1984
Dr. George V. Apostolopoulos establishes Athens Medical Center in Marousi
Dr. George V. Apostolopoulos establishes Athens Medical Center in Marousi with three key objectives:
1) “No Greek patient should need to travel abroad for medical treatment.”
2) “The doors of Athens Medical Center should replace the doors of airplanes.”
3) “The great meeting of Science and Technology” – bringing together highly qualified medical professionals and cutting-edge medical technology.
“The doors of Athens Medical Center should replace the doors of airplanes.”
1985
Greece's first coronary angiography system featuring digital angiography and scanning technology
Athens Medical Center introduces the first coronary angiography system equipped with digital angiography and scintigraphic scanning technology in Greece.
“The great meeting of Science and Technology.”
1987
The first hospital nursing education laboratory, “Nursing Care,” is established under the scientific direction of the late Professor and Academician Georgios Merikas.
A pioneering new department, the Pain Management Center, is established to provide relief to critically ill patients.
1989
Remaining committed to his vision of reversing the trend of Greek patients seeking medical treatment abroad, Dr. George Apostolopoulos takes another significant step forward at the end of the 1980s.
For the first time in the history of the former Soviet Union, a private hospital wing and an emergency medical assistance service operating its own ambulances are introduced at Moscow’s largest public hospital.
1990
Moscow Medical Center officially opens
Moscow Medical Center is inaugurated in the presence of the Ministers of Health of Greece and Russia, as well as representatives of the European private healthcare association.
1991
Paleo Faliro Clinic is established.
Athens Medical Group is listed on the Athens Stock Exchange.
The foundation stone is laid in Corinth for Greece's first surgical instrument manufacturing plant and the fifth of its kind in Europe.
1992
Athens Medical Center successfully treats cerebral vascular malformations.
Athens Medical Center successfully treats vascular malformations of the brain and spinal cord, conditions for which treatment had previously been unavailable in Greece.
A comprehensive Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Department opens at Athens Medical Center.
A fully equipped Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Department, a specialized Laser Clinic and a Reference Center for Allergic Diseases are inaugurated.
Research into technologies for early cancer detection
In collaboration with the National Technical University of Athens and the Technology Institute of Crete, research begins on developing devices for the early detection of cancer and robotic interventional systems.
1993
Greece's first aortic valve replacement using a human homograft
The first aortic valve replacement in Greece using a human donor valve (homograft), rather than a mechanical or biological prosthesis, is performed on a 47-year-old man.
Research programs
A team of cardiac surgeons from Athens Medical Group begins collaborating on joint research programs with the Heart and Lung Institute at Harefield, University of London, led by Sir Magdi Yacoub.
1994
A cooperation agreement is signed between Athens Medical Center and the internationally renowned Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas.
A collaboration begins with Bicêtre University Hospital in Paris, under the direction of Professor Pierre Lasjaunias.
As a member of the European Association for Applied Research in Pediatric Surgery, Athens Medical Center participates in applied research and postgraduate training programs.
Three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography is introduced for the first time.
A new corneal transplantation method is performed for the first time in Greece.
Greece's only mobile preventive medicine unit begins operating.
1995
An agreement is signed between Athens Medical Center, Methodist Hospitals and General Electric.
The President of Athens Medical Group, accompanied by a team of 20 specialist physicians, visits the Gaza Strip to provide medical care and educational support.
Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat commissions Athens Medical Center to conduct a study on the organization of the Palestinian National Healthcare System in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
1996
European Interbalkan Medical Center
The foundation stone is laid for the European Interbalkan Medical Center in Thessaloniki, on a 90,000-square-meter site. With 40,000 square meters of covered facilities, it is designed to become one of the country’s most advanced hospitals.
Development of a network of multidisciplinary diagnostic centers
The development of a network of multidisciplinary diagnostic centers begins in Sofia, Bucharest, Belgrade and Skopje.
Introduction of laser transmyocardial revascularization
For the first time in Greece, the cardiac surgery team introduces the innovative technique of laser transmyocardial revascularization.
1997
Psychiko Clinic begins operating following the acquisition of the former Apollonio Hospital.
Athens Medical Group further expands its operations in the Balkans by establishing MEDSANA, its subsidiary in Romania.
