The conference of the Hippocratic Week – Hippocratic School, organized by the Global Doctors’ Hippocratic Institute in collaboration with the Athens Medical Association and the Hellenic Medical and Dental Society of New England, was held with remarkable success and significant participation.
The event was held under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and took place at the Maliotis Cultural Center in Boston, in cooperation with the Medical Schools of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Department of Medicine of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Thessaly, the European University Cyprus, and the University of Cyprus, as well as with the participation of the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England.
The central theme of the conference was “The Meeting of Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, with the Medical Community of the Greek Diaspora in Boston,” highlighting the enduring connection between the Greek medical heritage, the contemporary scientific community, and the Greek diaspora.
The President of the Global Doctors’ Hippocratic Institute and the Athens Medical Association, Dr. G. Patoulis, both in his welcoming remarks and keynote address, referred to the Institute’s international initiatives and to the substantial role of Hippocratic Week as an institution that brings together students, universities, and physicians from around the world. He placed particular emphasis on the importance of this initiative for young doctors, noting that such actions foster scientific collaboration, the exchange of knowledge, and engagement with the timeless ideals of medical science. At the same time, he praised the important role of the Greek diaspora as a bridge connecting Greece with the international scientific community, while underlining the need for unity among Greek physicians wherever they may practice. Referring to the principles of Hippocratic Ethics, he stressed that respect for the patient, selfless service, devotion to science, and a humane approach constitute foundations that remain entirely relevant and indispensable in contemporary medical practice.
The opening of the conference was blessed by Fr. Vasileios Bembis, who conveyed the greetings and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
Greetings were delivered by the Deputy Minister of Health, Mr. M. Themistokleous, the Consul General of Greece in Boston, Mr. S. Tegos, the Vice President of the Hellenic Medical and Dental Society of New England, Mr. I. Glavas, the General Secretary of the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England, Ms. O. Fotou, the Executive Director of the Maliotis Cultural Center, Ms. C. Kourkounti, the Lecturer at the European University Cyprus and Coordinator of Hippocratic Week, Dr. V. Polydorou, as well as the Secretary General of the Global Doctors’ Hippocratic Institute, Dr. A. Polydorou.
The first session of the conference included significant scientific presentations by distinguished speakers, among them Dr. G. Patoulis, Dr. V. Polydorou, Dr. S. Kalis, Dr. A. Touroutoglou, MIT Professor K. Daskalakis, Dr. N. Makris, Dr. L. Georgoudis, and Dr. K. Psimopoulos, who addressed contemporary issues in medical science and innovation.
The second session was dedicated to Greek Culture and the Diaspora, featuring presentations by Fr. Vasileios Bempis, Ms. H. Kourkounti, Ms. E. Vidali, and Mr. I. Glavas, who emphasized the importance of preserving cultural identity and strengthening the ties between the Greek diaspora and Greece.
Of particular importance was the third session of the conference, which was devoted to presentations of the Medical Schools of Greece and Cyprus by the students participating in the program themselves. The students presented the English-language study programs offered by their universities, the academic and research opportunities available, as well as the prospects for international study and collaboration developing within the Greek and Cypriot academic environment.
Representing the Medical School of NKUA were the students Mr. S. Kefalidis and Ms. A. Adamopoulou; from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ms. H. Raptis and Ms. Y. Kara; from the Department of Medicine of the University of Thessaly, Mr. K. Georgakopoulos and Ms. A. Chatzimichail; from the European University Cyprus, Dr. V. Polydorou and the students Mr. K. Boukouvalas and Ms. E. Boukouvala; while from the University of Cyprus, Ms. N. Anastasiou and Ms. K. Zonia participated.
The medical community of Boston expressed satisfaction following the address of the Secretary General, Dr. A. Polydorou, who referred to the substantial and ongoing efforts of the President of the Athens Medical Association and the GDHI, Dr. G. Patoulis, toward resolving the issue concerning the facilitation of physicians of the diaspora. Thanks to these initiatives, Greek physicians living and working abroad are now able to return to Greece and practice their profession without the obstacles previously imposed by existing regulations. At the same time, the Athens Medical Association has established a dedicated support office for physicians from Boston, providing them with a designated space for hospitality and assistance, which they may visit for information, collaboration, and any necessary support.
A special section of the conference was devoted to the particularly critical demographic issue facing Greece. In this context, online interventions were delivered by obstetrician-gynecologist and Vice President of the Global Hippocratic Doctors Institute, Dr. K. Pantos, as well as by Genesis Athens attorney Ms. E. Sfakianoudi, who discussed the contemporary dimensions of the issue, its social and institutional implications, and proposals for its effective management.
The conference concluded with a particularly moving ceremony during which the students took the authentic Hippocratic Oath. The Oath was recited by the Lecturer at the European University Cyprus, Dr. V. Polydorou, while commemorative diplomas were awarded to the students by the Secretary General of the Global Hippocratic Doctors Institute, Dr. A. Polydorou.
The event reaffirmed the timelessness of Hippocratic thought, the strength of the Greek medical tradition, and the importance of cooperation among academic institutions, scientific organizations, and the Greek diaspora.
