What inspired you towards neuroscience?
Neuroscience is a fascinating field and is included
among the top scientific areas of research. Νeurodegenerative diseases are
increasing and the latest scientific advances are a source of thrill and
inspiration. I found neuroscience really attractive from the very early years
in the Medical School and I wanted to serve this evolving groundbreaking field.
Why stroke?
A truly exciting combination of medical fields are
involved in stroke pathophysiology and dealing with stroke patients: Neurology,
Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, which are all in my interests. I believe that
this combination boosts stroke science to an unprecedented amazing scientific
area. In addition, stroke combines emergent incidents with a long palliative
care, which both aspects of clinical care are really interesting to me. Taking
also into consideration that the brain and cognition are the features that
distinguish man from the animal kingdom, exploring brain function through
stroke cannot leave anyone who loves neuroscience unmoved.
What have been the highs so far?
Starting my PhD studies in stroke science, publishing
my work in prestigious journals, participating as a speaker in European
Congresses, teaching of medical students, namely becoming a young member of the
large community of stroke scientists fills me with a lot of gratification.
Moreover, offering physical and mental comfort in chronic debilitating
patients, such as stroke patients, is a priceless daily reward; definitely a
source of happiness.
What have been the lows?
Too many hours of extra work has limited my leisure
time for both myself and my beloved ones. Moreover, compassion is not always
enough for your patient. Cure is demanded and you cannot always provide it.
How do you balance work life with the needs of
home life?
With a huge amount of patience and understanding of my
family! I try to spend quality time with those who I care. I also try every
once in a while to do some sports as I was a former 100 metres sprinter. It
really helps me to relax from work and devote myself to my family.
Who are your most important mentors and how did you
find them?
Assistant Professor Dr Konstantinos Tzionalos, MD, PhD
(AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece) is the most important mentor
in my short scientific career. Dr Tziomalos with a specialty in cardiovascular
diseases and stroke was one of my professors in Internal Medicine during my
studies in the Medical School. His hard work and passion for Medicine truly
inspired me towards his medical field. Despite his young age he has a
meritorious work to present and I am glad that I am part of his team since
shortly after my graduation from the Medical School. Dr Tziomalos, a really
talented clinician, is one of the three-member committee of my PhD studies and
our excellent collaboration has grown me as a researcher. He is the first who
believed and recognized my potentials as a clinician and a researcher and gave
me the opportunity to develop my skills. I am really lucky and grateful for
this collaboration!
What are your most important collaborations and
how have you built them?It is quite difficult to answer this
question as I am in the very start of my scientific career. However, I am
tremendously privileged to have met in person the 2012 Nobel Laureate in
Medicine Sir John Gurdon for his contribution to the field of cell
reprogramming. Through my involvement with stroke research I was selected to
participate in the Biology and Medicine Seminar Lectures for young scientists
held by the Bodossakis Foundation in 2012 where Sir John Gurdon was an invited
speaker. I had the opportunity to discuss with him about my scientific work and
interests and get his valuable advice. Definitely not a collaboration but the
best is yet to come!
