Health professionals for Obesity in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Kakoulidis Ioannis is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist maintaining a private practice in Nea Ionia. He holds a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a Master's degree in "Research in Female Reproduction" from the Medical School of NKUA. He specialized in Endocrinology at the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism of the General Hospital - Maternity Hospital of Athens “Elena Venizelou.” During his specialization, he focused on Pregnancy Endocrinology and Andrology, and received training in thyroid ultrasound. He has participated in conferences both in Greece and internationally and has been actively involved in the design and implementation of prospective and retrospective studies in the Endocrinology department, which have been subsequently published or presented in national and international journals and conferences. In 2019, he was awarded by the Hellenic Endocrine Society with the I. Giannatos Award for Best Research Work in Clinical Endocrinology. His practice manages cases covering the entire spectrum of Endocrinology, specifically: Thyroid - Parathyroid Glands, Gestational Diabetes, and Pregnancy Endocrinology.

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.

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.

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.

Sofias Aleksandros - Premedicare is an Endocrinologist, a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Following two years of training in the Internal Medicine Department of the 7th IKA Hospital and four years of work at the Aspropyrgos refinery clinic as an on-call physician, he specialized in the Endocrinology Department of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos". There, he actively participated in the Endocrinology Laboratory - Dynamic Testing Unit, the endocrinology clinic, outpatient clinics, and specialized clinics for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, pituitary disorders, diabetic nephropathy, and osteoporosis. He gained significant experience in adrenal gland diseases, pituitary disorders, and thyroid cancer. Additionally, he has taken part in numerous weekly interdisciplinary clinical case discussions and literature updates of the department, coordinated by Director Dr. Stylianos Tsagkarakis. Since then, he has participated in numerous conferences and has served as a reviewing physician for MedNet Greece SA, while continuing to provide high-quality services to his patients.

Segredou Markella is a Rehabilitation Physician with specialized training in the application of Medical Acupuncture. She is an instructor at the International Postgraduate Acupuncture Center and the Acupuncture Program of the University of West Attica for healthcare professionals. Since 2006, she has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Medical Acupuncture Society. Additionally, she has received training in the diagnosis and management of chronic pain in Milan, Italy (4th Montescano EFIC School), and has completed the Continuing Education Program in Algology offered by the Hellenic Algology Society - EFIC, as well as participated in the activities of the Pain Management Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital in Canada. She completed her medical specialty in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Attikon General Hospital of Attica KAT. She was trained in acupuncture application at the International Postgraduate Acupuncture Center (2002 - 2004) and subsequently at the International University of Chinese Medicine in Beijing (2005 and 2007), and has been involved with Medical Acupuncture since 2002. Notably, she played a decisive role in the establishment, organization, and operation of the outpatient pain clinic and its management with acupuncture and other methods at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic of the Attikon General Hospital of Attica KAT. Finally, she has participated in numerous conferences and workshops, delivering lectures focusing on pain and its management as well as the role of Medical Acupuncture in broader medical issues.

Kalliampakos Dimitris is a Military Doctor – Specialist in Internal Medicine and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. Simultaneously, he serves as the Deputy Director at the 4th Internal Medicine Clinic of "HYGEIA" (building 2). He is a graduate of the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and specialized in Internal Medicine at the University Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko." Subsequently, he served for several years as an attending physician at the 1st Internal Medicine Clinic of the 401 Military Hospital of Athens while also working for 8 years at the emergency outpatient medical company "SOS IATROI." Additionally, he received further training in Diabetes Mellitus at the Diabetology Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Hippokration" and is a regular member of the Hellenic Diabetology Society. He has extensive experience in managing infections, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, rheumatic diseases, chronic systemic diseases, geriatric patients, as well as home-based emergency outpatient care. Finally, preventive medicine is thoroughly practiced in the private clinic, where rapid tests, electronic prescription, electrocardiogram, and spirometry are performed.

Dr. Maria Livanou, PhD, MSc, Senior Lecturer, is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist specializing in child and adolescent therapy, with a particular emphasis on the psychodynamic approach. She has an academic background in the United States and the United Kingdom and holds an academic post at King’s College London (KCL). Her research focuses on child and adolescent mental health.

Her therapeutic approach is primarily grounded in psychodynamic therapy, aiming to understand deeper emotional processes and relationship patterns. At the same time, it remains individualized and holistic, responding to the unique needs of each child, adolescent, adult, and family.

During sessions, parental counselling and parent therapy are offered—from pregnancy through the early years of the child—along with support for families during early parenthood. Discussions may include topics related to early child development and the parent–infant relationship. She places particular emphasis on addressing communication difficulties, enhancing psychological well-being, building self-confidence, and improving social relationships.

