Ο Αθανάσιος Γκέκας είναι Χειρουργός Γυναικολόγος – Μαιευτήρας και από το 2010 ασχολείται αποκλειστικά με τη διερεύνηση και τη θεραπεία της υπογονιμότητας. Στο διάστημα αυτό έχει συνεργαστεί με τις μεγαλύτερες Μονάδες Υποβοηθούμενης Αναπαραγωγής σε Μ. Βρετανία και Ελλάδα.

Ο ιατρός αποφοίτησε από την Ιατρική Σχολή του Πανεπιστημίου Ιωαννίνων και απέκτησε την ειδικότητα του Μαιευτήρα – Γυναικολόγου στο Αρεταίειο Νοσοκομείο του Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. To 2008 ξεκίνησε τη μετεκπαίδευση του σε αναγνωρισμένα νοσοκομεία της Μ. Βρετανίας (Kings College Hospital, West Middlesex Hospital) και από το 2010 εξειδικεύτηκε σε προβλήματα υπογονιμότητας και στην εξωσωματική γονιμοποίηση στο διεθνούς φήμης νοσοκομείο Hammersmith του Λονδίνου.

Έπειτα, τη διετία 2012-2013 εργάσθηκε ως ειδικός σε προβλήματα υπογονιμότητας στο ιδιωτικό κέντρο υπογονιμότητας Create του Λονδίνου, το οποίο αποτελεί κέντρο αναφοράς στη Μ. Βρετανία για γυναίκες με χαμηλές ωοθηκικές εφεδρείες και για εξωσωματική γονιμοποίηση με φυσικό ή τροποποιημένο φυσικό κύκλο. Από το 2016 έως το 2019 εργάστηκε στο Πανεπιστημιακό Νοσοκομείο Λάρισας ως Ακαδημαϊκός Υπότροφος στην Γυναικολογική Ενδοκρινολογία-Υποβοηθούμενη Αναπαραγωγή.

Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γυναικολογικό ιατρείο στη Λάρισα από το 2014 έως και σήμερα.

Διαπιστεύσεις

1. Πιστοποίηση στο γυναικολογικό υπερηχογράφημα και στην υποβοηθούμενη αναπαραγωγή από την Βρετανική Εταιρεία Γονιμότητας (British Fertility Society).
2. Άδεια εκτέλεσης υπερήχων ειδικότητας Μαιευτικής-Γυναικολογίας από το Ελληνικό Υπουργείο Υγείας.
3. Πιστοποίηση στην κολποσκόπηση από την Ελληνική Εταιρεία Παθολογίας Τραχήλου και Κολποσκόπησης.
4. Εκπαιδευτής στο πρόγραμμα αντιμετώπισης επειγόντων μαιευτικών περιστατικών ALSO (Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics)

Η κ Μπουχλαριώτου Σοφία είναι Χειρουργός Μαιευτήρας-Γυναικολόγος εξειδικευμένη στην Ανθρώπινη Αναπαραγωγή και στη Γυναικολογική Ενδοκρινολογία. Η ολοκληρωμένη μετεκπαίδευση της στο Πανεπιστημιακό Νοσοκομείο του Aachen Γερμανίας καθώς και η επίσημη αναγνώριση του τίτλου εξειδίκευσής της από την Γερμανική Εταιρία Αναπαραγωγής (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Reproduktionsmedizin) την καθιστά μια από τους λίγους πιστοποιημένους ειδικούς στο χώρο της Υποβοηθούμενης Αναπαραγωγής. Είναι κάτοχος Διδακτορικής Διατριβής και διετέλεσε Λέκτορας στο Δημοκρίτειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θράκης.

