Timothy M. Pawlik, Professor of Surgical Oncology and Chair of the Department of Surgery at the Ohio State University, Columbus, USA, was awarded the title of doctor honoris causa of the School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, at 18:00, at the Propylaea building of the University.
Addressing the honouree was the Rector, Professor Gerasimos Siasos:
‘Professor Pawlik’s academic career at Johns Hopkins was remarkable. From 2005 onwards, he steadily advanced through all academic ranks until he was appointed as the John L. Cameron Professor of Alimentary Tract Diseases.
In 2016, he assumed the position of Chair of the Department of Surgery at the Ohio State University. Under his leadership, the Department has grown by more than 75 new faculty members and emerged as a national leader in research excellence in the United States.
The honouree has a research portfolio distinguished by both its extent and quality. With more than 2,000 articles and over 100,000 citations, he has contributed to the global advancement of surgical oncology. Professor Pawlik is the lead author of the international guidelines for liver malignancies, a framework that drives clinical practice worldwide. He has given more than 630 invited lectures and served as a visiting professor in 40 countries, clear proof of the international recognition he enjoys.
Of special importance to our University is the honouree’s enduring connection with Greece. Professor Pawlik has mentored and trained more than fifteen Greek medical doctors, including distinguished colleagues from our School of Medicine, making a substantial contribution to their international development. A significant part of his scientific work also includes publications co-authored with Greek researchers, highlighting his ongoing and meaningful collaboration with our country’s medical community’.
Immediately afterwards, Assistant Professor of General Surgery at the Medical School of the University of Athens, Dr Ioannis Hatzaras, presented the honouree’s contributions and personal qualities.
The awarding ceremony followed:
Professor Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, Chair of the School of Medicine, read aloud the official texts connected to the conferment.
Subsequently, the Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Professor Pagona Lagiou, invested the honouree with the academic gown of the School.
The ceremony closed with a speech by the honouree, Professor Timothy M. Pawlik, entitled ‘My Path to Ithaca, an Academic Journey’.
Photos: Dimitris Konstantinidis