For the first time worldwide, an intracranial bypass procedure is successfully performed to treat a rare aneurysm.
Cases of vascular malformations of the brain and spinal cord, previously considered untreatable in Greece, are successfully managed.
The Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Department and the Reference Center for Allergic Diseases are inaugurated.
In collaboration with the National Technical University of Athens and the Technology Institute of Crete, research begins into technologies for early cancer detection and robotic interventional systems.
1998
FORBES
FORBES magazine ranks Athens Medical Group among the world’s “300 Best Small Companies.”
A remarkable medical achievement
A successful hand replantation is performed at the state-of-the-art Upper Limb Surgery and Microsurgery Department of Athens Medical Center.
1999
Greece's first multislice CT scanner
The first multislice CT scanner in Greece, and one of the first worldwide, is installed at Athens Medical Center.
A pioneering achievement at Athens Medical Center
The Maxillofacial Surgery team successfully performs a complex reconstructive procedure following cancer in the maxillofacial region.
2000
European Interbalkan Medical Center is inaugurated by Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Gorbachev inaugurates the European Interbalkan Medical Center in Thessaloniki, a state-of-the-art medical facility that becomes a benchmark for healthcare and medical education in the Balkans and Southeastern Europe. Imperial College London describes it as “the most modern hospital in Europe.”
Award for High-Quality Products and Services
The Group receives the “High Quality Products and Services” award from the European Union of Businesses and Entrepreneurs.
FORBES
For the second time, Athens Medical Group is included among the world’s “300 Best Small Companies” by FORBES magazine.
Pioneering laparoscopic procedures using robotic endoscopic technology
For the first time in Greece, laparoscopic surgical procedures are performed using an advanced robotic endoscopic system controlled by the surgeon’s voice commands.
First Greek company included in an international stock market index
Athens Medical Group becomes the first Greek company to be included in the international DOW JONES Substantial 200 index.
2001
FORBES
For the third time, FORBES magazine ranks Athens Medical Group among the world’s “300 Best Small Companies.”
The foundation stone is laid for the new Paleo Faliro Clinic building.
Pioneering procedures
Innovative surgical procedures are performed for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry ranks MEDSANA Diagnostic Center
The Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry ranks MEDSANA Diagnostic Center among the top 10 foreign companies operating in Romania.
Agreement between the Athens Medical Group and the British company Operations Abroad Ltd
Dr. Vassilis Apostolopoulos signs an agreement in London between Athens Medical Group and the British company Operations Abroad Ltd for the treatment of British patients.
2002
Dafne Clinic is established
Dafne Clinic is established as a uniquely specialized, modern nephrology center in Greece.
FORBES
FORBES magazine ranks Athens Medical Group among the world’s “200 Best Small Companies.”
A pioneering human blood vessel transplantation procedure is performed.
An innovative, minimally invasive vertebroplasty technique is introduced.
2003
Greece's 1st laparoscopic removal of the spleen and gallbladder in a ten-year-old child
At the European Interbalkan Medical Center in Thessaloniki, the first procedure in Greece involving the removal of both the spleen and gallbladder in a ten-year-old child is performed using an endoscopic laparoscopic technique.
Radiofrequency-assisted hepatectomy is introduced for the first time.
Recognition by the Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health designates the Cardiac Arrhythmia, Pacing and Electrophysiology Department of Athens Medical Center as the first private healthcare unit authorized to implant cardiac pacemakers.
First "Dor procedure" in Greece
The Dor procedure, an innovative surgical technique for patients suffering from severe ischemic cardiomyopathy, is performed for the first time in Greece.
Medical equipment donation and surgical training
Through the Princess Katherine Foundation, a team of Athens Medical Group surgeons donates medical equipment and demonstrates new surgical techniques at the Clinical Center of Serbia.
"Excimer Laser" technique
Athens Medical Center becomes the exclusive provider of the Excimer Laser technique, a new laser-based treatment for obstructed peripheral blood vessels.
2004
The Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee selects Athens Medical Group as the most suitable medical organization in Greece to provide healthcare services to athletes participating in the Olympic Games.
2005
Second MEDSANA Diagnostic Center opens
Athens Medical Group inaugurates its second MEDSANA Diagnostic Center in Bucharest, Romania.
