Attending Surgeon, Department of General Surgery – Männedorf Hospital, Switzerland
Additional Roles:
Can you share a bit about your personal and educational background?
I was raised in Cyprus in a family deeply connected to sport. From a young age, my brother and I dedicated ourselves to alpine skiing and sailing, competing nationally and internationally. I graduated from the American Academy in 2009. In 2010, my brother and I represented Cyprus at the Olympic Games in Vancouver. After retiring from competitive sport, I shifted my focus to medical studies at Paracelsus Medical University in Salzburg, Austria. My passion for surgery led me to train in general surgery, with a focus on visceral surgery. Throughout my journey, I have balanced my athletic ambitions with academic and professional excellence, guided by the values of discipline, perseverance, and lifelong learning.
How did your career path unfold from graduation to where you are today?
I graduated from the American Academy in 2009 and soon after left Cyprus to train abroad, securing my qualification for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. A seven-time consecutive Cyprus National Champion in alpine skiing, I represented my country alongside my brother—also an American Academy alumnus—at those Games. In my youth, I also competed nationally in sailing, reflecting my lifelong passion for sport and the values it instills.
After retiring from competitive sport, I pursued my medical degree at Paracelsus Medical University in Salzburg, Austria. During this time, I had the opportunity to complete a research traineeship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, where I wrote my final thesis in the field of spinal cord injuries and neurodegeneration. A series of internships across Europe and the United States ultimately led me to pursue my residency in Switzerland. I am now based in Zurich, working as an attending surgeon in the Department of General Surgery at Männedorf Hospital.
Despite my career in medicine, I remained strongly connected to the field of sport. In 2021, I was selected as an IOC Young Leader by the International Olympic Committee, a role that enabled me to develop and bring to life Winds of Change, a sailing initiative fostering peace and friendship among Cypriot youth through sport and the Olympic Values. This initiative gave rise to a bi-communal team of young Cypriots, and together we successfully sailed around the entire island of Cyprus for the first time in almost 50 years. This work has earned international recognition, including the 2024 World Sailing “11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award” and the 2024 Peace and Sport Award for “Diplomatic Action of the Year.”
Alongside my clinical work, I also contribute to global sport governance as a member of the IOC Health, Medicine and Scientific Commission, the IOC Olympic Programme Commission, and the World Sailing Medical Commission, advocating for athlete health, inclusivity, and sustainability to ensure sport remains a unifying and transformative force worldwide.
What professional achievement are you most proud of and why?
As an athlete, my greatest pride lies in qualifying for the Olympic Games and representing my country, alongside my brother, on the world’s biggest sporting stage. This milestone was the result of relentless dedication, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief that I could defy the odds stacked against me. I am eternally grateful to my family, whose steadfast support made every step of this journey possible. The lessons I learned as an elite athlete—discipline, resilience, unwavering focus, and leadership—have not only shaped who I am but continue to empower me every day to excel as a doctor, a leader, and a catalyst for positive change.
As a medical doctor, I am most proud of having completed my surgical training at one of Switzerland’s largest hospitals and a leading medical centre in Europe, the University Hospital Zurich, an experience that prepared me to secure my current role as an attending surgeon at Männedorf Hospital. Here, I work with an outstanding team of specialists to deliver not only the highest standards of surgical care but also compassion and time for each patient, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their treatment.
How did your experience with AAL contribute to your personal or professional growth?
My experience at the American Academy Larnaca (AAL) gave me a strong academic foundation that prepared me well to pursue any further education I aspired to. I am grateful to have had teachers who supported me, challenged me, and inspired me to become all I wanted to be. While some encouraged and guided me positively, others presented challenges that helped me develop perseverance and self-awareness. Many of these educators played an important role in my life and remain meaningful connections to this day. Beyond academics, AAL was also a place where I built personal relationships and friendships that have lasted a lifetime, which I truly value. Overall, my time at AAL was a meaningful chapter in my journey, contributing to both my growth and resilience.
What advice would you give to current AAL students?
To current AAL students, I would say: embrace every challenge and opportunity that comes your way with determination and an open mind. Your time at AAL is not just about academic achievement but also about discovering who you are and what you value. Build strong relationships, seek out mentors, and never be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. These experiences will shape your character and future. Remember that setbacks are part of growth, and resilience often comes from learning through difficulties. Stay curious, work hard, and believe in your ability to make a positive impact, no matter where your path leads.
