided. Finally, Dr. Grammatikou is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Endocrinological Society, and the Hellenic Diabetes Association.

Ο Φλώρος Χρήστος MSc είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπευτής και διατηρεί το γραφείο του στου Ζωγράφου (Γουδή - Αμπελόκηποι), προσφέρει υψηλού επιπέδου υπηρεσίες ψυχοθεραπείας, με απόλυτη εχεμύθεια και επαγγελματισμό. Βασισμένος στη γνώση και τη μεγάλη εμπειρία και εξειδίκευσή του, ο κ. Φλώρος Θ. Χρήστος μπορεί να συνεργαστεί μαζί σας για την αποτελεσματική αντιμετώπιση διαφόρων θεμάτων ψυχολογικής φύσεως, που δυσχεραίνουν την καθημερινότητά σας. Ο κ. Χρήστος Φλώρος ξεκίνησε τις σπουδές του στο Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο και συνέχισε τις σπουδές του στην Ψυχολογία, με μεταπτυχιακούς τίτλους σπουδών στην ψυχολογία της υγείας (MSc in Health Psychology) με διάκριση από το Πανεπιστήμιο Cardiif και UH Hatfield του Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου, ενώ είναι καταχωρημένος ως MSc Ψυχολόγος και κάτοχος άδειας ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος ψυχολόγου στην Ελλάδα. Είναι μετεκπαιδευθείς στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Κέντρο Εφαρμοσμένης Ψυχοθεραπείας και Συμβουλευτικής (μέλος του British Association for counseling and psychotherapy), καθώς και στη Κλινική Ψυχοπαθολογία στο Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο και την Ελληνική ψυχιατρική εταιρεία (Basic and Advanced) με διάκριση. Επιπροσθέτως, αποπεράτωσε με άριστα το μετεκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα εξειδίκευσης του Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστήμιου Αθηνών «Ιατρική Ψυχολογία», ενώ έχει συμμετάσχει σε πιστοποιημένα εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα που αφορούν στην διαχείριση διαζυγίου γονέων-παιδιών καθώς και στην προσωπική συμβουλευτική και τη συμβουλευτική γονέων. Μιλάει τρεις γλώσσες , αγγλικά γαλλικά και ιταλικά. Επιπλέον, έχει παρακολουθήσει εκπαίδευση από το Medical University of South Carolina πάνω στο μετατραυματικό στρες και τη γνωσιακή συμπεριφορική θεραπεία. Ακόμη, έχει παρακολουθήσει και εκπαιδευτεί στο ΗΜΙ (hypnosis motivational institute) της California USA, στο προκαταρκτικό πρόγραμμα σπουδών της κλινικής ύπνωσης. Έχει συμμετάσχει σε αρκετά επιστημονικά σεμινάρια και συνέδρια στην Ελλάδα και στο εξωτερικό. Στο βιογραφικό του περιλαμβάνεται το Σισμανόγλειο Νοσοκομείο Αμαλία Φλέμινγκ, το Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο, το εξειδικευμένο κέντρο ημέρας και κοινωνικού διαλόγου (ΠΕΨΑΕΕ), η ΜΚΟ "μαζί για το παιδί", το ιδιωτικό κέντρο υγείας και ευεξίας AURUM, κ.α. Ο Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπευτής κ. Φλώρος Θ. Χρήστος σάς περιμένει σε ένα φιλικό και ζεστό χώρο στην περιοχή του Ζωγράφου (Γουδή - Αμπελόκηποι), (και διαδικτυακά για όσους η απόσταση, η μετοίκηση σε άλλη χώρα η έλλειψη χρόνου ή οι επαγγελματικές υποχρεώσεις δεν επιτρέπουν τις δια ζώσης συνεδρίες), όπου προσφέρει υπηρεσίες ψυχοθεραπείας, με ενσυναίσθηση και σεβασμό για κάθε έναν από εσάς. Ειδικές τιμές είναι δυνατόν να γίνουν για φοιτητές και ευπαθείς ομάδες.

Skoulidi Virna BSc, MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Nea Ionia. She holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and has attended a clinical nutrition and dietetics seminar at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she possesses a master's degree in Nutrition, Public Health & Policies from the Agricultural University of Athens and in Nutritional Psychology from the CNP (Center for Nutritional Psychology). The specialist has worked as a Dietitian - Nutritionist at SALAS Catering Company and Fitpal Healthy Meals Company, as well as at the Elegance Aesthetic Center. Furthermore, she has worked in a Pulmonologist and Dietitian office, providing nutritional education to patients, body composition assessment, and designing individualized nutrition programs. Since 2016, she has been a contributor to magazines and websites related to wellness & fitness (Shape, Savoir Ville).

Iakovou Aleksandra is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist (MSc-CBT) who maintains a private practice in Nea Erythraia and collaborates with a psychotherapy center in downtown Athens. She studied Psychology at the University of Greenwich in England (BSc) and has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Additionally, she completed postgraduate studies in Health Psychology at the University of Lancashire in England. She has also completed the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. She completed her internship at "The Smile of the Child," where she provided psychological support to children up to 8 years old, as well as at "18 and Over," where she conducted sessions with individuals with eating disorders. Her focus is on the treatment of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, pain management, as well as enhancing self-confidence and changing behaviors that lead to the adoption of a balanced diet. Psychotherapy aids in self-recognition, as each person learns more about their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This is when the desired change begins.

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.