90 Years of Medicine, Innovation & Community
From a small fraternity of Greek physicians in wartime New York to a growing national medical community, the story of HMS is one of medicine, discovery, service, scholarship, fellowship — and the people who continued to push boundaries and imagine what could come next.
Our History Is Still Being Written — and Rediscovered.
Nine decades of HMS history live not only in our records, but in the photographs, documents, programs, stories, and memories of generations of members and their families.
Throughout this timeline, an asterisk (*) identifies moments where our archives are incomplete or where we hope to learn more.
Have something to add to the HMS story? If you have historical photographs, documents, event programs, correspondence, or information that can help us fill in the gaps, we would love to hear from you. Email us at hellenicmed@gmail.com.
Where It All Began
1917 · A Fraternity Is Born in Wartime New York
The story begins with the Greek-American Medical Fraternity, co-founded during the First World War by Dr. George N. Papanicolaou — whose pioneering work would later transform preventive medicine through the Pap test.
Drs. Papanicolaou, Constantinos Carousos, and Constantinos Logothetis served consecutively as presidents.
1920 · Making It Official
The fraternity formally registers with New York State authorities.
1924 · A Bigger Vision
Renamed the Greek-American Intercollegiate Club, the organization broadens its scope under Dr. Polybios Coryllos, distinguished surgeon and Professor of Surgery at Cornell Medical College.
HMS Is Born
A Professional Home for Greek-American Physicians
The Hellenic Medical Society of New York is founded, creating a professional home for Greek-American physicians dedicated to medicine, fellowship, public health, and service.
Among its founders was Dr. George N. Papanicolaou, the pioneering physician and scientist whose groundbreaking work would revolutionize cervical cancer detection through the Pap test and save millions of lives around the world.
Roots Nearly Two Decades Deep
Papanicolaou’s involvement also connected HMS to its earliest roots: nearly two decades earlier, he had co-founded the Greek-American Medical Fraternity from which the Society traces its origins.
Together with Dr. Polybios Coryllos and a distinguished group of Greek-American physicians, Papanicolaou helped establish a Society built around a belief that continues to guide HMS today: that medicine advances through knowledge, discovery, service, and community.
War, Service & Renewal
1938 · A Bold Dream Interrupted
HMS envisions something remarkable: a Greek-American medical library and hospital in New York City. The sudden death of Dr. Coryllos and the Second World War bring the ambitious project to a halt.
WWII · Answering the Call
Under the leadership of Drs. Constantinos Carousos and Leonidas Lantzounis, HMS supports relief efforts for Greece during the war years.
1945–1967 · Medicine — and Fellowship*
In the postwar decades, HMS becomes an important professional and social gathering place for Greek physicians in New York, strengthening relationships and building a community that would carry the Society into its next era.
Our archives from portions of this period are incomplete. We hope members and their families can help us discover more.
A Society Transformed
1967 · From 20 Physicians to 160
A major membership drive transforms HMS, increasing membership eightfold in just four years.
1969 · Building a Modern Society
Under President Dr. Theophilos Deliyanidis, HMS modernizes its constitution and bylaws, establishes the organization’s seal featuring Asclepius and committees with defined responsibilities, and introduces annual galas supporting the medical education of Greek-American youth.
1971 · Education Takes Center Stage
HMS obtains tax-exempt status and expands its educational mission through lectures featuring distinguished physicians and academics.
1975 · An Idea That Would Change Generations
Under President Dr. Marinos Petratos, HMS establishes its Scholarship Fund — beginning what would become one of the Society’s most enduring and consequential programs.
More than 50 years later, the Scholarship Program continues to invest in the physicians, scientists, and medical leaders of tomorrow.
Expanding Our Horizons
1979 · Honoring a Medical Pioneer
HMS honors one of its founders, Dr. George N. Papanicolaou, with the dedication of his bust at Cornell Medical College. A replica is later presented to the University of Athens.
The tribute recognizes a physician whose spirit of scientific curiosity, perseverance, and innovation remains deeply connected to the values of HMS.
1981 · HMS Finds Its Voice
The first quarterly HMS Newsletter begins connecting members with the Society’s growing activities and programs.
1980s · Medicine Without Borders
HMS helps deliver scientific textbooks and medical equipment to hospitals throughout Greece, Cyprus, and Northern Epirus.
1984–1997 · Bringing Medicine Across the Atlantic
HMS begins co-sponsoring medical conferences with regional societies in Greece, culminating in the record-setting 14th Medical Seminar on Rhodes in 1997.
