With profound symbolism and tangible outcomes, the two-day visit of Dr. George Patoulis, President of the Athens Medical Association and the Global Doctors’ Hippocratic Institute, to Rome concluded successfully.
A particularly significant highlight was the historic meeting with Greek physicians of the diaspora in Rome, who have been thriving in the Italian capital. During the visit, a delegation from the Global Doctors’ Hippocratic Institute was honored to be received by the board of the Rome Medical Association, the largest medical association not only in Italy but also in Europe, with over 50,000 members.
This meeting was sealed with the signing of Twinning and Cooperation Agreements between the Athens Medical Association, the Rome Medical Association, the Global Doctors’ Hippocratic Institute, the Association of Greek and Cypriot Physicians of Italy, and the Pan-Cyprian Medical Association. These agreements pave the way for joint scientific initiatives, collaborations, and support for Greek physicians abroad.
Dr. Patoulis’s presence culminated in a profoundly moving moment: the unveiling of a bust of Hippocrates at the offices of the Rome Medical Association. Among other remarks, Dr. Patoulis stated, “This symbolic act serves as a bridge between the historical legacy of Greek medical thought and the contemporary international medical community, timelessly promoting the values of scientific knowledge, ethics, and dedication to humanity. Greece, as a beacon of science and culture, continues to play an essential role on the international stage, leaving a substantive imprint. Guided by excellence, collaboration, and the universal values of Hippocrates, we unite nations, scientists, and cultures in joint actions for the benefit of humanity.”
He further expressed gratitude to the President of the Rome Medical Association, Dr. Antonio Magi, for their excellent collaboration, and to the President of the Association of Greek and Cypriot Physicians of Italy, Dr. Dimitris Varvaras, for his warm hospitality and dedication to promoting collaboration between the two countries.
On the invitation of the administration of the Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital of the Vatican, the second day of Dr. Patoulis’s visit to Rome was marked by a series of significant and symbolic actions. During this visit, homage was paid to Hippocrates, and the ties between Greece and Italy in the fields of health, education, and scientific diplomacy were further strengthened.
In an emotionally charged ceremony, the newly graduated physicians of the Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital were sworn in under the original Oath of Hippocrates. This event marked the beginning of their professional journey, inspired by the ethical values of medical science. The same ceremony featured the unveiling of the bust of Hippocrates, the father of Western Medicine, and the planting of the Tree of Hippocrates—symbolic gestures honoring the timeless ethics and philosophy of medicine, linking its past to the present and future.
The day culminated with the highly engaging symposium titled “Health and Diplomacy,” which underscored the importance of international collaboration in strengthening health systems, promoting peace, and shaping a more equitable and accessible global healthcare system. Scientific diplomacy was highlighted as a tool that unites nations and fosters collective progress. In his address, Dr. Patoulis emphasized the significance of health diplomacy as a cornerstone of international cooperation, underlining its crucial role in both safeguarding public health and fostering conditions of peace and stability in inter-state relations.
He also stressed that Greece, guided by the values of Hippocrates and emphasizing scientific excellence, remains a pillar of global prestige in medicine and innovation. Finally, Dr. Patoulis extended his gratitude to Professor Massimo Caneva, Head of the Department of Health and Diplomacy at Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, for his excellent coordination and impeccable organization of the event. He also thanked the hospital’s General Director, Mr. Paolo Sormani, Professors Gianpaolo Ussia, Massimiliano Carassiti, and Rossana Alloni, as well as the students for their warm reception and participation in this inspiring ceremony. Additionally, he expressed his appreciation to the Cypriot Ambassador to the Holy See, Mr. George Poulides, who contributed significantly to this joint effort and proudly supported this initiative from the start.
Through a representative of the Cypriot Embassy, Mrs. Despina Theocharous, Mr. Poulides thanked Dr. Patoulis and congratulated him on his leadership and vision that facilitated the initiation of cooperation with Campus Bio-Medico. He also praised the global promotion of Hippocratic values, which today provide a solid foundation for scientific exchange and the promotion of principles integrally linked to Christian values.
The Greek delegation included Vice President Dr. K. Pantos, General Secretary Dr. A. Polydorou, and Lecturer Dr. V. Polydorou of the Medical School at the European University of Cyprus, representing the Global Doctors’ Hippocratic Institute.