Η ιατρός αποφοίτησε από την Ιατρική Ιωαννίνων το 2000 και έλαβε τον τίτλο της ειδικότητας στη Μαιευτική και Γυναικολογία το 2009 από το Πανεπιστημιακό Νοσοκομείο Αλεξανδρούπολης. Από τo 2009 εώς τo 2010 εργάστηκε ως Ιατρός σε θέση Επιμελητού στην Γυναικολογική-Μαιευτική Κλινική του St. Clemens Hospitale Sterkrade (Oberhausen, Γερμανία) υπό τη διεύθυνση του Καθηγητή Dr C. Böing με βασικό αντικείμενο τη Γυναικολογική Λαπαροσκοπική Χειρουργική.

Από το 2010 και για τρία (3) έτη εργάστηκε ως ειδικευμένη Ιατρός με καθήκοντα Επιμελήτριας στο Τμήμα Γυναικολογικής Ενδοκρινολογίας και Υποβοηθούμενης Αναπαραγωγής του Πανεπιστημιακού Νοσοκομείου Aachen Γερμανίας υπό τη διεύθυνση του Καθηγητή Dr J Neulen. Πρόκειται για μια από τις λίγες Πανεπιστημιακές Κλινικές της Γερμανίας με ιδιαίτερα έντονη δραστηριότητα στον τομέα τόσο της Υποβοηθούμενης Αναπαραγωγής, όσο και της Γυναικολογικής και Εφηβικής Ενδοκρινολογίας. Η ενεργή συμμετοχή της ιατρού στις εργασίες της κλινικής συμπεριέλαβε και ένα μεγάλο αριθμό ενδοσκοπικών χειρουργείων στα πλαίσια της διερεύνησης και θεραπείας της υπογονιμότητας.

Στις 23/05/2013 και κατόπιν επιτυχούς συμμετοχής στις απαιτούμενες εξετάσεις από τον Γερμανικό Ιατρικό Σύλλογο (Ärztekammer Nordrhein), έλαβε τον τίτλο της Ειδικού στην Υποβοηθούμενη Αναπαραγωγή και Γυναικολογική Ενδοκρινολογία.

Στις 20/1/2004 της ανατέθηκε η εκπόνηση Διδακτορικής Διατριβής στην Ιατρική Σχολή του Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλίας, με θέμα: «Συσχέτιση του κιρκάδιου ρυθμού της αρτηριακής πίεσης με τις διαταραχές της νεφρικής λειτουργίας, της λειτουργίας του αγγειακού ενδοθηλίου και της έκκρισης της μελατονίνης σε ασθενείς με προεκλαμψία», η οποία περατώθηκε στις 31-10-2008 με επίδοση άριστα (Επιβλέπων: Καθηγητής Νεφρολογίας κος Ι. Στεφανίδης).

Με την επιστροφή της στην Ελλάδα διορίστηκε Λέκτορας στο Δημοκρίτειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θράκης στις 16-12-2013 όπου και άσκησε τα εκπαιδευτικά της καθήκοντα ως το 2018.

Παράλληλα από το 2013 διατηρεί ιδιωτικό Μαιευτικό-Γυναικολογικό Ιατρείο στη Λάρισα, έχοντας καταξιωθεί ως αξιόλογος επιστήμονας στον τομέα της Υποβοηθούμενης Αναπαραγωγής στη Θεσσαλία.

Η ιατρός έχει εκδώσει επιστημονικές εργασίες δημοσιευμένες σε διεθνή και ελληνικά επιστημονικά περιοδικά και έχει συμμετάσχει σε μεγάλο αριθμό συνεδρίων στην Ελλάδα και το εξωτερικό με σκοπό την συνεχή ενημέρωσή της στον τομέα της Ανθρώπινης Αναπαραγωγής.

ΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΟΝΙΚΕΣ ΕΡΓΑΣΙΕΣ ΔΗΜΟΣΙΕΥΜΕΝΕΣ ΣΕ ΔΙΕΘΝΗ ΠΕΡΙΟΔΙΚΑ

1. Melatonin secretion is impaired in women with preeclampsia and an abnormal circadian blood pressure rhythm.
   Bouchlariotou S, Liakopoulos V, Giannopoulou M, Arampatzis S, Eleftheriadis T, Mertens PR, Zintzaras E, Messinis IE, Stefanidis I.
   Ren Fail. 2014 Aug;36(7):1001-7

2. Uterine prolapse in pregnancy: risk factors, complications and management.
   Tsikouras P, Dafopoulos A, Vrachnis N, Iliodromiti Z, Bouchlariotou S, Pinidis P, Tsagias N, Liberis V, Galazios G, Von Tempelhoff GF.
   J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2014 Feb;27(3):297-302. Review.