1995 · Looking Beyond New York
Dr. Spyros G. E. Mezitis organizes the Society’s first outreach program for physicians outside the New York metropolitan area in Philadelphia — an early step toward a broader HMS community.
From New York to the World
2000–2004 · A National Vision Emerges
HMS expands its educational programs, strengthening connections among Hellenic physicians beyond New York.
Dr. Apostolos Tambakis donates his Brooklyn medical office to HMS, while the Society begins a tradition that continues today: marching in New York City’s Greek Independence Day Parade on Fifth Avenue.
2004–2008 · Going Global
Under Dr. George D. Dangas, HMS strengthens connections with medical and bioscientific organizations throughout the Hellenic diaspora, with conferences bringing together delegates from 23 countries.
2007 · Celebrating Excellence
HMS establishes new traditions recognizing extraordinary achievement, including the Distinguished Hellene Award and, later, the Career Achievement Award.
2009–2010 · A Home of Our Own
Under Dr. George J. Tsioulias, the Brooklyn office is renovated and inaugurated as HMS headquarters.
In 2010, Dr. Tsioulias becomes the first HMS President elected Grand Marshal of New York City’s Greek Independence Day Parade.
HMS Enters the Digital Age
2011 · A New Way to Connect
Under Dr. Nicholas H. E. Mezitis, HMS embraces a new generation of communication through an interactive website, social media, e-news, online video, and the DOCFINDERS™ physician referral service.
Scholarships Grow Beyond the Classroom
The Scholarship and Grants Program expands to support fellowships, university exchanges, observerships, and other educational opportunities.
Standing With Greece
During Greece’s financial crisis, HMS strengthens its relationship with the Athens Medical Association and supports medical and educational initiatives connecting the two countries.
2015–2016 · Stronger Together
Under Dr. George Liakeas, HMS deepens relationships with leading Hellenic organizations in New York and expands its educational, cultural, and community collaborations.
2020–2022 · Medicine, Leadership & Community in a Time of Crisis
During the COVID-19 pandemic, HMS President Dr. Panos Manolas helped guide the Society through an unprecedented moment for medicine and for New York.
As uncertainty and concern swept through the community, HMS brought physicians and medical experts directly to the public through virtual lectures, webinars, and international teleconferences — helping answer questions, share reliable medical information, and keep the community informed and connected at a time when trusted guidance mattered deeply.
HMS also joined physicians from around the world for the first Global Hellenic Medical Teleconference on COVID-19, strengthening collaboration among Hellenic medical professionals across borders during a truly global health crisis.
At a time when people could not gather in person, HMS found new ways to fulfill one of its oldest responsibilities: bringing medicine, knowledge, and community together when they were needed most.
A New Era for HMS
A Period of Growth and Transformation
Under the leadership of President Dr. Antonios P. Gasparis, HMS enters its tenth decade during a period of significant growth and transformation — expanding programs, welcoming new voices, investing in the next generation, strengthening connections between the United States and Greece, and laying the foundation for a national organization.
2025 · Opening Our Doors Wider
Dr. Monica Tadros becomes the first non-Greek member elected to the HMS Board of Directors, marking an important moment in the evolution of the Society and the broadening of the HMS community.
A First in Professional Leadership
HMS appoints Stavroula Toska as its first Executive Director, establishing dedicated professional leadership to guide the Society’s expanding operations, programs, membership, strategic partnerships, development, rebranding and growth.
A Record-Breaking Year of Giving
HMS celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Scholarship Program with its largest Scholarship Gala to date — a sold-out evening at Cipriani 42nd Street. More than $350,000 is raised from over 110 donors to support the next generation.
The year brings extraordinary generosity, including a bequest from the late Dr. Maria Sherry, significant support from Dr. George Liakeas, a former HMS scholarship recipient, and a remarkable gift from an anonymous “angel donor” — a former HMS scholar who became a successful vascular surgeon and returned decades later to give back.
The evening serves as a powerful reflection of the vision Dr. Marinos Petratos set in motion in 1975: one generation lifting the next.
2026 · The Next Generation Gets a Seat at the Table
HMS officially establishes its first Young Professionals Committee, giving medical students, residents, fellows, and emerging physicians a stronger voice — and a role in shaping the Society’s future.
The Hippocratic Medical Symposium Is Born
HMS launches its inaugural Hippocratic Medical Symposium, a CME-accredited forum bringing together leading experts for medical education, innovation, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas.
