Education – Academic Background
Dr. Theofano Athanasiou graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of G. d’Annunzio University in Chieti, Italy, in 2000. In 2007, her medical degree was officially recognised by the Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center (DOATAP) as equivalent to those awarded by Greek Medical Schools, with an “Excellent” grade (8.52/10). She obtained her licence to practise medicine in Italy and Greece in 2001 and subsequently received her medical licence in Cyprus in 2019. She completed her specialist training in Medical Biopathology (Microbiology) at the “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital in Athens in 2008 and obtained her specialist qualification in 2009.
Areas of Interest
Dr. Theofano Athanasiou specialises in Medical Biopathology and Laboratory Medicine, with particular interests in:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine
- Infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance
- Molecular diagnostics and PCR testing
- Quality management and organisation of clinical laboratories
- Cardiometabolic diseases and Diabetes Mellitus
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Metabolic risk factors, including Vitamin D
Her clinical and scientific interests combine laboratory diagnostics with the application of modern quality standards and evidence-based practices in Laboratory Medicine.
Research and Scientific Work
Dr. Theofano Athanasiou has an active scientific and research background, with publications in international medical journals focusing primarily on antimicrobial resistance, paediatric infections, and the epidemiology of pathogenic microorganisms. She has participated in numerous multicentre studies and research protocols, as well as scientific presentations at national and international conferences. Her research interests have included Streptococcus pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, cardiometabolic risk factors, and the role of Vitamin D in different patient populations. In addition, she has been actively involved in educational activities within hospital settings and scientific programmes, contributing to continuing professional development and the advancement of laboratory medicine.
Current Position
Since July 2019, Dr. Theofano Athanasiou has been serving as Director of the Clinical Laboratory at the Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus in Limassol. She holds scientific and organisational responsibility for the Laboratory, overseeing its clinical operations, quality assurance processes, and compliance with international standards, including ISO 15189. She is also actively involved in the continuous training and professional development of laboratory personnel, with a strong focus on maintaining high standards of diagnostic accuracy, patient safety, and quality of laboratory services.