Recognition among Europe's "Hot 100" listed companies
European Business Magazine ranks Athens Medical Group among the “Hot 100” companies listed on European stock exchanges.
The Group is ranked among the 'Superbrands'.
The Group is included in the ‘Superbrands’ list as an outstandingly recognizable brand in services and products.
2006
Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System
Greece’s first advanced da Vinci robotic laparoscopic surgical system is installed, and the country’s first robotic cholecystectomy is performed.
The Siemens Avanto TIM 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging system is installed
2007
Peristeri Clinic is established.
Asklepios Kliniken GmbH Group
Asklepios Kliniken GmbH, one of Europe’s leading healthcare groups, acquires an equity stake in Athens Medical Group.
Superbrands recognition
Athens Medical Group is included for the 2nd time in the ‘Superbrands’ list
Nuclear Medicine Department (Radioisotopes) of the Athens Medical Center.
The Nuclear Medicine Department of Athens Medical Center acquires an advanced PET/CT imaging system.
SOMATOM Definition Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner
The advanced Siemens SOMATOM Definition CT scanner is installed at the European Interbalkan Medical Center in Thessaloniki.
2008
Third diagnostic center in Romania
MEDSANA, a subsidiary of Athens Medical Group, inaugurates its third diagnostic center in Romania.
First laparoscopic hepatectomy
The first laparoscopic hepatectomy is performed at the European Interbalkan Medical Center in Thessaloniki.
Scientists at Athens Medical Center successfully create a new urinary bladder.
1st transvaginal laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Greece
Athens Medical Center performs the first transvaginal laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Greece using rigid laparoscopic instruments.
2009
GAIA Maternity and Gynecology begins operating.
Athens Medical Group receives outstanding reputation recognition
According to the independent international GLOBAL PULSE 2009 survey, Athens Medical Group is recognized as the company with the best reputation in the medical services sector in Greece and the fifth most reputable company worldwide.
At Athens Pediatric Center, surgeons perform the removal of a hemivertebra at the base of the cervical spine in a child aged just two years and three months.
The Upper Limb Surgery and Reconstructive Orthopedic Microsurgery Department successfully applies an innovative treatment for an extensive tumor in the hand of a young patient.
Pioneering pediatric robotic surgical procedures are performed at the General Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery Department.
2010
GAIA Maternity and Gynecology collaborates with London’s Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF), a leading institution in fetal medicine research, education and training.
The new da Vinci Si HD robotic surgical system becomes operational, enabling the first Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) procedure in Greece.
The first robotic nephrectomy in Greece is successfully performed on a seven-year-old child.
2011
Official European Upper Limb Trauma Center
The Hand and Upper Limb Surgery and Reconstructive Orthopedic Microsurgery Department receives certification as an Official European Hand Trauma Center from the Federation of European Societies for Surgery of the Hand.
Treatment of patients from Libya
The first multiple-trauma patients from Libya are transferred to Athens Medical Group hospitals for treatment. The total number of patients eventually exceeds 3,500.
World-first single-incision robotic surgery
Single-incision robotic surgery is introduced for the first time worldwide at three international medical centers, including Athens Medical Center. These procedures include internationally pioneering hysterectomies, removal of ovarian endometriotic cysts and removal of pericardial cysts.
2012
Athens Medical Group begins collaborating with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital.
GAIA Maternity and Gynecology relocates to Athens Medical Center in Marousi.
2013
TEMOS Certification
Athens Medical Center and the European Interbalkan Medical Center receive TEMOS certification for “Quality in International Patient Care.”
1st international single-incision robotic cholecystectomy
Athens Medical Center performs the first robotic cholecystectomy worldwide through a single small incision on a woman who is 6 months pregnant.
Department of General Laparoscopic, Bariatric, and Robotic Surgery
The General Laparoscopic, Bariatric and Robotic Surgery Department of Athens Medical Center is certified as a Center of Excellence by the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO).
2014
«Best Hospitals Worldwide 2014»
GAIA Maternity and Gynecology, Athens Pediatric Center and the European Interbalkan Medical Center are recognized among the “Best Hospitals Worldwide 2014.”
International quality certification upgrade
Athens Medical Group receives an official upgrade of its international quality certifications to the “Excellence in Medical Tourism” level from Temos International.