Designed around a new theme each year, the Symposium features expert panels, Q&As, abstract presentations, and opportunities for meaningful dialogue across specialties and generations.
With support from leading partners including Bank of America, George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Lilly, and others, the Symposium also marks a new chapter in HMS’s growing institutional and strategic partnerships.
From Greece to the U.S. — and Into the Clinic
Through Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO), HMS creates pathways for eligible Greek medical students to participate in official clinical rotations at participating U.S. hospitals — strengthening educational ties between Greece and the United States.
Building Bridges Through Medical Education
HMS launches a new series of educational webinars connecting students with opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic. International students learn about English-language medical programs in Greece, while Greek medical students receive practical guidance on pursuing opportunities in the United States — from continuing their medical education and conducting research to building professional networks and navigating career pathways.
Through these programs, HMS strengthens its role as a bridge between Greece, the United States, and the next generation of medicine.
Another HMS First
Dr. John Athas joins Dr. Monica Tadros on the Board of Directors, making them the first married couple to serve together on the HMS Board.
From New York to America
HMS begins its evolution into the Hellenic Medical Society of America, reflecting a new national vision and plans to establish HMS chapters across the United States.
What began in New York is becoming a broader network connecting Hellenic medical professionals across the country.
90 Years. One Very Special Ride Down Fifth Avenue.
HMS celebrates its 90th anniversary with its own float in New York City’s Greek Independence Day Parade — a joyful celebration of medicine, community, and Hellenic pride sponsored by Northwell Vein Care.
A New Look for a New Chapter
HMS collaborates with award-winning illustrator Viktor Koen and unveils a new visual identity and rebranding designed to honor its Hellenic heritage while reflecting the organization it is becoming — modern, growing, connected, and increasingly national in reach.
Scholarships Reach New Heights
HMS received a record 116 scholarship applications in 2026, including an extraordinary pool of talented and accomplished medical students, physicians in training and researchers.
To support the program’s rapid growth, HMS and Scholarship Committee Chair Dr. Eleni Gouzoulis-Koutsos expanded the Scholarship Committee and introduced SmarterSelect, creating a more efficient, structured, and equitable review and decision-making process.
HMS also deepens its investment in the next generation by increasing award amounts for both merit- and need-based scholarships, providing more meaningful support as students pursue their medical education. More than 50 years after the Scholarship Program began, one thing is clear: the future of medicine has a distinctly Hellenic spark.
A Growing HMS Community
As new programs launch, events expand, and opportunities for education, mentorship, and professional connection grow, HMS experiences a significant rise in membership — more than 40% since late 2025, with particularly strong growth among medical students, residents, fellows, and other Young Professionals while also welcoming back physician members who are re-engaging with the Society.
Under the leadership of President Dr. Antonios Gasparis and Executive Director Stavroula Toska, HMS places renewed emphasis on membership, engagement, and creating meaningful value for every generation of the community.
The result is more than growing numbers. It is a more active, connected, and engaged HMS — and a new generation finding its place within it.
December 18, 2026 · Celebrating the Next Generation
HMS will bring together scholarship recipients, families, physicians, honorees, donors, and friends for a special Scholarship Night celebrating the remarkable students at the heart of the program.
The evening will honor the 2026 scholarship recipients, feature remarks from this year’s Gala Honorees, and recognize the extraordinary generosity of the donors whose support makes these opportunities possible.
More than an awards ceremony, Scholarship Night will celebrate the full circle of the HMS mission — honoring achievement, expressing gratitude, and bringing generations together to invest in what comes next.
December 19, 2026 · Celebrating 90 Years
Generations of members, scholars, supporters, and friends come together for the HMS 90th Anniversary Celebration & Scholarship Gala — celebrating the people and achievements that shaped the Society while looking toward everything still to come.
The Founders
And We're Just Getting Started.
Ninety years after HMS was founded in New York, a new chapter is being written — one that reaches across generations, disciplines, cities, and borders.
From the spirit of discovery embodied by Dr. George Papanicolaou, to generations of physicians who built and sustained HMS, to the young medical professionals now shaping its future, one idea continues to connect us:
Medicine moves forward when people are willing to imagine what is possible.
The mission continues. The community grows. And the next chapter of HMS is ours to write together.
Help Us Complete the Society's History
Do you have a piece of HMS history? If you have historical photographs, documents, event programs, correspondence, or stories that can help us fill in the gaps, we would love to hear from you.
Every photograph has a story. Every memory adds another piece to ours.