The Hellenic Medical Society of New York (HMS), with its roots in the Hellenic American Medical Association founded in 1920 by the renowned researcher and doctor, George Papanicolaou, is steadily building bridges and opening new channels of communication among Greek or Greek-descended scientists. The society represents over 300 doctors in the state of New York.

Dr. Antonis Gasparis, president of the society and a vascular surgeon at Stony Brook University Hospital, spoke to ygeiamou.gr about the new initiative set to begin next year between the Hellenic Medical Society of New York and the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA).

“Our mission is to unite doctors and health professionals of Greek descent, with the aim of promoting and supporting medical, research, educational, and cultural programs of the highest level,” says Dr. Gasparis. “As part of this effort, we are in communication with the president of the Athens Medical School, Professor Nikos Arkadopoulos, with the goal of starting a stable collaboration in the upcoming academic year, focusing on medical students. Up to four students from the 5th or 6th semester will have the opportunity to learn about the U.S. education and healthcare system for a period of 4 to 5 months. Specifically, the students will attend courses at the Zucker School of Medicine, the medical school of Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island, and will train at Northwell Health, the largest private healthcare provider in New York State. As the Hellenic Medical Society of New York, we will support the Greek students by covering their travel and accommodation expenses each semester. We believe that this will provide a unique opportunity for young doctors to experience the U.S. healthcare system, learn from American doctors, and broaden their perspectives on medicine and their future careers. As a society, we want to assist young Greek doctors as we have been helping young doctors from the Greek diaspora in New York.”

The society has a long history of supporting young medical professionals through scholarships and mentorship programs. The Scholarship Fund was established in 1975 by then-president Dr. Marino Petratos. Scientific, informational, and social events are regularly included in the society’s agenda and activities.