Current Positions

1. Assistant Professor (Elected)
   2nd University Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).
2. Consultant
   ESO-accredited Stroke Unit, Metropolitan Private Hospital, Piraeus.
3. Chair
   Stroke Unit Certification Committee, European Stroke Organization (ESO).

Professional Overview

Dr. Apostolos Safouris is a distinguished expert in stroke care, specializing in stroke unit accreditation and the development of stroke networks across Europe. With a PhD in Neurology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), his career has been devoted to enhancing stroke care quality by blending clinical practice with innovations in healthcare systems.

He has maintained an active academic collaboration with the 2nd University Department of Neurology at Attikon University Hospital since 2015, contributing to research, teaching, and mentoring future neurologists. His election to the position of Assistant Professor at NKUA underscores his dedication to advancing neurology education and research, establishing him as a prominent leader in stroke care in Greece and internationally.

Clinical Leadership

• Consultant:
  Leads a specialized team in acute cerebrovascular disease management at the ESO-accredited Stroke Unit, Metropolitan Hospital, Piraeus.
• Chair, Stroke Unit Certification Committee, ESO:
  Oversees the accreditation program, implementing international standards for stroke care and expanding its impact across Europe. Under his leadership, the program ensures timely, evidence-based care for stroke patients, significantly improving outcomes.
• Advocate for Quality Improvement:
  Works with the Angels Initiative, a global program focused on improving stroke outcomes. His contributions were recognized with the Angels Spirit of Excellence Award 2024 at the ESO Conference, highlighting his influence in fostering excellence in stroke care globally.

Education and Training

• PhD in Neurology:
  National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).
  • Thesis: Effects of statins on microemboli detection during acute ischemic stroke – Awarded “Excellent.”
• Neurosonology Certification:
  Certified by the Greek Ministry of Health.
• Interventional Neurology and Neurocritical Care:
  One-year clinical training at Semmelweis University Department of Neurosurgery, Budapest, Hungary.

Awards and Recognition

• Angels Spirit of Excellence Award 2024:
  Honored for outstanding contributions to stroke care, presented at the 2024 European Stroke Organization Conference.

Research and Publications

• Publications:
  Over 80 MEDLINE-indexed articles focusing on:
  • Acute stroke treatment.
  • Neurosonology.
  • Stroke prevention.
  • Quality improvement in stroke care.
• Research Interests:
  Acute ischemic stroke, neurosonology, and stroke systems of care.

Academic Contributions

• Collaborator and faculty member, 2nd University Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, NKUA.
• Active mentor and educator for medical students and neurology residents.
• Contributor to research advancing the understanding and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.

Professional Impact

Dr. Safouris’ leadership within the European Stroke Organization has driven advancements in stroke unit certification and care standards across Europe. His work with the Angels Initiative and dedication to data-driven healthcare improvement have positioned him as a global advocate for excellence in stroke care, benefiting countless patients and inspiring peers in the neurology community.