3. Endometrial cancer: molecular and therapeutic aspects.
   Tsikouras P, Bouchlariotou S, Vrachnis N, Dafopoulos A, Galazios G, Csorba R, von Tempelhoff GF.
   Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2013 Jul;169(1):1-9. Review.
4. Women with one ovary in assisted reproduction technologies: a review of the literature.
   Bouchlariotou S, Tsikouras P, Rösing B, Neulen
   J. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2012 Oct;286(4):1041-7.Review.
5. Fertility sparing in cancer patients.
   Bouchlariotou S, Tsikouras P, Benjamin R, Neulen J. Minim Invasive Ther Allied Technol. 2012 Jul;21(4):282-92.

6. Turner’s syndrome and pregnancy: has the 45,X/47,XXX mosaicism a different prognosis? Own clinical experience and literature review.
   Bouchlariotou S, Tsikouras P, Dimitraki M, Athanasiadis A, Papoulidis I, Maroulis G, Liberis A, Liberis V.
   J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2011 May;24(5):668-72. Review.

7. Prenatal assessment of arthrogryposis. A review of the literature.
   Dimitraki M, Tsikouras P, Bouchlariotou S, Dafopoulos A, Konstantou E, Liberis V.
   J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2011 Jan;24(1):32-6. Review.
8. Acute abdomen as initial presentation of gestational choriocarcinoma.
   Liberis V, Bouchlariotou S, Ammari A, Psillaki A, Ntatidou M, Sivridis E, Dislian V, Koutlaki N.
   Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2009 Nov;280(5):859-62.
9. Undiagnosed maternal phenylketonuria: own clinical experience and literature review.
   Bouchlariotou S, Tsikouras P, Maroulis G.
   J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2009 Oct;22(10):943-8 Review.
10. Nocturnal hypertension is associated with an exacerbation of the endothelial damage in preeclampsia.
    Bouchlariotou S, Liakopoulos V, Dovas S, Giannopoulou M, Kiropoulos T, Zarogiannis S, Gatselos G, Zachopoulos T, Kyriakou DS, Kallitsaris A, Messinis I, Stefanidis I.
    Am J Nephrol. 2008;28(3):424-30.
11. Gross calcification of the small bowel in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patient with sclerosing peritonitis.
    Poultsidi A, Liakopoulos V, Eleftheriadis T, Zarogiannis S, Bouchlariotou S, Stefanidis I. Adv Perit Dial. 2006;22:104-7.

Robert Najdecki  MD, PhD is  a Reproductive Gynaecology Specialist. His experience in diagnosis and treatment of fertility disorders, such as endoscopic surgery is long and extensive and includes more than 6000 stimulated cycles.

He graduated and received his medical degree from Medical School at the University of Warsaw in 1985 and his residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Solec University Hospital in Warsaw. He completed the reproductive endocrinology and infertility fellowship at The Genetic Department of Children’s Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw – Poland as a member of the IVF team in 1992. One of the most important achievements of his team/ led by Prof. Wisniewski / was the second baby birth through IVF technique in Poland.In 1989, he obtained his PhD in the University of Warsaw, with his dissertation titled “Evaluation of maturity of oocytes after stimulation through IVF method.” His dissertation includes studies of multiple medication protocols in order to induce ovulation, regarding the morphological maturity in human oocytes after collection. As a reproductive gynaecologist, he finds this experience in embryology to be a very crucial in the process of improving patients care. During these pioneering years, Dr. Najdecki was deeply involved in research for a “new method” for oocyte pick up. After many years of laparoscopic OPU, he successfully introduced the first vaginal, ultrasound guided oocyte pick up, which resulted in second IVF baby being born in the nation.This first success led the way to a new era in IVF techniques that goes on until today. He has also been active in fertility research, publishing on topics ranging from fibroids, endometriosis to ovulatory dysfunction and ovarian ageing.

