By Aphrodite Kotrotsios
For nearly a century, the Hellenic Medical Society in New York (HMSNY) has been where compassion meets purpose, a place where the art of healing is not just practiced, but shared. Founded in 1936, its legacy began with visionaries like Dr. George N. Papanicolaou, whose pioneering spirit continues to inspire physicians, scholars, and leaders around the world.
Recently, Hellenic News of America sat down with Dr. Monica Tadros-Athas, Board Member of HMSNY, to discuss the Society’s ongoing evolution, a new chapter that transcends titles, backgrounds, and boundaries. What was once viewed as a network only for physicians is now becoming a vibrant movement of mentorship, fellowship, inclusivity and community, welcoming all who care about health, humanity, and the future of medicine.
A Legacy Rooted in Excellence and Humanity
“It’s deeply humbling to carry forward a legacy that traces back to Dr. George Papanicolaou, a visionary whose discoveries have saved millions of lives and even further, to the very origin of the Hippocratic Oath that every physician in America takes today,” Dr. Tadros reflects. “The Hellenic Medical Society’s history is a living testament to the excellence, compassion, and intellectual curiosity that define Hellenic medicine. For our Board, this legacy is not simply history, it’s a call to action. We stand on the shoulders of giants and share a profound responsibility not only to advance medicine but to uplift the next generation of Greek-American physicians.”
A Society That Welcomes All
The HMSNY continues to evolve, expanding its reach to include professionals and friends of medicine from every field. No longer limited to physicians, the Society now invites healthcare professionals, students, researchers, and allied experts to participate in its mission of healing and collaboration.
In a forward-thinking initiative, HMSNY recently introduced complimentary memberships for all students and young professionals under 35, removing financial barriers and fostering early engagement. The Society is expanding its “Friends of Medicine” membership category, welcoming those whose work intersects with healthcare, from law and technology to business and innovation.
Connection Without Borders
“This mission is evolving,” she continues. “Thanks to advances in communication and technology, we’re no longer bound by geography. What began as a New York-based society is now building meaningful connections with Greek-American physicians across the country, and back in Greece, through growing collaborations with our sister societies abroad. Virtual networking is the foundation we’re actively developing through membership expansion, while live symposiums, ultimately paired with virtual programming, represent the future we’re working toward.
HMS is transforming from a local organization into a global Hellenic medical community grounded in connection, innovation, and a shared purpose that is larger than medicine itself. “Medicine touches every life,” Dr. Tadros explains. “Whether you’re a doctor, researcher, young professional or just personally interested in health, innovation, or science there’s a place for you here.”
The Scholar’s Circle: When One Rises, We All Rise
One of HMSNY’s most impactful initiatives has been its Scholarship Program, which empowers students at every level, from high school to residency, to pursue their medical aspirations. Established in 1975 by then president Dr. Marinos Petratos, the program doesn’t just fund education; it cultivates belonging and mentorship. Building on this mission, Dr. Tadros reflects on the program’s tremendous growth and shares the significance of The Scholar’s Circle—a symbolic community that honors both those who give and those who grow.
“In Hellenic tradition, the circle represents balance, beauty, and continuity, something greater than oneself,” she reflects. “Every act of healing, every scholarship, every bit of mentorship contributes to that greater whole. Because when one rises, we all rise.”
Each scholarship serves as more than financial aid; it is a vote of confidence. It validates the student’s hard work, encourages perseverance, and connects recipients to mentors and peers who inspire them to keep going. Recognition becomes motivation, and motivation becomes legacy.
“Every year, reading through the scholarship applications reminds us why this work matters so deeply,” says Dr. Tadros-Athas. “Behind every name is a story of sacrifice, perseverance, and purpose, young men and women carrying the values of their families, their faith, and their Hellenic heritage into one of the most demanding professions in the world.”