She works with a wide range of issues concerning childhood and adolescence, including:

• Anxiety and anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic attacks)
• Phobias, separation anxiety, and attachment issues
• Depressive mood, depression, social withdrawal
• Adjustment difficulties and emotional distress
• Psychosomatic symptom
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulties in communication and social relationships, family conflicts, and adaptation to change (e.g., divorce)
• Grief and loss management
• Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns
• School-related difficulties, academic stress, and performance anxiety
• Issues of identity, self-image, and adolescent development
• Conduct problems, anger management difficulties, delinquent behavior
• Family counselling and therapy
• Neurodevelopmental difficulties (e.g., autism, ADHD)
• Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), developmental trauma, and adverse childhood experiences

Miliordou Kristi MBA, MSc, MBPsS is a Psychologist, Psychotherapist - Sports Psychologist - Psychotherapy for Adolescents and Adults and maintains a private practice in Marousi. She is a Psychology graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with further training in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at Aiginiteio Hospital and in Health Psychology, holds a Certificate in Psychology for High Performance Sports, and a Professional Diploma in Neurobiology and Psychology in Team Sports from Barca Innovation Hub, Universitas. Additionally, she has specialized in Health Unit Management, Sports Management, and Marketing. Currently, she works as an independent professional psychologist at her office in Marousi, as a Sports Psychologist at the Olympiacos BC Academy, and as an external collaborator-psychologist for employees through the company Hellas EAP. Furthermore, she participates in conferences related to Mental Health and has created the asynchronous seminar "Small Movements - Big Changes, The Beginning of a New Life," focusing on integrating exercise and movement into daily life.

Together with her colleagues at the office, they operate as a Team with continuous collaboration and supervision, offering scientifically substantiated and high-quality care.

Dr. Xarikleia Xristakou is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Vrilissia. She completed her studies at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She began her clinical and research career in the Endocrinology Department of the First Internal Medicine Clinic at Laiko Hospital in Athens and at the Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit of the Ευγενίδειο Therapeutic Institute, with a special interest in disorders of female reproduction and metabolism. She was awarded the title of Doctor of Medicine from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2014. Subsequently, she specialized at the First University Pediatric Clinic of the "Agia Sofia" Children’s Hospital, focusing on Pediatric Endocrinology. She continued and completed her specialization in Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism at the First Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine Clinic of Laiko Hospital. She is the author of scientific articles in reputable Greek and international journals and has contributed to the authorship of Greek and international scientific textbooks on Endocrinology. Additionally, she has participated as a speaker at Greek and international conferences. Since January 2022, she has been an academic fellow at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where she has been involved in clinical and teaching activities. Furthermore, as a member of the interdisciplinary team at the Center of Excellence for Neuroendocrine Diseases at the University of Athens at Laiko Hospital, she actively participates in Medical Board meetings, where interesting patient cases are discussed with the aim of accurate diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with neuroendocrine diseases. She also serves as an instructor in the postgraduate program "Endocrine Neoplasms".

Manta Dimitra is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist with private practices in Kolonaki and Agios Stefanos. She completed her undergraduate studies in Business Administration at the University of Portsmouth and gained extensive experience working in human resources and organizational management departments. Through this path, she realized the crucial role that psychological needs play in everyday life as well as the importance of managing personality elements. Consequently, she specialized in Business Psychology and pursued postgraduate studies in Counseling and Psychotherapy at the University of East London. Psychotherapeutically, she works integratively, adapting her knowledge to the unique needs of each individual, with a priority on creating a stable and safe environment in which the client feels comfortable trusting their inner self. She has specialized in anxiety disorders, self-development, and healthy relationships, and through group work, focuses on assertive behavior, self-awareness, and emotional attachment. Finally, considering education to be a continuous process, she consistently engages in professional development by attending training programs, seminars, conferences, and workshops.

Oikonomopoulou Eudokia - Evina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She completed her studies in dietetics at the University of Hertfordshire and Biology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she holds a Master Nutritionist in Autoimmune Disorders (EL.D.E.) from the Hellenic Nutrition Society. She has been trained in Genetic Counseling at the Center for Training and Lifelong Learning of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as in Health Coaching for healthcare professionals, and in Contemporary Applications of Sports Nutrition from Academy Life. Furthermore, she completed her internship at IASO. She is specialized in diet and nutrition and addresses a wide range of issues related to breastfeeding, sports nutrition, diabetes mellitus, nutritional counseling, obesity, metabolism, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Maria Giannakou is an Endocrinologist and operates a private practice in Vrilissia. She specializes in Diabetes and Metabolism and holds a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her doctoral thesis focused on chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and the nutritional and oxidative factors influencing its progression. She has extensive experience in university and hospital settings, having trained at the Center of Expertise for Rare Endocrine Diseases of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos," as well as in the 1st Oncology Clinic of the General Oncology Hospital "Agioi Anargyroi." Currently, she is a consulting endocrinologist at the Endocrinology Unit of the University of Athens and at Medifirst in Marousi. She is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom, and the Endocrinological Society, remaining actively informed of scientific developments in her field.

