Prof. Dr. Eleni Efremidou | Breast Surgery | Best Researcher Award

Professor in Surgery, Head of Surgical Department, Head of Breast Unit at Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University pf Thrace, Greece

Professor Eleni I. Effraimidou is an accomplished academic and surgeon with a distinguished career in general surgery, specializing in breast and endocrine procedures. Born in 1967 in Alexandroupolis, Greece, she currently serves as a Professor of Surgery and Head of the 1st Surgical Department at the Democritus University of Thrace. With over two decades of experience in clinical practice and medical education, she combines hands-on expertise with a deep commitment to research and innovation. Her career includes significant national and international training appointments, including Imperial College London. She is widely published and actively participates in scientific societies, contributing to the advancement of surgical science and the mentorship of young professionals. Her scholarly work, focused on healthcare system resilience, cancer surgery, and gastrointestinal disorders, is frequently cited. She represents a leading voice in her field, with a career that reflects both academic rigor and compassion for patient-centered care.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile

Education🎓

Professor Effraimidou’s academic journey reflects a solid foundation in medical and surgical education. She earned her M.D. from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 1992, followed by a specialization in General Surgery completed in 1999. Her passion for academic research culminated in a Ph.D. in Surgery from the Democritus University of Thrace in 2000. In 2024, she further enhanced her expertise by completing a Master’s in Breast Surgery at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, demonstrating her ongoing pursuit of academic excellence. Her postgraduate training includes internationally recognized fellowships in breast and endocrine surgery, notably at Imperial College London’s St. Mary’s Hospital, and at Ippokratio General Hospital in Athens. These academic milestones form a strong foundation for her professional leadership in surgical education and clinical research. Her education reflects a balance of theoretical rigor, clinical training, and an enduring commitment to innovation in patient care.

Professional Experience📝

Professor Effraimidou has cultivated a remarkable professional career spanning over 25 years in academic surgery. She began her academic appointments in 2001 as a Lecturer in Surgery at Democritus University of Thrace and progressed through the ranks to become Full Professor in 2021. Since 2023, she has also served as Head of the 1st Surgical Department at the University Hospital of Alexandroupolis. Her clinical experience includes roles as a Clinical Fellow and Honorary Consultant in Breast and Endocrine Surgery at top-tier institutions like Imperial College London and NKUA. She has played a vital role in shaping surgical education and hospital services while maintaining a high standard of patient care. Beyond the operating room, she actively contributes to teaching, curriculum development, and departmental leadership. Her dual focus on academic and clinical excellence ensures she continues to influence both medical practice and policy in the surgical field.

Research Interest🔎

Professor Effraimidou’s research interests lie at the intersection of surgical oncology, breast cancer treatment, endocrine surgery, and healthcare systems resilience. She has explored decision-making in breast reconstruction, patient outcomes in surgical oncology, and the systemic effects of large-scale events—such as the refugee crisis—on national healthcare systems. Her work combines clinical outcomes research with a broader public health perspective, aiming to improve both individual patient care and system-level efficiency. She is particularly interested in personalized surgical interventions, evidence-based protocols for endocrine disorders, and gastrointestinal bleeding cases with rare etiologies. In her latest research, she has contributed to studies that enhance understanding of biomarkers, surgical decision frameworks, and the role of multidisciplinary care in cancer treatment. Her ability to address both micro- and macro-level issues in surgery makes her research highly relevant and impactful, contributing meaningfully to advancements in modern surgical practices and public healthcare policy.

Award and Honor🏆

Throughout her career, Professor Effraimidou has earned professional recognition for her contributions to clinical practice, surgical education, and healthcare innovation. While specific named awards are not listed, her academic appointments and leadership roles reflect high levels of trust and respect in the medical community. Being selected as the Head of the 1st Surgical Department at the Democritus University of Thrace and previously appointed as a Clinical Fellow at institutions such as Imperial College London and NKUA, demonstrate peer acknowledgment of her expertise. Additionally, her continued membership in prestigious scientific and medical societies—such as the Hellenic Surgical Society, Hellenic Society of Oncology, and European Society of Intensive Care Medicine—attests to her standing as a thought leader in her field. Her influence also extends into mentoring and training programs, including her role as an ATLS Instructor, further highlighting her contribution to surgical excellence and education.