After moving to Greece Dr Najdecki was appointed Scientific Director of “Iatriki Erevna” IVF Unit / Medical Research/Clinic in Thessaloniki (1988 – 2005). In  2005  Dr Najdecki joined the clinical team at “Embryolab” IVF Unit in Thessaloniki and spent 8 years supporting the team in egg collections, embryo transfers and endoscopic surgeries.

From 2013, Dr Najdecki is a founding partner, scientific director of Assisting Nature Assisted Reproduction Unit in Thessaloniki. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr Najdecki supervises the extensive research activities and academic ventures of the practice and he is currently holding the position of QMS director of the Unit.

Many years of intensive clinical practice and academic research have shown him the limitations of conventional IVF. He is not only a strong advocate of minimal stimulation IVF protocols (Natural, Minimal, UltraMini-IVF,) for indicated patients but is an accomplished surgeon for minimally invasive procedures as well. Dr.Najdecki still actively continues his clinical research and educational activity in the field of advanced office hysteroscopy for reproductive patients. At the same time, he is constantly pursuing the development of new medical devices, novel medications, and advanced diagnostic approaches.

Robert Najdecki is an active member of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

During his career, he has published over 25 scientific papers. He has led several large research studies and contributed to publications in top peer-reviewed fertility journals, including Fertility and Sterility and Human Reproduction.

In addition, he has appeared as guest speaker at numerous scientific meetings and conferences.

Current Research Interests

Dr Najdecki research interests include diminished ovarian reserve and AMH relationship, GnRh Triggering, Antagonist stimulation protocols, Office advanced Hysteroscopy for infertile patients, QMS in IVF Units, single embryo transfer, fertility preservation, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

Scientific publications, presentations, papers:

1. Papanikolaou E, Timotheou E, Tatsi P, Chartomatsidou T, Asouchidou I, Grynberg M, Vlachou C, Katsoula E, Najdecki R. Long-Antagonist protocol versus Classical-day-6 Antagonist. Single luteal use of long-acting GnRH-antagonist Degarelix can efficiently downregulate LH during ovarian stimulation for IVF achieving comparable pregnancy outcome. ESHRE Annual Meeting, Vienna 2019 (oral presentation)
2. Najdecki R, Choulaira F, Timotheou E, Tatsi P, Chartomatsidou T, Asouchidou E, Pakaki F, Bouchlariotou S, Humaidan P, Papanikolaou E. Single follicular degarelix, a new long acting GnRH-antagonist for LH surge suppression during ovarian stimulation in oocyte donors. A randomised controlled trial. ESHRE Annual Meeting, Vienna 2019 (oral presentation)
3. Timotheou E, Chartomatsidou T, Tatsi P, Katsoula E, Vlachou C, Stamataki S, Asouchidou I, Zafeiratis O, Najdecki R, Papanikolaou E. Cumulative Live Birth Rates (CLBR) in patients following Freeze-all policy are higher compared to patients who undergo fresh embryotransfer (ET) followed by frozen-thawed embryotransfers. ESHRE Annual Meeting, Vienna 2019 (poster presentation)
4. Papanikolaou E, Chartomatsidou T, Timotheou E, Tatsi P, Katsoula E, Vlachou C, Asouchidou I, Zafeiratis O, Najdecki R. In Freeze-All Strategy, Cumulative Live Birth Rate (CLBR) Is Increasing According to the Number of Blastocysts Formed in Women <40 Undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Front Endocrinol. 2019; 10 (427) https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2019.00427/full
5. Papanikolaou EG, Timotheou E, Tatsi P, Janssens H, Grynberg M, Athanasiadis A, Zafeirati C, Najdecki R, Petousis S. COMFFETI, Combined Fresh and Frozen Embryo Transfers per Indvidual: A New Index of Quality Control for the Performance of Embryologic Labs in The Emerging Era of Segmentation of Cycle and Freeze- All Strategy. Int J Fertil Steril. 2019; 12(4): 339-342 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30291697
6. Papanikolaou EG, Yarali H, Timotheou E, Grynberg M, Zafeiratis O, Tournaye H and Najdecki R. A Proof-of-Concept Clinical Trial of A Single Luteal Use of Long-Acting Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonist Degarelix in Controlled Ovarian Stimulation for In Vitro Fertilization: Long Antagonist Protocol. Front. Endocrine. 2018. 9:25. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00025     https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839166/
7. Papanikolaou EG, Yarali H, Timotheou E, Tatsi, P, Chartomatsidou T, Grynberg M, Zafeiratis O, Vlachou C, Tournaye H  and Najdecki R. Long-Antagonist protocol; single luteal use of long-acting GnRH-antagonist Degarelix can efficiently downregulate LH during ovarian stimulation for IVF. A proof of concept. ESHRE Annual Meeting, Barcelona 2018 (Award nominee)
8. Chartomatsidou T, Timotheou E, Tatsi P, Katsoula E, Zafeiratis O, Najdecki R, Papanikolaou E. In Freeze-all strategy Cumulative Live Birth Rate (CLBR) is increasing according to the number of blastocysts formed in women <40 undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). ESHRE Annual Meeting, Barcelona 2018
9. Papanikolaou E, Timotheou E, Tatsi P, Chartomatsidou T, Najdecki R. Long-Antagonist protocol; luteal administration of a single dose of Degarelix (long-acting GnRH-antagonist) for controlled ovarian stimulation. A new protocol for IVF. ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo, Denver, Colorado, 2018
10. Papanikolaou E. and Najdecki R. Role of Antagonists in human IVF: The tool for a safer and more patient friendly IVF. Handbook of In Vitro Fertilisation. 4th Edition. 2017. Edited by DK Gardner and C Simon. CRC Press
11. D.Kyrou, R.Najdecki, E.Pagou, E.Katsoula, E.G.Papanikolaou. Corifollitropin Alpha combined with GnRh agonist triggering appears to be safe and efficient option in oocyte donation cycles a prospective longitudinal study.Fertility&Sterility 2015:104;325-326