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.

Iliopoulos Dimitrios MD, PhD is a Specialist Internist - Diabetologist with a private practice in Marousi. He holds a PhD from the Medical School of the University of Crete. He has specialized training in diabetology and serves as a scientific collaborator at the diabetology center of the 2nd University Clinic at the General Hospital of Athens "Hippocratio". He is also an associate internist at the "Mitera" Hospital. His primary goal is a patient-friendly approach, thorough clinical examination, and timely diagnosis and management of medical issues. In a simple and explanatory manner, the patient will fully understand their condition, receive updates on the latest medical data, and have any questions addressed. The practice manages a wide range of conditions, including infections, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and hyperlipidemia (cholesterol). Preventive screening is also performed, including clinical examination and prescription of laboratory and imaging tests. Finally, the physician also provides health certificates for sports and work, as well as medical reports for use in the KEPA committees.

Η Τσόπελα Χρύσα είναι Ψυχολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στα Μελίσια. Είναι αριστούχος απόφοιτος του τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του University of East London και είναι μέλος του Συλλόγου Βρετανών Ψυχολόγων με τίτλο GMBPsS. Η ψυχοθεραπευτική κατεύθυνση που χρησιμοποιεί στην θεραπεία είναι η Συστημική - Οικογενειακή Ψυχοθεραπεία από το Εργαστήριο Διερεύνησης Ανθρώπινων Σχέσεων. Στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο παρέχει ατομικές, οικογενειακές και ομαδικές θεραπείες και συμβουλευτική σε ενήλικες και εφήβους. Aντιμετωπίζει πλήθoς περιστατικών όπως αυτοβελτίωση, άγχος, κατάθλιψη, αυπνία, πένθος, συγκρουσιακές και ενδοοικογενειακές σχέσεις, κακοποίηση, σχέση ζευγαριού, διαζύγιο, διαχείριση θυμού, περιστατικά διατροφικών διαταραχών, προβλήματα διατροφής και βάρους, συμβουλευτική γονέων, συμβουλευτική εφήβων. Επιπρόσθετα, παρέχει επαγγελματικό προσανατολισμό, σε εφήβους αλλά και σε ενήλικες που ενδιαφέρονται να κάνουν στροφή στην επαγγελματική τους ταυτότητα.Το επιστημονικό της ενδιαφέρον στις διατροφικές διαταραχές την ώθησε στο να εξειδικευτεί ως Master Practitioner στις Διατροφικές Διαταραχές και στην Παχυσαρκία από το Κέντρο Αντιμετώπισης Διατροφικών Διαταραχών και το National Centre for Eating Disorders της Μεγάλης Βρετανίας. Στα πλαίσια του να βοηθήσει περαιτέρω τους έφηβους άλλα και τους ενήλικες στις επαγγελματικές τους επιλογές και στην σταδιοδρομία τους, πιστοποιήθηκε ως σύμβουλος σταδιοδρομίας εφήβων και ενηλίκων από την Evalion, για την χρήση των ψυχομετρικών εργαλείων για επαγγελματικό προσανατολισμό και συμβουλευτική σταδιοδρομίας της EvCareer. Κατά την διάρκεια της καριέρα της εργάστηκε ως εκπαιδευτικός σε ιδιωτικά σχολεία όπου ασχολήθηκε με την διδασκαλία, την ψυχοκοινωνική διαπαιδαγώγηση και υποστήριξη παιδιών και εφήβων καθώς και με την συμβουλευτική γονέων. Έχει πραγματοποιήσει πρακτική στο Οικοτροφείο ΕΠΑΚΜΟΣ επικεντρώνοντας την επιστημονική της μελέτη σε θέματα Αυτισμού, Νοητικής Στέρησης και συνυπάρχουσων Ψυχικών Διαταραχών ενώ ταυτόχρονα συμμετείχε και ως μέλος της Διεπιστημονικής Ομάδας. Παράλληλα με το ιδιωτικό της γραφείο, είναι εξωτερικός συνεργάτης στον Οργανισμό Κοινωνικής Προστασίας και Αλληλεγγύης του Δήμου Βριλησσίων όπου ασχολείται με την ψυχολογική υποστήριξη ατόμων και την αντιμετώπιση διαφόρων ψυχοκοινωνικών προβλημάτων. Στο ίδιο πλαίσιο, είναι συντονίστρια της ομάδας συμβουλευτικής και ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης ατόμων με διαβήτη. Στο πλαίσιο της συνεχούς επιμόρφωσης και κατάρτισης της έχει παρακολουθήσει και παρακολουθεί πληθώρα εκπαιδευτικών σεμιναρίων.