The Doctor Who Left His Hospital Career to Save a Cycladic Island
On the small Cycladic island of Serifos, a rural health clinic has quietly built a reputation as one of the best-organized medical facilities in the entire Cyclades. What started as the vision of one family doctor a few years ago has grown into a functioning, fully staffed clinic serving a remote island community year-round.
The clinic currently runs with a pediatrician and three rural doctors. Christos Pavelis, a director of pediatrics from the hospital in Preveza, relocated to Serifos three years ago alongside his wife, who works as a midwife. The two left stable mainland careers to build something different on the island.
"I wanted the hands-on experience of delivering primary care in a small island setting" — Eftychia Chatzigriva
The rest of the team is young and driven. Katerina Valsamidi, 26, has been serving at the clinic since February 2025. Nikos Dimitriadis came from Giannitsa, and Eftychia Chatzigriva, originally from Larissa, said she wanted the hands-on experience of delivering primary care in a small island setting. The clinic was originally set in motion by family doctor Thanasis Kontaris, who has since relocated to Cyprus.
The SKAI program "Opu Yparchei Ellada" visited the clinic and spoke with the staff, capturing what it actually looks like when doctors choose remote island service over comfortable city postings. For an island with no major hospital within easy reach, that choice makes a real difference.
