Professor of Surgery and Research Director of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at McGill University, Montreal, Canada, Dr John Antoniou, was awarded the title of doctor honoris causa of the University of Athens’ School of Medicine. The awarding ceremony took place on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, at 19:00, at the Great Hall of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Addressing the honouree was the Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor Gerasimos Siasos.
Immediately afterwards, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Athens’ School of Medicine, Panagiotis Megaloikonomos, presented the honouree’s academic contributions and personal qualities.
The awarding ceremony then followed:
The Chair of the School of Medicine, Professor Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, read aloud the Resolution of the School, the Award, and the Honorary Diploma.
Subsequently, the Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Professor Pagona Lagiou, invested the honouree with the academic gown of the School.
The ceremony concluded with a speech by the honouree, Professor John Antoniou, entitled ‘Bones, Breakthroughs, and Belonging: A Journey Forged by Science, Grit, and Hellenic Roots’.
In his address, Rector Siasos stated, among other things: ‘Professor Antoniou’s career is inextricably linked to McGill University, one of Canada’s most respected Institutions, where he holds the position of Professor of Surgery and, at the same time, leads advanced educational and research programmes. The honouree is a pioneer in hip and knee reconstructive surgery. His work spans regenerative medicine and durable implant technologies, as well as the application of minimally invasive techniques and the training of residents and postgraduate doctors, to whom he brings both his scientific knowledge and his clinical experience.
Among Dr Antoniou’s distinguished former students, eleven are Greek, including four who currently serve as faculty at our own School of Medicine.
More than 200 original articles and over 500 abstracts presented at national and international meetings reflect Dr Antoniou’s broad contribution to research, while the numerous and prestigious awards he has received testify to the importance and recognition of his scientific, research, and teaching work’.
Photos: Dimitris Konstantinidis
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