Health professionals for Smoking cessation in Kriti

Ranoutsou Georgia is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. She holds a degree in Sociology from the School of Social Sciences at the University of Crete and a degree in Psychology from the School of Social Sciences at MBS College. She has worked as a Psychologist in the private practice of Ioanna Niakaki, in the breast cancer organization, in the Psychiatric Clinic of Venizeleio - Pananio Hospital, and in the Oncology Clinic of the Regional University General Hospital of Heraklion. Additionally, she has worked as a Psychologist in the Pathology Clinic at the "ALLILEGGYIS" Alzheimer's Center and as a Psychologist - Sociologist at the Mental Health Center of Rethymno. In her practice, she addresses cases across the entire spectrum of psychology and mental health, with a specialization in couples therapy, depression, and anxiety and mood disorders.

Dr. Nikolaos Kakolyris is a Family Doctor and operates a private practice in Agios Nikolaos, Crete. He holds a Medical degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in General Medicine, completing his specialization in 2002 after passing the relevant exams in Athens. Throughout his professional career, he has served in various medical and administrative roles, providing specialized care and managing cases in both hospital and primary care settings. Dr. Kakolyris started his career as an auxiliary physician at the Dialysis Unit of Agios Nikolaos, Crete, and later worked as an Assistant Consultant in General Medicine at the General Hospital of Ierapetra until 2011, when he advanced to the position of Consultant in the National Health Service (ESY). On March 15, 2019, he was promoted to the role of Director and Head of the Emergency Department (ED) at the General Hospital of Agios Nikolaos (GNA), where he assumed full scientific responsibility for the department. In 2021, he was appointed Coordinator at the Local Health Unit (TOMY) of Agios Nikolaos, where he contributed to the organization and coordination of the COVID-19 vaccination center while retaining his responsibility for the Emergency Department. Additionally, he served as the Coordinator for the Education of General Medicine Residents at the Agios Nikolaos Hospital and participated in the development of the training program for the specialty. Dr. Kakolyris holds a Ph.D. from the University of Crete, with his doctoral thesis focusing on the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Primary Health Care and General Medicine. He has participated in numerous scientific studies and publications, several of which were published in international scientific journals and presented at international conferences. His research experience extends to collaborative projects, including the INTERREG 3 Greece-Cyprus initiative aimed at improving patient management in Health Centers with the support of new technologies. Furthermore, he was an integral member and Vice President of the Hellenic Primary Care Respiratory Group (HePCRG), which represented the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) in Greece. Dr. Kakolyris has contributed to many scientific actions, including the translation of guidelines for primary care respiratory diseases and smoking cessation approaches. He has also conducted educational activities, providing training to medical students, high school students, and conducting informational sessions on television regarding smoking and burn care. Holding certifications in Emergency Medicine (ALS Provider), as well as additional advanced training programs, Dr. Kakolyris remains an active member of the medical community and continues to contribute to the improvement of healthcare services in the Lasithi region, participating in various scientific and professional organizations.

Dr. Xatzinaki Kalliopi, MD, MSc, is a Specialist in General - Family Medicine and maintains her private practice within the "Mesogeios-Diagnostic Centers," located at Chryssostomou 74 and Knosou Avenue 69 in Heraklion, Crete. She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Patras and completed her specialization in General - Family Medicine at Venizeleio - Pananio Regional Hospital of Heraklion. She holds a postgraduate diploma specializing in "Vaccinations and Infection Prevention" and has extensive clinical experience in managing emergency and chronic cases. In her private practice, she provides high-level medical services, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of primary healthcare conditions affecting the entire family: management of infections, injuries, surgical and pathological cases, prevention and management of Diabetes Mellitus, Arterial Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, Osteoporosis, Obesity, Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, and other chronic diseases, smoking cessation, issuance of medical certificates and attestations, and a holistic approach to the geriatric patient. Additionally, she conducts home visits when deemed necessary. Finally, she actively participates in scientific conferences and educational programs, aiming at her continuous professional development and provision of optimal care to her patients.

Zourmpakis Tzon Kai Synergates is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Rethymno. He holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a postgraduate degree in Psycholinguistics. He is a certified psychologist by the Greek state, an established hypnotherapist, and a Master Hypnotist. He is a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society, a senior member of the Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists Association, as well as a member of the International Institute of Complementary Therapists. Through his work, he places special emphasis on resolving deeply rooted emotional beliefs and behaviors. He also focuses on the treatment and management of chronic pain, applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy practices combined with Regression Hypnotherapy and Counseling. Additionally, he teaches meditation and Tai Chi practices, as well as guidance on the application of mindfulness in daily life. These practices serve as tools both for those already on a journey of spiritual exploration and for those seeking simple and practical tools to improve their everyday life. The Psychologist, deeply valuing the importance of the therapeutic relationship, establishes relationships of trust and collaboration with his clients. Thanks to his extensive experience, he is able to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where individuals can feel accepted, heard, and supported.

Markatos Miltiadis is a Pulmonologist - Tuberculosis Specialist with a private practice in Chania. He holds a medical degree from the School of Health Sciences at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed the Hyperbaric Medicine program at the Naval Hospital of Athens. The doctor has a qualification in social clinical psychology of addictions from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Currently, he also serves as the head of a smoking cessation clinic and director of ERC (European Resuscitation Council) seminars in basic life support and automated external defibrillator use (BLS/AED). Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Pulmonology Society, the European Respiratory Society, the American College of Chest Physicians, the European Resuscitation Council, the Hellenic Cancer Society in Chania, and the European Union of Medical Experts.

Koutzoglou Despoina is a Pulmonologist - Tuberculosis Specialist and operates a private practice in Chania. She studied at the Medical School of the University of Bologna in Italy (ALMA MATER STUDIORUM UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA). Furthermore, she specialized at the Pulmonary Clinic of the General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases of Athens "Sotiria" and is a member of the Hellenic Respiratory Society and the European Respiratory Society. She also has clinical experience and training, and at her practice she manages pulmonary diseases such as respiratory infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking cessation, chronic cough, dyspnea, preoperative evaluation, among others.