12. Chatziparasidou A., Elder K., Christoforidis N., Tsakos E., Najdecki R. (2007). “Seminal Plasma infections”. Poster presented at 23rd Annual Meeting, ESHRE. Lyon, France.
13. Chatziparasidou A., Christoforidis N., Tsakos E., Najdecki R. (2007). “Triplonuclear embryos in ICSI cycles”. Poster presented at 19th World Congress on Fertility and Sterility IFFS. Durban, South Africa.
14. R.Najdecki ,N.Plachuras, D.Lolis. Prenatal,first-trimester ultrasound detection of foetal chromosomal abnormalities. Polish Ultrasonography 6/3:1996;75-80
15. Najdecki R., Georgiou I., Lolis D. The thalassemia syndromes and pregnancy – molecular basis, clinical aspects, prenatal diagnosis. Ginekologia Polska (Impact Factor: 0.6). 09/1996; 69(8):664-8.
16. R.Najdecki, Recent trends K.Karypidis, A. PResent trends in the therapy of vaginal candidiasis. Ginekologia Polska 1994:64:234-236
17. L.Wiśniewski, A. Grześ, R.Najdecki. Therapeutic problems in the case of Premature Ovarian Failure. Ginekologia Polska 1989;60:9-11
18. A.Grześ, R. Najdecki. Human placental lactogen in early pregnancy. Human Reproduction 1992:8;183-184
19. R.Najdecki, A. Grześ.FSH, oestradiol and testosterone level in early pregnancy. Human Reproduction 1992:8;181-182
20. A.Grześ, R.Najdecki. Ultrasound imaging and hormones in women over age 40. Human Reproduction 1992:8;56-57
21. L. Wiśniewski, J.Jezuita, R.Najdecki, A.Kaplinski, A.Grześ Use of vaginal ultrasonography for Graafian follicle puncture in vitro fertilisation programme. Symposium on selected problems of pathology of reproduction and early development: Warsaw Poland 1988:32-37
22. A.Kaplinski, L.Wiśniewski, J.Jezuita, R.Najdecki, A. Grześ, W. Strzyrzewski. Endocrinologic and ultrasonic evaluation of patients with stimulated ovulation for in vitro fertilisation. Symposium on selected problems of pathology of reproduction and early development: Warsaw Poland 1988:17-20
23. A.Grześ, L.Wiśniewski, J.Jezuita, R.Najdecki, A.Kaplinski. Stimulation model evaluation in vitro fertilisation programme symposium on selected problems of pathology of reproduction and early development: Warsaw Poland 1988:14-16
24. A.Grześ, R. Najdecki, L.Wiśniewski.The follicle function using USG in the out-patient clinic. Satellite Workshop on IVF, embryo transfer and GIFT: Rhodes Island/ Greece 1988;45-47
25. A.Grześ, R.Najdecki, A. Strojecka. The application of natamycin in suspension in the treatments of blastomycosis in girls.European Congress of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology: Greece 1988:13-165
26. A.Grześ, R.Najdecki. The follicle punction using ultrasound scanning to the level of an out-patient clinic. Proceedings of the Symposium; In Vitro Fertilisation und Gametentransfer, Berlin 1988: 200-201
27. A.Grześ, R.Najdecki. The oocyte recovery by laparoscopy. Proceedings of the Symposium; In Vitro Fertilisation und Gametentransfer, Berlin 1988: 111-112
28. A.Grześ, R.Najdecki. Hyperstimulation of the ovaries. Proceedings of the Symposium; In Vitro Fertilisation und Gametentransfer, Berlin 1988: 77-78
29. L.Wisniewski, J.Jezuita, E.Piontek, A. Grześ, R.Najdecki. The IVF Programme in the Memorial Child Health Hospital in WarsawHuman Reproduction 1988:833
30. L.Wisniewski, R.Najdecki. The oocyte after stimulation in the IVF programme. Human Reproduction 1987:720
31. R.Najdecki, K.Maternicka, U.Bolesta. An assessment of the oocyte in the IVF programme. In Vitro Fertilisation Symposium, Warsaw, Poland 1987, Abstract Book 91-92
32. A.Grześ, R.Najdecki, Z.Bogoniowska, S.Mirowski. Hormonal parameters in the menstrual cycle assessment. Ginekologia Polska  10/1987;58:49-51
33. A.Grześ, R.Najdecki, Z.Bogoniowska, S.Mirowski. Studies on the interrelations between hormones of the I and II phase of the 28-day menstrual cycle. Ginekologia Polska 09/1987;57:1

