Under the Auspices of the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic, with the longstanding support of the Athens Medical Association, and organised by the Global Doctors’ Hippocratic Institute, the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos and the Kos Medical Association.
In a distinguished and deeply moving ceremony held at the premises of the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos (DI.I.KO.), the revival of the Hippocratic Oath and the oath-taking ceremony of outstanding medical students and graduates from Greek and international medical schools took place as part of Hippocratic Week 2026, which comprised the Hippocratic School, the Scientific Symposium and the Oath-Taking Ceremony.
Due to the rainfall prevailing on Kos, the ceremony commemorating the revival of the Hippocratic Oath could not be held at the sacred site of the Asklepieion and was therefore transferred to the premises of the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos. Despite the change of venue, the ceremony retained its profound symbolism and emotional significance, highlighting the enduring connection between contemporary medical science and the values and principles of Hippocratic philosophy. Once again, it served as a reminder that ethics, knowledge and dedication to the human person remain at the heart of the medical profession.
The ceremony was organised by the Global Doctors’ Hippocratic Institute, the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos, the Municipality of Kos, the Athens Medical Association and the Kos Medical Association, under the auspices of the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic.
This year, Hippocratic Week, together with the Hippocratic School, commenced for the first time in Cyprus, with activities hosted by the medical schools of European University Cyprus and the University of Cyprus. The opening programme featured an international conference dedicated to health diplomacy and the demographic challenge, as well as the unveiling of a bust of Hippocrates, under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Cyprus.
The institution subsequently continued its journey through Athens, Larissa and Kos, bringing together 35 students and professors from medical schools at universities in Greece, the United States, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Syria, Palestine, Albania, Spain, Portugal, France and India. This broad international participation confirms the global reach of the institution and consolidates its role as a meeting point where the new generation of physicians engages with the timeless values of Hippocratic philosophy.
Dr. George Patoulis, President of the Athens Medical Association and the Global Doctors Hippocratic Institute, referred to the universal and enduring significance of Hippocratic philosophy, emphasising that Medicine is not merely a body of knowledge or a science, but above all a responsibility, an act of service and an expression of humanity.
As he characteristically stated, “Technology can make Medicine more powerful. Only ethics, however, can make it truly humane.” He thereby underscored the need for scientific progress to remain firmly aligned with respect for human life and the values embodied by Hippocrates.
Dr. Patoulis also emphasised the importance of establishing Kos, the birthplace of Hippocrates, as an international point of reference for medical ethics, knowledge and humanism. In this context, he highlighted the need to establish the oath-taking ceremony for outstanding medical students at the Asklepieion of Kos as an annual international institution, stressing that the Hippocratic legacy constitutes a heritage for all humanity and a responsibility entrusted to future generations.
Hippocratic Week continued with a two-day scientific symposium at the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos. Participants included presidents of medical associations from across Greece; presidents and representatives of medical schools in Greece, the United States, the United Kingdom and Argentina, including Manchester; as well as professors and internationally renowned speakers from various parts of the world.
Greetings during the ceremony were delivered by Theodosis Nikitaras, Mayor of Kos; Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynaecology N. Papantoniou, President of the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos, who also served as master of ceremonies; and K. Gavalas, President of the Kos Medical Association.
In his address, Professor Emeritus N. Papantoniou welcomed the students and professors to the birthplace of Hippocrates, the Father of Western Medicine. He highlighted the enduring significance of the Hippocratic legacy and the importance of disseminating its principles internationally. As he noted, Kos remains a landmark for the promotion of Hippocratic ideals, which extend beyond the boundaries of medical science and establish ethics, philosophy, humanity and respect for professional deontology as fundamental values of medical practice.
The Hippocratic Oath was recited in the ancient Ionian dialect by M. Chatziantoniou, while an English rendition was delivered by S. Douros, Secretary General of the Hellenic Medical Society of New York.
Earlier that morning, the conference sessions associated with Hippocratic Week took place, during which outstanding students from international universities attended significant presentations delivered by members of the Greek scientific and academic community.
Greetings were delivered by His Eminence Nathanael, Metropolitan of Kos and Nisyros; Theodosis Nikitaras, Mayor of Kos; M. Pagoni, President of the Panhellenic Medical Association; Dr. George Patoulis, President of the Athens Medical Association and the Global Doctors Hippocratic Institute; K. Gavalas, President of the Kos Medical Association; M. Klonaris, President of the Rhodes Medical Association; S. Axarlis, President of the Kos Pharmaceutical Association; D. Telli, President of the Municipal Council and of the A.E. Hippocrates; M. Parasidou-Toulanta, President of the Philitas Association; G. Geroulakos, President of the Association of Emeritus Professors; I. Trampa, the respected Imam of Kos; and N. Fanios, Governor of Kos Hospital.
Among those present was A. Polydorou, Secretary General of the Global Doctors Hippocratic Institute. Representing the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos were its President, N. Papantoniou; Vice Presidents S. Geroulanos and N. Manousis; Secretary General G. Ttalaros; and Treasurer F. Kalloudis.
Aegean Airlines once again served as the Official Airline Sponsor, supporting the air travel of the invited students and accompanying professors participating in Hippocratic Week – Hippocratic School.