Dr. Eleni Gouzoulis, HMS Scholarship Chair echoes that sentiment: “One student shared how losing his father to complications from Type 1 diabetes at the age of three inspired her to become a pediatric endocrinologist, determined that no child would endure that same loss. Another balances medical training with long EMT shifts to help support his family, while others dedicate their research and residencies to underserved communities, advancing equity and access to care.”
“These scholarships do more than relieve financial strain,” Dr. Gouzoulis continues. “They affirm something much greater, that these students are seen, supported, and part of a community that believes in them. For many, it’s the first time they’ve felt connected to their Hellenic roots in a meaningful, professional way. What moves me most is their shared sense of giving back, to mentor, to heal, to inspire. That’s the true legacy of the Hellenic Medical Society: creating a circle of compassion and excellence that keeps expanding with every new generation.”
Expanding Horizons
“Greek physicians are everywhere, from New York to California, London to Athens,” notes Dr. Antonios Gasparis, HMSNY President. “Our goal is to provide a network of inclusion under one shared Hellenic identity. We’re expanding HMS outreach beyond New York to support mentorship, virtual programming, and collaborative initiatives with other Hellenic organizations here and abroad.”
He adds, “We feel deep responsibility to encourage the pursuit of medicine within our community. It’s one of the most challenging career paths, and we must share our experiences, guidance, and opportunities with the next generation. The future of medicine is global and HMSNY is determined to lead that movement.”
A Gala That Inspires
This year’s Annual HMSNY Gala, held at the renowned Cipriani 42nd Street, will unite healthcare professionals, philanthropists, and community leaders for an evening of purpose and inspiration.
“Celebrating achievement isn’t just about recognition,” says Dr. Tadros, “it’s about reinforcing the values that define excellence in our community. When we honor distinguished physicians, colleagues and leaders, we remind ourselves that success and service go hand in hand.”
Among this year’s honorees:
- Distinguished Colleague: Dr. George Liakeas, a respected physician, past president of HMSNY, and beloved community leader whose resilience, compassion, and tireless dedication, both within the medical profession and beyond, exemplify the Society’s spirit.
- Distinguished Physicians: Drs. George Velmahos and Irene Souter, a renowned physician couple from Massachusetts General Hospital, are celebrated for their global impact. Dr. Velmahos, Chief of Trauma and Professor of Surgery at Harvard, has advanced trauma systems worldwide, including the development of 17 trauma centers in Greece. Dr. Souter, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Harvard, is a leading authority in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.
- Distinguished Hellene: Savas C. Tsivicos, Immediate Past Supreme President of AHEPA, whose lifelong devotion to service and Hellenism, including advocacy for Cyprus and expanded philanthropic outreach, has amplified Hellenic voices on the global stage.
Innovation Meets Medicine
“Our priorities are clear: education, community engagement, and expansion,” Dr. Tadros says. “We’re developing a new membership portal, building bridges with organizations in finance, law, and technology, and creating interdisciplinary opportunities.”
That spirit of collaboration takes center stage on December 2, when HMSNY co-hosts an event on AI in healthcare with the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce, showcasing how innovation and medicine advance hand in hand.
“The foundation for this new chapter has been years in the making,” Dr. Tadros notes. “Today, advances in communication and the ease of virtual engagement make collaboration more seamless than ever.”
Healing as Heritage
“The values of philanthropia, paideia, and arete, generosity, education, and excellence, still guide everything we do,” says Dr. Tadros. “Medicine is more than science; it’s compassion, mentorship, and service to humanity.”
She continues, “I joined the Board because I believe in the power of community, in lifting others and creating opportunities for young Hellenes pursuing one of the most rewarding and challenging professions. My hope is that when people look back, they’ll see this as the era when HMSNY grew beyond its borders, when we built a society that reflects the excellence, generosity, and unity inspired by those who came before us.”
Her final invitation is simple yet powerful:
“Come to the Gala, support a scholarship, get involved. You don’t have to be a doctor to belong, you just have to believe in helping others rise.”
Please wait...