Dr. George Patoulis: “Through the Hippocratic philosophy, we connect the new generation of physicians with the timeless values of science, ethics and humanism.”
With the participation of medical students and professors from Greece and abroad, Hippocratic Week – Hippocratic School 2026 has commenced. This international institution, held under the auspices of the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic, highlights Greece as the birthplace of medical science and promotes worldwide the enduring principles and values of Hippocrates, the Father of Western Medicine.
The event has become an established institution and is co-organised annually by the Global Doctors Hippocratic Institute (GDHI), the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos, and other partner organisations, with the longstanding support of the Athens Medical Association (ISA). Its aim is to promote Hippocratic philosophy, medical ethics and excellence in Medicine.
Hippocratic Week is an international initiative of the Global Doctors Hippocratic Institute, first announced in October 2022 by the Institute’s President, Dr. George Patoulis, at the University of Melbourne’s Medical School, during the first Conference of Greek Doctors of the Diaspora. Since then, the initiative has evolved into an international institution fostering educational, scientific and cultural cooperation, with a particular focus on the new generation of physicians.
International Participation Centred on Greece’s Medical Heritage
This year’s event brings together medical students and professors from universities in Greece, the United States, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Syria, Palestine, Albania, Spain, Portugal and France, confirming the international character of the initiative and the enduring significance of the Hippocratic legacy as a common point of reference for the global medical community.
On the first day, participants had the opportunity to visit the Acropolis of Athens and the Acropolis Museum, experiencing first-hand the monuments and artefacts of ancient Greek civilisation. The visit highlighted the profound connection between Greek philosophy, scientific thought and the humanistic tradition, and the fundamental principles of Medicine.
The programme continued with a visit to the Hellenic Parliament, where the students and their accompanying professors were given a guided tour of the parliamentary premises, gaining valuable insight into the history and functioning of the country’s foremost democratic institution.
The Next Generation of Global Medicine Visits the Athens Medical Association
The first day of Hippocratic Week concluded with a visit by the students and young physicians to the offices of the Athens Medical Association, where they were welcomed by Dr. George Patoulis, President of the ISA and the Global Doctors Hippocratic Institute.
Dr. Patoulis guided the participants through the Association’s premises and briefed them on the mission, work and initiatives of the ISA in safeguarding public health, supporting physicians and improving healthcare services.
Particular emphasis was placed on the role of the new generation of physicians, the challenges they are called upon to address, and the need to combine scientific training with responsibility, empathy and respect for the human person.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for communication and the exchange of experiences, bringing young scientists closer to both the historical heritage and the contemporary mission of the medical profession.
Also present at the meeting were Dr. A. Polydorou, Secretary General of the GDHI, and N. Velonis, Head of International Relations of the GDHI.
Education, Cooperation and the Dissemination of Hippocratic Values Worldwide
The primary objective of Hippocratic Week – Hippocratic School 2026 is to connect the Hippocratic medical heritage with the needs and challenges of contemporary science. Through a comprehensive programme of scientific meetings, educational activities, presentations and visits, participants have the opportunity to expand their knowledge, exchange experiences and develop professional ties with colleagues from different countries.
The event’s central priorities include highlighting Hippocratic philosophy and medical ethics; promoting scientific excellence and humanism; strengthening cooperation among medical schools and healthcare systems; and showcasing Greece as an international centre of scientific knowledge, culture and health.
Hippocratic Week 2026 continues with scientific presentations and educational visits to the School of Medicine of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Department of Medicine of the University of Thessaly.
The next major destination is Kos, the birthplace of Hippocrates, where a ceremony will be held for students and young physicians to recite the authentic Hippocratic Oath, in a place inextricably linked to the history of Medicine.
