The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA) recently celebrated the year with a gathering that saw doctors, colleagues and community leaders come together. The event was held on Friday at the building of the Victorian Artists Society in East Melbourne, where attendees had the opportunity to see The Hylton Mackley Artist of the Year exhibition.
The evening featured speeches from notable guests, including Consul General of Greece Emmanuel Kakavelakis, HMSA Secretary Dr Arthur Kokkinias, and Harry Hatzis, Senior Associate at Zaparas Lawyers.
Professor James Tatoulis, known for his significant accomplishments and his contributions to Medicine and the broader community, also gave speech.
Prof Tatoulis reflected on his career spanning many decades, during which he pointed to the importance of family, and embracing Greek heritage.
He was awarded a plaque in recognition of his contribution to Medicine by the HMSA. The Consul General of Greece and Zaparas Lawyers were also recognised for their support to the HMSA and broader community.
The event brought together prominent members of the medical society, including Dr Athina Pirpiris, who organised the first HMSA career day earlier this year alongside Dr Ben Filipopoulos and Dr Arthur Nasis.
Community leaders in attendance included Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Manuel Tsirmiris, Board Member of the GCM, Costa Livedaras, Chair of Froditha Care, Faye Spiteri, CEO of Froditha Care, Alex Dimou, Member of the Froditha Care Board, Elpis Korosidis, President of Pronia, and Sylvia Hadjiantoniou, CEO of Pronia.
Strengthening connections between Greece and Australia
This year, HMSA President Dr Marinis Pirpiris continued the society’s efforts to strengthen ties between Australia and Greece. During meetings with Greek officials, including Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis and Athens Medical Association President Dr Georgios Patoulis, discussions focused on recognising foreign medical degrees to facilitate broader clinical and academic collaborations with Hellenic universities and hospitals.
Professor Pirpiris also met with key figures from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in order to discuss exchange programs with the University of Melbourne. These initiatives aim to create opportunities for Australian graduates while strengthening ties within the global Hellenic medical community.
Planning for 2025, the HMSA has prepared a broad programme for discussions around medicine.
