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
The University of Thessaly’s International MSc in Lifestyle Medicine is delivered in partnership with the European Lifestyle Medicine Organization (ELMO), connecting students with a wider European network of academics, physicians and health professionals.
The programme’s distinctive strength is its interdisciplinary foundation across three University of Thessaly departments: Medicine, Physical Education & Sport Science, and Nutrition & Dietetics. ELMO contributes international expertise and teaching, strengthening the link between evidence, education and clinical practice.
Lifestyle Medicine uses evidence-based lifestyle interventions to help prevent, treat and manage chronic disease by addressing modifiable causes.
Dr Ioannis Arkadianos
President and Co-founder, ELMO
