Dr Maria Pyrgeli from Greece

Dr Maria Pyrgeli, Physiatrist, Md, PhD, SFEBPRM
Deputy Manager, H.U. “Amalia Fleming”
Athens, Greece.

Born and raised on the sunny island of Chios - Greece, I left my hometown at the age of 17 to make my dream come true. During the academic year 1992-1993, I attended the Premedical Courses of College International, now called McDaniel College, being fully prepared to enter and attend the demanding program of Semmelweis university. With stubbornness, determination but also with God's help I received my degree and as a medical doctor I returned to my island with a clear goal in mind to offer to the people who nurtured me with values and faith. In Chios I met my husband and became a mother.

I continued my postgraduate studies at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and was awarded a PhD in the Department of Organization and Business Administration of the University of Macedonia.
I received the specialty title of Physiatrist, while I specialized in Child and Adolescent Neurophysiology at the Great Ormond Street pediatric hospital in London and was certified as a senior fellow by the European Community of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (SFEBPRM).

I am a founding member and elected president of the Pediatric Rehabilitation Section of Hellenic PRM Association, while I have also been elected responsible for coordinating and supporting the mission of the European Academy of Child-onset Disability (EACD) in Greece and also organize, as chair, the annual meeting of the academy, hosted by ELEPAP-Rehabilitation of the Disabled in 2027, in Athens.
I have been a Scientific Director at the Rehabilitation Center of the Lamia Clinic and until May 2025 I offered my services, as a Scientific Director, to the Hellenic Society for the Protection and Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons - ELEPAP, having six branches all over Greece and to the Daycare Center “Bridge”, of Chios Association for Persons with Disabilities, serving my hometown and helping the people of my island who I love so much, although for the past 24 years I have lived in Athens, with my family.

Since May I serve the Greek NHS as a Deputy Manager of H.U. “Amalia Fleming”.
The most fulfilling moments in my journey towards becoming a medical doctor are whenever I am able to impact a patient's life in a significant way.
Seeing the gratitude and relief in patients’ and their family’s eyes is always incredibly rewarding and reaffirms my passion for caring. All the hard work, long hours of studying, and sacrifices feel worthy, knowing that I am able to make a difference in someone's life when they need it the most.

Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the opportunity to impact lives and serve my community through healthcare.