An open discussion on the health risks and challenges in contemporary forms of volunteerism will be held on May 20th, 2016.
Keynote speakers are:
- Dr. George Vichas, cardiologist and founder of the Metropolitan Social Clinic of Elliniko
- Dr. Agis Terzidis, pediatrician and medical coordinator of the Doctors of the World
- Dr. Marietta Provopoulou, General Director of the Doctors without Borders
- View a short biographical note for the speakers here.
Volunteerism is a noble act but it comes with immense responsibilities, especially when it involves health services. With close to 53,000 refugees residing in Greece under at best challenging living conditions, public health and safety concerns are beginning to dominate public discussion on the refugee crisis.
In light of this discourse, the panel members will offer their perspective on the challenges that health organizations face in the field protecting their volunteers from the health risks of poor sanitary conditions and communicable diseases.
Among the questions they will discuss are: What health and security concerns do potential volunteers have? What is the danger of disease being transmitted from refugee and immigrant populations seeking medical treatment? How does the cultural identity of these populations affect their interaction with medical personnel and volunteers?
The event is being organized by the Hellenic American College in cooperation with Hellenic American University (Manchester, NH, USA), and the Center for Research of the Greek Society of the Academy of Athens, as part of their collaborative research on volunteerism and social solidarity.
Date: May 20th, 2016, 18:00
Venue: 4th floor Conference room, 22 Massalias Street, Athens
The event will be delivered in Greek. Participation is free of charge.
To reserve a place, email at
