Q: Aristotle emphasized empathy, community, and responsibility. He believed that all communities aimed at some good. Does your Greek identity affect how you interact with patients and their families?
 

A: Absolutely—tremendously. The principles of medicine and the very practice of healing have been profoundly influenced for centuries by the wisdom of Greek philosophers. From Hippocrates, the father of medicine, we inherit the foundational guidance: first, do no harm. But Hippocrates also taught us much more—about the sacred relationship between physician, patient, and family, a trust that has endured for thousands of years. It is no coincidence that graduates of medical schools across the world still swear the Hippocratic Oath, following this ancient pattern of responsibility and care.

Aristotle, too, with his emphasis on virtue, responsibility, and the pursuit of truth, shaped not only philosophy but also medicine. His insistence that knowledge and science aim at the highest good resonates in our clinical work, reminding us that medicine is not merely about curing disease but about seeking truth for the benefit of the patient. In that sense, my Greek identity—rooted in this lineage—deeply informs how I approach my patients and their families: with empathy, with honesty, and with a sense of moral duty that extends beyond the self.

​

​

Q: How has your career in medicine changed how you view your own cultural roots or the Greek values that you carry with you?

​

A: If anything, the opposite has happened—the more I practice medicine, the more I rediscover and reaffirm my cultural roots and the timeless values of Greece. With years of experience, the principles handed down by our predecessors—ancient and modern alike—become even more vital.

The Greek philosophers instilled values such as compassion, kindness toward those who suffer, humility in recognizing one’s mistakes, and integrity in always placing the well-being of others above self-interest. These are not abstract ideals; they are living principles that shape my daily interactions. Practicing medicine has only deepened my appreciation for this heritage. It reminds me that I walk a path paved by those who, centuries ago, defined what it means to combine science with humanity, reason with virtue.
 

 

Q: As a pediatric oncologist, how do you define success? Is it your clinical outcomes, the relationships you build with patients, or something more internally fulfilling?
 

A: Success, for me, begins and ends with the patient. Clinical outcomes are, of course, essential, but survival alone is not enough. Success must be measured by both survival and the quality of that survival. Pediatric cancer is a unique battle—it never affects only the child, but the entire family who journeys with them through suffering and hope.

Thus, success means more than curing disease. It means helping a child and their family emerge not only alive but whole—physically and emotionally. It means doing everything possible to reduce long-term complications, so that children may live long, healthy, fulfilling lives. True success, then, is not only in defeating cancer, but in preserving dignity, joy, and the fullness of life beyond the illness.
 

 

Q: Plato believed that a combination of medical treatment and holistic care—emphasizing both body and soul—was crucial to healing. Do you agree with this outlook?
 

A: Yes, wholeheartedly. The holistic view of medicine is indispensable. Treating only the body without considering the soul, the psyche, and the emotional well-being of the patient is incomplete. Plato was right—true healing requires harmony of body and soul.

In oncology especially, the stress is overwhelming—not only the physical pain but also the psychological trauma. We must care for both dimensions. It is not enough to ease the suffering of the body; we must also ensure that patients emerge with as little emotional and mental harm as possible. Healing, therefore, is not simply about eradicating disease but about restoring balance, dignity, and peace within the whole person.