Annual Continuing Medical Education Program
Athens Medical Group, in collaboration with leading medical education organizations in Greece, launches its Annual Continuing Medical Education Program. The program offers 66 EACCME continuing medical education credits, making it one of the highest-credit programs recognized by the Panhellenic Medical Association.
More than 350 diagnostic centers
Athens Medical Group’s network of affiliated diagnostic centers and physicians throughout Greece expands rapidly, becoming the largest network of its kind in the country, with more than 350 diagnostic centers and 2,500 affiliated physicians.
World 1st robotic right colectomy and omentectomy through a single small incision
Athens Medical Center performs the world’s first robotic right colectomy and omentectomy through a single small incision.
2015
A Memorandum of Understanding is signed with the internationally renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center in the United States.
The Preventive Medicine, Wellness and Longevity Department is inaugurated at Paleo Faliro Clinic.
A specialized Hip Arthroscopy Clinic begins operating at the European Interbalkan Medical Center in Thessaloniki.
The Athens Heart Center, a model cardiovascular center, is officially inaugurated.
Greece’s first Pelvic Floor Laboratory and a new specialized Colorectal Surgery Department are announced.
The world’s first robotic repair of athletic pubalgia (sportsman’s hernia) is performed.
The first single-site robotic urological procedure in Southeastern Europe is performed at Athens Medical Center.
Athens Medical Center successfully performs the first procedures in Greece for the treatment of atrial fibrillation using the latest third-generation cryoablation system.
Greece’s first private Rare Diseases Clinic is inaugurated.
The innovative transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) technique is introduced for the treatment of rectal cancer.
A complete sphincter repair and pelvic floor reconstruction procedure is performed for the first time.
Athens Medical Center performs Greece’s first implantation of an innovative fully subcutaneous defibrillator system in a patient with a hereditary disease.
2016
For the 1st time in Greece, the innovative NeuroSAFE technique is used during robotic radical prostatectomy at Athens Medical Center.
The Breast Clinic of Athens Medical Center becomes a full member of the Breast Centers Network.
Greece’s first private-sector Pulmonary Hypertension Unit begins operating at the Athens Heart Center.
The first robotic thoracic lobectomy in Greece is performed at the European Interbalkan Medical Center.
For the first time in Greece, an innovative non-invasive blood glucose measurement method is introduced at Paleo Faliro Clinic.
Ten years are completed since the first robotic surgery procedure in Greece, performed at Athens Medical Center.
Athens Medical Group organizes its first Athens Medical Leadership and Innovation Conference (AMLI).
For the first time in Greece, transsphincteric rectal resection is performed without the need for a permanent stoma.
The European Interbalkan Medical Center is selected by the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) as an affiliated Sports Medicine Center.
The Flow Cytometry Laboratory at Psychiko Clinic receives certification from the EuroFlow Group for the quality of its services.
Athens Medical Group welcomes the Fournoi islands of Ikaria into its Medical Adoption Program.
Athens Medical Group receives the highest number of distinctions at the Healthcare Business Awards, winning five Gold Awards.
Athens Medical Group and GENESIS Athens present their new state-of-the-art Medsana – Genesis Athens Clinic in Bucharest, Romania.
Athens Medical Group publishes its first Corporate Responsibility Report.
2017
Athens Medical Group is the only Greek participant in the 7th HTI Medical Tourism Conference held in Croatia.
The Group receives six Gold Awards at the Healthcare Business Awards.
Athens Medical Group announces its sponsorship of the new Depression Monitoring Center (KEKA).
IATRIKO TV, the Group’s television channel, officially launches.
The “Health in the Homeland” program is presented to the Greek community in New York, providing healthcare coverage to members of the Greek diaspora visiting Greece.
Athens Medical Group receives the highest distinction at Corporate Superbrands Greece 2016.
The Group celebrates the tenth anniversary of Peristeri Clinic.
Athens Medical Group becomes the only private hospital provider in Europe participating in the European Union’s EVOTION research program.
Through AHEPA and the Atlantis Program, Athens Medical Group organizes an innovative seminar for pre-medical students from the United States.
The Gastroenterology Department of Athens Medical Center acquires Fujifilm’s advanced ELUXEO™ endoscopy system.