Foteini Chouliara is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with a special interest in Reproductive Gynaecology.

She was awarded the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree (M.B.,Ch.B) by the University of Glasgow School of Medicine in 2005. After completing Foundation Year 1 post graduate training she started her residency in surgery following by the residency in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Hippokration Hospital of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki/ Greece.

From 2017 she is working as qualified Obstetric & Gynaecology Consultant. She received her Master in Science (MSc) Degree in “Human reproduction” from Democritus University of Thrace in 2019 and is a Research Fellow of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki carrying out research work on the role of particular biomarkers in the pre-surgical assessment of ovarian tumors as part of her Doctorate degree. Foteini is deeply committed in the supervision of our International Patient Department.

Foteini joined Assisting Nature in 2018.

Current scientific interests:

Biomarkers of ovarian cyst and their value in Human Reproduction, PCO, Prenatal first trimester diagnosis in Reproductive Patient.

Scientific publications, presentations, papers

1. Najdecki R, Choulaira F, Timotheou E, Tatsi P, Chartomatsidou T, Asouchidou E, Pakaki F, Bouchlariotou S, Humaidan P, Papanikolaou E. Single follicular degarelix, a new long acting GnRH-antagonist for LH surge suppression during ovarian stimulation in oocyte donors. A randomised controlled trial. ESHRE Annual Meeting, Vienna 2019 (oral presentation)
2. Prevalence of antenatal depression and associated factors among pregnant women hospitalized in a high-risk pregnancy unit in Greece, Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 2016 Jul.
3. Antenatal depression among women hospitalized due to threatened preterm labour in a high-risk pregnancy unit in Greece, Journal of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, 2017 Mar 21.

Dr. Apostolos H. Ziogas was born in 1983 in Larisa. His family’s origin is from Smixi, Grevena. He lived and grew up in Larisa. In 2001, upon graduating from the 2nd General High School of Larisa, he entered the Medical School of Athens through the Panhellenic Examinations. In 2007, he completed his studies at the Medical School of Athens, precisely within the six-year period of study, with a degree of “Very Good,” and immediately began working on his doctoral dissertation.

In 2012, he obtained a Master’s Degree from the University of Thessaly’s Postgraduate Program “Reproductive Biology” with a grade of “Excellent.” In 2014, he completed his doctoral dissertation at the Medical School of the University of Athens with a grade of “Excellent” and was declared a Doctor of the University of Athens. In 2016, he received training and a Diploma in Minimal Access Surgery from the World Laparoscopy Hospital in Gurugram, New Delhi, India. In 2017, he studied at Newcastle University, United Kingdom, in the field of medical education methods and obtained a Certificate in Medical Education. Concurrently, he taught Obstetrics and Gynecology to third and fifth-year medical students at Newcastle University.

He specialized as an Obstetrician-Gynecologist at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the General Hospital of Larissa and at the A Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital. It was there that he obtained his specialization title in 2016.

Since then, he has worked as a specialized Obstetrician-Gynecologist both in Greece and in the United Kingdom. In Greece, he served as an obstetrician-gynecologist at the A Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the General Hospital of Larisa, and at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the General Hospital of Trikala, gaining significant clinical experience. In the United Kingdom, he received further training at the Royal Victoria Infirmary and Newcastle Fertility Center, both in modern surgical methods (laparoscopic, robotic, and hysteroscopic surgery) and in reproductive medicine techniques (in vitro fertilization).

He holds certification in colposcopy from the Hellenic Society of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (HSCCP). During his tenure as an attending physician at the General Hospital of Trikala, with the approval of the hospital’s board of directors, he initiated and operated a Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy clinic, where he also served as the scientific supervisor.

Following his participation in the examinations of the Hellenic Obstetrics and Gynecology Society (EMGE), in June 2019, he achieved excellence and was awarded a scholarship. He was accepted for the utilization of this scholarship as a Clinical Fellow in Reproductive Medicine at the Newcastle Fertility Center, where he received further training in modern assisted reproduction methods.

He has a wide range of foreign language publications in internationally peer-reviewed scientific journals, as well as presentations, announcements, and awards at numerous conferences in Greece and abroad. He serves as a reviewer for international peer-reviewed scientific journals and has participated in the writing of medical foreign language books.

Since 2021, he has been an academic scholar at the University of Thessaly and teaches medical students in their 5th and 6th years at the Medical School of Larissa.

Afroditi Katouna received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece in 2002. She completed a Masters in Medical Science in Assisted Reproduction Technologies from the University of Nottingham, UK after earning a scholarship from Onassis Foundation.

In her thesis she studied the effects of assisted hatching on developmental potential and gene expression of mouse embryos. Upon her return to Greece she worked at the Transgenic Technology Lab of the Hellenic Pasteur Institute. Her job was to develop and implement methods of cryopreservation of mouse embryos in order to store and archive mutant strains. In 2007 Afroditi was recruited as embryologist at Genesis Athens Center, Greece where she was trained in all assisting reproduction techniques.

