Where were you born and where did you grow up?
Born in Chicago, IL, grew up primarily in Houston, Texas.
Who or what were the main influences in your life?
My late father Vasilios, my mother Zoe and church.
Why did you become a doctor?
I was always fascinated with medicine from a very young age, and I’d been encouraged to pursue the field by many doctors in my family.
As a new generation doctor, how do you evaluate the state of health care in the US?
There are many obvious problems with the current state of health care in the US, but at its core, a doctor’s job is still to help the sick. We must be proactive and involved in the evolution of the industry, and the changes involved with Health Care Reform, but always keep the primary calling in mind.
If you were a patient, what would the ideal doctor look to you like?
Compassionate and understanding, an effective communicator who can put the patient’s fears at ease.
Has your Hellenic heritage influenced your professional conduct and in what ways?
Since ancient times, Greece has been an epicenter of science and art, and I think there is an inherent pride in maintaining and advancing that tradition. The Hellenic background no doubt influences me in terms of my attempts to maintain a humanistic approach to the sick and their families.
As a successful American you could and perhaps have joined major organizations that are focused more on mainstream society. Why HMS?
It is always important to remember that, given the large population of Greeks and Greek-Americans in this area, it is important to support an organization that has their interests in mind. Health care needs can be very scary, and I think it is helpful for the citizens in our area to have a sense of relationship with this organization, that it is committed to the needs of Greek patients and doctors.
What qualities do you most admire or value in others?
Strong work ethic and empathy.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents.
Where would you like to be in your professional and personal life 20 years from now?
Continuing to advance my skills as a physician and a proceduralist and hopefully maintaining a positive impact on the lives of all my patients, including my Greek patients. I also hope to maintain a strong connection between my family and the Greek community in the New York City area.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Golfing and spending time with my wife, Christina, and newborn daughter Marissa.
What is your idea of happiness?
Happiness to me is a sense of achievement with my life, that I am impacting others’ lives in a positive way and a feeling of being a positive role model to my daughter.
