Ifigenia Kostoglou-Athanassiou
Dr. Ifigenia Kostoglou-Athanassiou was born in Thessaloniki, Greece. She is an endocrinologist who graduated from the Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. She obtained an MD from the University of Athens Medical School and a Ph.D. from the University of London, has also studied Law at the Law School of the University of Athens, and obtained an MSc in the Management of Medical Services. Her areas of research include breast cancer, neuroendocrinology, melatonin, thyroid cancer, vitamin D, and autoimmune diseases. She has performed research in the area of breast cancer, in the area of thyroid cancer, and in the area of melatonin. Her work on melatonin was ground-breaking proving an effect of melatonin on pituitary hormones and she was granted an award from the Medical Society of Athens. The effect of the immune system on pituitary function has also been an area of research. She has won several other awards for her research. She has also worked on osteoporosis, both scientifically and clinically. She is currently involved in research and clinical practice in one of the biggest centers for osteoporosis in Athens. Vitamin D and its effects on the immune system and the relationship of vitamin D deficiency with the development of autoimmune diseases is also an area of interest and a hot topic of research. She teaches at the Hellenic Open University, specializing in the field of diabetes mellitus. Dr. Kostoglou-Athanassiou has published numerous papers and book chapters. Currently, she works as a consultant endocrinologist and head of the Endocrine Department, at Asclepeion Hospital, Voula, Athens, Greece.