For the first time in Greece, a robotic hepatectomy is successfully performed at Athens Medical Center.
Greece’s first intraoperative pulmonary vein ablation using Cryoballoon technology is performed at Athens Medical Center.
2018
For the first time in Greece, Athens Medical Center performs a robotic partial nephrectomy on a middle-aged patient with multiple tumors in both kidneys.
Athens Medical Group receives the First Prize for Financial Performance Recovery from readers of HRIMA magazine and HRIMA Week.
The first robotic cystoprostatectomy in Greece is performed at Athens Medical Center on a 70-year-old patient.
Athens Medical Group expands its Medical Adoption Program to the island of Samothrace and extends existing healthcare benefits to the villages of Zoni, Mikri Doxipara and Chelidona in the Municipality of Orestiada.
For the first time in Greece, endoscopic vessel harvesting technology is introduced in cardiac surgery using the advanced Maquet Haemopro 2© system.
2019
Athens Medical Group proceeded with:
⦁ the acquisition of the most advanced robotic surgery system, Da Vinci Xi HD, 2019 edition.
⦁ the acquisition of the Focal One® HIFU (High-intensity Focused Ultrasound) Robotic System, now becoming the only center in Southeastern Europe to possess this technology.
⦁ the acquisition of the new GE ARCHITECT 3 Tesla MRI Scanner.
2020
2021
Athens Medical Group proceeded with the installation of the first Greek AC Pillar dual electric vehicle charger at the Interbalkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki.
Athens Medical Group became the “Official Medical Partner” of the EKO Acropolis Rally 2021.
Athens Medical Group was honored for the second consecutive year with the Gold Distinction as a Top Performing ESG Company, within the framework of the evaluation process for the companies participating in the CR Index 2021-2022.
Athens Medical Group is emerged as a “Gold Protagonist” for the Decade 2010-2020 in the Medical Services sector, within the framework of the Institutional Awards “The Protagonists of the Greek Economy”.
“ATHENS MEDICAL CENTER S.A.” participates in the new “ATHEX ESG” index of the Athens Stock Exchange.
Athens Medical Group offered free benefits for firefighters, police officers, volunteers, flight crews, and our fellow citizens, as well as the provision of 3 fully equipped ambulances to reinforce the EKAB fleet for the emergency transport of those affected by the fires.
The Consulate of Montenegro in Thessaloniki is inaugurated, housed in a specially designed space within the “European Interbalkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki”.
Athens Medical Group proceeded with the procurement of a PHILIPS High-Field 1.0 T. Open MRI Scanner, which was installed at the largest Diagnostic Center – Polyclinic of the Prefecture, Diagnostiki Naxou A.I.E., the official partner of Athens Medical Group in the Cyclades.
In the context of collaboration between enterprises to combat the COVID-19 disease, Athens Medical Group and Vitex S.A., two innovative Greek Companies, enter into a new partnership aimed at preventing and limiting the spread of the COVID-19 disease through painted surfaces.
Bioiatriki Group and Athens Medical Group proceeded with the signing of a memorandum of strategic cooperation, aimed at providing the Greek citizen with innovative, comprehensive, quality, and affordable healthcare services across the entire spectrum of primary and secondary care.
2022
2023
2024
2025
LAMDA Development, through its subsidiary HELLINIKON S.A., and Athens Medical Group signed an exclusive strategic agreement for the creation of a model, state-of-the-art Healthcare Park at The Ellinikon, following the initial Memorandum of Cooperation signed on April 10, 2024, and with the signing of a Commercial Lease Preliminary Agreement.
At the Athens Medical Center, within the framework of an international clinical trial, an investigational treatment was administered for the first time in Europe to a patient with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
The world’s first installation of the next-generation Luminos Q.namix T fluoroscopy system, as well as the first installation in Southern Europe of the Q.namix R fluoroscopy system by Siemens Healthineers, is taking place at the Athens Medical Center.
The Group’s Mobile Medical Unit, staffed with specialized medical and nursing personnel, traveled to Samos and examined more than 300 residents free of charge, performing a total of over 2,000 examinations.
The Group expanded the “Medical Adoption Program”, offering free medical services at the Group’s Clinics to the Greek residents of Imbros and Tenedos, as well as to the entire human resources of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