She was part of the embryologist team for 14 years and she gained experience in more than 40.000 cycles of assisted reproduction. Afroditi is ESHRE certified Senior Clinical Embryologist since 2013. She has attended many workshops and conferences in the field of Assisted Reproduction and is an active member of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

Scientific publications, presentations, papers

1. Timotheou E, Chartomatsidou T, Kostoglou K, Katouna A, Christopikou D, Najdecki R, Papanikolaou E. Implantation failure with egg donation after multiple failed IVF cycles with own oocytes; Is it necessary to perform PGT-A?, 19th IAHR World Congress 15-18 March 2023, Venice, Italy.

Natassa Koutsouni received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Applications and Technologies from University of Ioannina, Greece in 2008. Her thesis was performed at Human Reproduction and Medical Genetics Laboratory in Medical school of University of Ioannina in collaboration with the IVF Unit of University Hospital of Ioannina. The work topic was the Site-directed mutagenesis of the Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) receptor’s gene.

She completed a Masters in Medical Science in Assisted Reproduction Technologies from the University of Nottingham, UK after earning a scholarship from Onassis Foundation. Her dissertation was a statistical analysis of the IVF results concerning only cycles with frozen-thawed embryos of NURTURE IVF Unit in Queen’s Medical Center Hospital of Nottingham, UK.

She worked in several IVF clinics in Athens for the last 11 years where she was trained in all IVF techniques and gained much experience. She is an active member of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and Panhellenic Union of Clinical Embryologists (P.E.K.E.).

More info soon

Georgia is a midwife.

She graduated and had bachelor degree as a midwife in January 2022 . She joined the Assisting Nature team in April of the same year as junior fertility midwife.

She is always willing to help, has a team spirit and cooperation skills that help her successfully cope with the various demands that arise.

She speaks English.

Iliana Kravari graduated from the department of Mathematics of the University of the Aegean.

She worked for almost six years in a gynecology – obstetric medical office and joined the Assisting Nature IVF Unit by Iaso Thessalias team in 2020.

With many years in the field of customer service she is a highly experienced person to guide new patients in processes and ensure the best possible service.

She speaks English and she is in charge of secretarial support and patient management.

Konstantina Alexandrou is a graduate of the Department of Environment of the University of the Aegean.

With 5 years of experience in sales and customer service she joined the team of Assisting Nature IVF Unit by Iaso Thessaly in the position of secretarial support.

She is characterized by a pleasant personality and her willingness to provide excellent service to the unit’s customers. She speaks English.

Vasiliki is the communication and public relations specialist. She studied at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in the department of Italian language and literature, winning admission and achievement scholarships. But she was quickly won over by the health sector, in which she has been active for the last 16 years. She has worked for large pharmaceutical companies while for the last 10 years she has been working as a communication manager in the field of IVF. At the same time, she is studying psychology, a subject that fascinates her.

She has extensive experience in customer management and excellent communication skills. She loves her job as she enjoys setting goals and interacting with other people.

Loriti Theodora-Nikoleta is a Psychologist, Psychotherapist. She graduated from the School of Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2013) and pursued the Postgraduate Study Program with the subject ‘Applications of Psychology in Health’ at the School of Medicine. She specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and is a member of the Greek Society for Behavioral Research – Macedonia Annex (2013-2016). She is a certified associate of the ISON PSYCHOMETRICA company and specializes in conducting internationally recognized psychometric personality tests.

She has completed her practical training as a Clinical Psychologist at the Psychiatric Clinic of the Military Hospital of Thessaloniki 424 (2013). Since 2016, she has been operating her private practice based in Larissa, with a branch in Almyros, Magnesia. She served as the Head Psychologist at the Psychiatric Clinic Agios Nikitas in Larissa from 2018 to 2021. She writes articles and is a volunteer member, offering her services as a Psychologist to organizations in Greece, such as “The Smile of the Child” and “Make a Wish Greece.” She has collaborated with the Educational Group Aegean as a Psychology Instructor for students and participates in seminars, conferences, and congresses.