Research Skill🔬

Professor Effraimidou possesses a diverse and comprehensive set of research skills essential for advancing clinical science. She is skilled in systematic literature reviews, clinical data analysis, and qualitative research on patient-centered surgical decisions. Her publications reflect proficiency in applying evidence-based medicine, understanding biostatistical outcomes, and using Scopus-indexed methodologies. Her contributions to interdisciplinary research—spanning surgery, gastroenterology, oncology, and public health—demonstrate strong collaborative abilities, often working alongside psychiatrists, gastroenterologists, and epidemiologists. She is adept in research design for both prospective observational studies and retrospective clinical audits, employing analytical rigor in both surgical outcomes and healthcare system evaluations. Her involvement in high-impact journals also suggests competency in scientific writing, peer review, and publishing processes. Overall, her research skills reflect a blend of academic depth, clinical relevance, and societal impact, reinforcing her reputation as a capable and innovative surgical researcher.

Conclusion💡

Professor Eleni I. Effraimidou embodies the ideal recipient of the Best Researcher Award. Her rich academic journey, impactful clinical research, and leadership in surgical education mark her as a leading figure in the medical community. Her contributions to breast cancer surgery and interdisciplinary healthcare research have significantly benefited both patients and the scientific community. With ongoing involvement in research and education, she holds tremendous potential for future advancements and global leadership in surgery.

Publications Top Noted✍️

1. Bochtsou, V., Effraimidou, E.I., Samakouri, M., Plakias, S., Arvaniti, A. (2025)
   Objective and Subjective Factors Influencing Breast Reconstruction Decision-Making After Breast Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review
   DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13111307

2. Damaskos, C., Garmpis, N., Lamprinos, D., Kouraklis, G., Prevezanos, D., Garmpi, A., Papandroudis, M.-P., Psilopatis, I., Papoutsas, D., Marinos, G., Effraimidou, E.I., et al. (2025)
   Surgery on the Road to the Land of Promise – Impact of the Refugee Crisis on the Greek Healthcare System
   DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13090975

3. Markou, M., Efremidou, E.I., Vamvakerou, V., Liratzopoulos, N., Polychronidis, A. (2017)
   An uncommon cause of persistent, life-threatening upper gastrointestinal bleeding
   Source: Surgical Chronicles, Scopus EID: 2-s2.0-85042855649

4. Zissimopoulos, A., Vradelis, S., Konialis, M., Chadolias, D., Bampali, A., Constantinidis, T., Efremidou, E., Kouklakis, G. (2014)
   Chromogranin A as a biomarker of disease activity and biologic therapy in inflammatory bowel disease
   DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2014.920910

5. Kontomanolis, E., Panteliadou, M., Giatromanolaki, A., Pouliliou, S., Efremidou, E., Limberis, V., Galazios, G., Sivridis, E., Koukourakis, M.I. (2014)
   Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) in plasma and neoplastic tissues from breast cancer patients: Correlation with metastasis
   DOI: 10.1007/s12032-014-0945-0

6. Kouklakis, G., Efremidou, E.I., Pitiakoudis, M., Liratzopoulos, N., Polychronidis, A.C. (2013)
   Development of primary malignant melanoma during TNF-α antagonist therapy for Crohn’s disease
   DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S41889

7. Askitis, D., Efremidou, E.I., Karanikas, M., Mitrakas, A., Tripsianis, G., Polychronidis, A., Liratzopoulos, N. (2013)
   Incidental thyroid carcinoma after total thyroidectomy for benign diseases
   DOI: 10.1155/2013/451959

8. Vounotrypidis, P., Kouklakis, G., Anagnostopoulos, K., Zezos, P., Polychronidis, A., Maltezos, E., Efremidou, E., Pitiakoudis, M., Lyratzopoulos, N. (2013)
   Interleukin-1 associations in inflammatory bowel disease and seronegative spondyloarthritis
   DOI: 10.1007/s13317-013-0049-4

9. Efremidou, E.I., Oikonomou, A., Pavlidou, E., Drosos, G., Koutsopoulos, A., Liratzopoulos, N. (2013)
   Juxtacortical clavicular chondrosarcoma: Case report and literature review
   DOI: 10.4137/CMO.S10542

10. Karanikas, M., Touzopoulos, P., Mitrakas, A., Zezos, P., Zarogoulidis, P., Machairiotis, N., Efremidou, E., Liratzopoulos, N., Polychronidis, A., Kouklakis, G. (2012)
    Benign post-radiation rectal stricture treated with balloon dilation and triamcinolone
    DOI: 10.1159/000343159