With strong attendance and pronounced scientific interest, the forum organized by the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England, under the presidency of Ms. Eleni Vidali, was held at Boston College, focusing on the Greek Health System. The event featured as keynote speaker the President of the Athens Medical Association and of ELITOUR, Dr. Georgios Patoulis, and was attended by distinguished physicians, academics, students, and representatives of the Greek diaspora.
The event was opened by the President of the Federation, Ms. E. Vidali, who warmly welcomed the attendees and underscored the importance of strengthening the connection between the diaspora and Greece through initiatives that promote knowledge, collaboration, and the exchange of experience.
In his keynote address, the President of the Athens Medical Association, Dr. G. Patoulis, presented a comprehensive overview of the Greek Health System, highlighting its significant potential for further development and modernization, as well as the prospects for enhancing its quality and international outreach. Particular reference was made to issues concerning the Greek diaspora, such as facilitating the acquisition of a Social Security Number (AMKA) for expatriates, as well as to initiatives undertaken by the Athens Medical Association to upgrade health services and strengthen the sector’s outward orientation.
A notable contribution was made by Dr. G. Velmahos, Director of Trauma and Emergency Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, who provided a comparative analysis of the health systems of Greece and the United States. He also addressed the contemporary phenomenon of the “trauma pandemic,” highlighting international challenges in the field of emergency medicine.
The Secretary General of the Global Doctros’ Hippocratic Institute, Dr. A. Polydorou, presented the Institute’s activities, placing particular emphasis on the Hippocratic Week and the Hippocratic School—an initiative of Dr. G. Patoulis implemented annually in Greece and abroad, involving students from Greek and international universities, and promoting Hippocratic philosophy and medical education.
Of particular interest was also the presentation by Ms. E. Souter, Director of Reproductive Endocrinology in the Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Program at the MGH Fertility Center in Boston, who discussed contemporary developments in the field of reproductive medicine and the opportunities available at the international level.
From his side, the General Director of the Greek Health Tourism Council, Mr. P. Andreadis, analyzed the prospects of Greece as an ideal destination for Health and Wellness Tourism, emphasizing the coordinated efforts of ELITOUR, under the leadership of Dr. G. Patoulis, to establish the country as an international hub for medical tourism.
The maxillofacial surgeon specializing in head and neck surgery, Dr. I. Chatzistefanou, a member of ELITOUR, addressed the topic of dental tourism, presenting specialized cases and contemporary therapeutic possibilities in the field of maxillofacial surgery.
The event was moderated by pulmonologist and intensive care physician Mr. P. Moschovis, who contributed to fostering a substantive and productive dialogue between the speakers and the audience.
The forum concluded with a discussion and exchange of views, reaffirming the need for the continuous strengthening of ties between Greece, the diaspora, and the international scientific community in the field of health.
