Meet Our Academic Team
Learn from an international, multidisciplinary team of academics, clinicians and practitioners from the University of Thessaly and the European Lifestyle Medicine Organization. Together, they bring expertise across medicine, exercise science, nutrition, sleep, behavioural change and chronic disease prevention.
Programme Leadership
Prof. Giorgos K. Sakkas
Prof. Giorgos K. Sakkas is Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at the University of Thessaly and Academic Director of the International MSc in Lifestyle Medicine.
His research focuses on clinical exercise physiology, sleep, fatigue, cardiovascular risk and non-pharmacological strategies that improve health and quality of life in people living with chronic disease. His work connects physiological assessment with practical, evidence-based lifestyle interventions.
Within the MSc, he leads the integration of research, teaching and professional practice across the programme’s eight Lifestyle Medicine pillars.
Research profiles: Google Scholar · PubMed
Joanna Magkou
Postgraduate Student Services Administrator
Joanna Magkou is a health scientist with a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology.
She supports students throughout the MSc journey and coordinates the programme’s day-to-day academic administration, including timetables, examinations, communication and student welfare. Her organised, proactive approach helps international students navigate the programme smoothly from admission to graduation.
Student support:
MSc-LM@uth.gr
+30 24310 47020
Prof. Christina Karatzaferi
Prof. Christina Karatzaferi is Professor of Exercise Physiology and Myology at the University of Thessaly. Her academic career spans more than two decades across institutions in Greece, the United Kingdom, the United States and Europe.
Her research bridges muscle physiology, biophysics and metabolism, with particular emphasis on preserving muscle function during disuse, ageing and chronic disease. She also investigates how Lifestyle Medicine strategies can support independence, physical function and quality of life.
Her contribution gives students a strong connection between fundamental science, clinical relevance and applied health practice.
Research profiles: Google Scholar · PubMed
International Partnership with ELMO
Welcome from the President of the European Lifestyle Medicine Organization
Dear Students,
On behalf of the European Lifestyle Medicine Organization (ELMO), I warmly welcome you to the University of Thessaly’s International MSc in Lifestyle Medicine.
You are joining a learning community united by a shared ambition: to translate scientific evidence into practical approaches that help people live healthier lives. Lifestyle Medicine requires both sound knowledge and an understanding of the people we support—their priorities, circumstances and challenges in making lasting changes.
This programme brings together the complementary strengths of three University of Thessaly departments: Medicine, Physical Education & Sport Science, and Nutrition & Dietetics. Through its partnership with ELMO, it connects this interdisciplinary foundation with international teaching expertise and a wider European community of clinicians, researchers and health professionals.
Having already had the opportunity to contribute to this Master’s programme, I am particularly pleased to continue our cooperation. I value its commitment to developing and promoting the European pillars of Lifestyle Medicine and to translating them into education, clinical practice and prevention across different professional and cultural contexts.
Throughout your studies, I encourage you to question critically, exchange perspectives and explore how evidence-based lifestyle interventions can contribute to disease prevention and clinical care. Your different professional and cultural backgrounds will enrich these discussions and help you approach health from a broader perspective.
I hope this experience inspires lasting collaborations and gives you the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to make a meaningful contribution to the health of individuals and communities.
I wish you a rewarding and inspiring academic journey.
Dr. Ioan Hanes, MD
President,
European Lifestyle Medicine Organization (ELMO)
