Faculty & Staff Directory
The teaching staff of the current MSc degree includes Academics, Professionals, and Practitioners researching and practicing Lifestyle Medicine, with a significant contribution by the European Lifestyle Medicine Organization board members and ambassadors.
Meet Our Directors of Studies
Prof. Giorgos K. Sakkas

Dr. Giorgos K. Sakkas is Professor of Lifestyle Medicine chair at the Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales, United Kingdom and an Associate Professor in Clinical Exercise at the Dept of Physical Education and Sport Science at the University of Thessaly.
He is a CNHC certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and run a University Clinic supporting students and patients.
His research focuses on the effect of non-pharmacological approaches on aspects related to quality of life in patients with chronic diseases including those with sleep disorders. He uses a multidisciplinary approach to tackle his research questions including both physiological and psychological approaches.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=KP6_vQMAAAAJ.
Prof. Christina Karatzaferi

Dr Christina Karatzaferi is a Professor in Exercise Physiology and Myology at the University of Thessaly, Greece. Her academic career has spanned over two decades and two continents, via prestigious UK, USA and EU academic institutions. Her basic research interests lie at the cross-roads of muscle physiology, biophysics and metabolism. Her applied research interests relate to the rescue of muscle function in the face of disuse or disease and the testing of Lifestyle Medicine approaches for maintaining independence and quality of life in ageing and NCD management.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=5lXvUxcAAAAJ
A welcome message from the ELMO's president
I welcome the master’s degree in Lifestyle Medicine of the University of Thessaly under the auspices of the “European Lifestyle Medicine Organization” (ELMO).
Lifestyle Medicine is a branch of evidence-based medicine in which comprehensive changes in lifestyle (diet, exercise, psychological domain, social domain, environment) are used to prevent, treat, and even reverse or the progression of chronic diseases by addressing their underlying causes.
What is important about this master's degree is the collaboration of 3 University departments, which is happening for the first time worldwide.
ELMO will actively participate in the educational program by offering students the necessary supplies by participating in the teaching of important health scientists who deal with the subject
IOANNIS ARKADIANOS, MD
ELMO President



Program's Delivery and Students Affairs Manager
Ioannis Papadopoulos is a political scientist, and he holds an MSc in Political Economy of Europe from the LSE and an MBA from Derby. Ioannis is the Program Delivery and Students Affairs Manager of the Interdepartmental Program of Postgraduate studies ‘MSc Lifestyle Medicine’ offered by the University of Thessaly.
He is responsible for assisting with the administration of the MSc Programme, working closely with the Directors of Studies (Dr. C. Karatzaferi & Dr. G. Sakkas), providing support to students, and dealing with general enquiries.
Ioannis is your go for anything related to the MSc Lifestyle Medicine ensuring all processes run smoothly according to regulation and that students feel well supported throughout.