SPECIALIZED
EXPERIENCE, SCIENTIFIC TRAINING, PERSONAL APPROACH
Personalized treatment plan according to each patient’s needs.
About the doctor
Care based on experience and respect.
Vasilios Papanikolaou, MD, PhD
Consultant ENT Surgeon – Rhinology & Head & Neck Surgery
“How may I help you today?”
Vasilios Papanikolaou, MD, PhD is a Consultant ENT Surgeon and Director at the ENT Department at “Sotiria” General Hospital for Chest Diseases in Athens, Greece. He is also Director at the ENT Department of Lefkos Stavros Hospital and maintains a private practice in Athens.
He has extensive clinical and surgical experience, with special interest in Rhinology, Rhinologic Surgery, and Head & Neck Oncology.
ENT care that allows you to breathe, hear, and live better.
We listen to your needs. We improve your everyday life.
Curriculum Vitae
Vasilios Papanikolaou, MD, PhD, is a Consultant Otolaryngologist and Director at the ENT Department at the General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases of Athens “Sotiria”.
He also serves as Director at the ENT Department of Lefkos Stavros Hospital and runs a private ENT practice in Athens.
He has over 24 years of clinical experience, having examined thousands of patients and performed several thousand surgical procedures, with particular expertise in rhinologic surgery and head & neck cancer.
He has trained and worked in Greece, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland, and maintains an active academic and educational profile with numerous international publications and invited lectures.
Education & Training
MD, Medical School of Athens, Greece (1997)
Specialization in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery (2001–2007)
Basic Surgical Training
Resident in General Surgery
Department of General Surgery, 7th IKA Hospital, Athens (02/2001–02/2002)
ENT Training & Clinical Appointments
ENT Senior House Officer
United Leeds Teaching Hospitals & St. John’s Hospital, Essex, UK (02/2003–07/2004)
ENT Resident
First University ENT Department, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens (08/2004–09/2006 and 01/2007 – 04/2007)
ENT Registrar
Department of Otolaryngology Leighton Hospital, Mid Cheshire Hospital, UK (10/2006 – 01/2007 and 08/2007 – 09/2007)
International Academic Appointment
Lecturer / Consultant ENT Surgeon
University College Hospital Galway & National University of Ireland, Galway (09/2007–06/2009)
The National University of Ireland, Galway consistently ranks among the top 500 universities worldwide.
Professional Appointments
Consultant ENT Surgeon
First University ENT Department, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens (06/2009–08/2022)
Consultant ENT Surgeon
General Hospital for Chest Diseases of Athens “Sotiria” (09/2022–present)
Clinical Experience
More than 24 years in active ENT practice
Thousands of outpatient consultations and surgical procedures
772 surgical procedures performed between September 2022 and November 2025 alone
Founder of specialized Rhinology Clinics in major tertiary hospitals in Athens
Lead physician in one of the largest public rhinology referral clinics in Greece
Areas of Special Interest
Rhinology & Rhinologic Surgery
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
Functional Nasal Surgery
Head & Neck Oncology
Salivary Gland Tumors
Laryngeal and Voice Surgery
Academic & Research Activity
PhD (2013) – Thesis on Salivary Gland Cancer, graded Excellent
International recognition (Waldron Award, AAOMP, Puerto Rico)
More than 80 peer-reviewed international publications
Contributor to Greek and international ENT textbooks
Co-editor and translator of International Rhinology Guidelines
Extensive teaching experience in Greece and abroad
Awards & Distinctions
Best Publication Award – Gene (2022)
Best Publication Award – Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology (2009)
Multiple awards for best presentations at international and national conferences
Teaching & Mentorship
Longstanding involvement in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education
Responsible for training and supervision of ENT residents and fellows
Active role in curriculum development and academic mentoring
For International Patients
Patients from abroad are welcome for specialized ENT consultation and surgical treatment in Athens, Greece. Dr Vasilios Papanikolaou, MD, PhD offers comprehensive evaluation and management of complex ENT conditions, with particular expertise in:
- Rhinology & Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
- Functional Nasal Surgery
- Head & Neck Oncology
- Salivary Gland Tumors
- Laryngeal and Voice Surgery
International patients receive:
- Thorough pre-arrival case review (medical history & imaging)
- Clear treatment planning and realistic expectations
- Surgical care in high-level tertiary hospitals
- Structured postoperative follow-up, including remote communication when appropriate
English is spoken fluently, ensuring clear communication and continuity of care throughout the diagnostic and treatment process.
Current Hospital Affiliations & Clinical Practice
Dr Vasilios Papanikolaou holds senior consultant and director-level appointments in major tertiary hospitals in Athens:
Director, ENT Department
General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases of Athens “Sotiria”
Director, ENT Department
Lefkos Stavros Hospital, Athens
In parallel, he maintains a private ENT practice in Athens, offering timely access to consultation, diagnostics, and postoperative follow-up.
His clinical activity spans:
- High-volume public tertiary care
- Complex oncologic ENT surgery
- Advanced rhinologic and endoscopic procedures
- Multidisciplinary head & neck cancer management
This dual public–private practice ensures both academic rigor and patient-centered care.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Content related to medical conditions, diagnostic procedures, or surgical techniques is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
Patients are advised to consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.