At the Philological Association PARNASSOS, under its auspices, and with great success, a commemorative event of the unforgettable Professor of Cardiology, Dimitris Kremastinos, was held, on the occasion of the publication of his book "Cardio-Teachings. Cardiovascular health knowledge and advice".
At the event they spoke about the personality and the work of the Professor: Prokopios Pavlopoulos, former President of the Republic, Academic and Honorary Professor of EKPA, Stella Priovolou, Om. professor, President of the Body of Emeritus Professors of EKPA, Philippos Triposkiadis, Om. Professor of Cardiology, Georgios Roditis, t. Notary public of Rhodes and Apostolos Apostolidis, Journalist, editor of the publication.
The event was coordinated by Emmanuel Hatjinakis, Vice President of the FS. PARNASSUS. All the speakers referred to his rich and important work as a physician, and especially emphasized his value as a human being, and his unfailing interest in a human conscious society with values and ideals, which we so lack today. This is what D. Kremastinos expressed his interest with his popular article aimed at protecting citizens' health.
The introduction-preface by Apostolos Apostolidis, a faithful friend of Dimitris Kremastinos, in the edition of the book, which he edited with too much love, begins with the Hippocratic Oath.
In the pages of the book, the reader finds out for himself that D. Kremastinos kept the Oath and the commitments, which he imposed, not only as a responsible doctor, but mainly as a Man, because what is mentioned in the Oath, are examples of life itself and of important course of the unforgettable Professor of Cardiology.
Dimitris Kremastinos had a brilliant university and hospital career, he was, among many others, the founder of the 2nd University Cardiology Clinic at Attikon Hospital, where he created a university School. His rich scientific work, with pioneering and innovative works, established him internationally.
Dimitris Kremastinos was both an innovative politician and for many years the favorite MP of Dodecanese. He was Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament and Minister of Health. The projects under his ministry remain impressive: air transport of patients, upgrading of the emergency room, telemedicine, establishment of OKANA, renovation of Hospitals and Health Centers. Furthermore, through its own actions, Greece exempted itself from the limitations of the Maastricht Treaty on public health spending, resulting in the creation of important projects and infrastructure.
Dimitris Kremastinos was associated with the personality of Andreas Papandreou, and deserves to be remembered not just as his personal doctor, but as a faithful and devoted friend, as his dignified representative in the difficult moments of his life. And we do not forget him to inform in the most sensitive and elegant way about the health of the then Prime Minister of the country.
D. Kremastinos left the image of a pioneering scientist, an enlightened academic teacher and a philanthropic doctor with a modest and dignified presence. He illuminated the University of Athens as a tenured and emeritus professor, as well as Greek political life and Greek and international society.
D. Kremastinos was not limited to research and teaching, but, as he was always at the side of his patients as a human being and not strictly as a doctor, he wanted his opinions and advice to be transmitted to society through his articles. Thus, as soon as the demonic virus began to affect humanity he repeatedly stated his positions for the common good. At the end of February 2020, his article was published in TA NEA newspaper, where his anxiety about the course of Covid 19 and his intense fear of its spread and effects on the population, especially on heart patients, were evident. Therefore, he made a series of speeches and articles in newspapers, and fought with his known militancy against the demonic virus, indicating to the rulers the adoption of protective measures in order to contain it and not spread. However, Covid 19 is insidious, it took its revenge. And Fortune did not favor him. Fate or the circumstances faced by those who were called to treat him, as well as they themselves were faced with an unpredictable virus, led this precious doctor and rare man away from us, to Eternity!.. Eminent scientists are not forgotten. The work of D. Kremastinos is a valuable legacy for younger scientists. The knowledge and experience of this enlightened personality of Medical Science, will give a timeless answer to the concerns about cardiovascular health.
Dimitris Kremastinos knew how to resist his enemies, but unfortunately it was fatal that he could not resist the demonic virus. But he will remain in our memory as the wonderful, rare combination of scientist, politician and Human. His memory remains indelible for his chosen and devoted life partner, his medical colleague Jenny Kremastinos, who always strongly supported him, as well as for all those who were lucky enough to know him or work with him. Anyone who knew this professor remembered Menander's saying: "As a woman, she is a man, when she is not."
The new book edited by Ap. Apostolidis and the collaboration of three renowned professors of Cardiology, Mrs. K. Gatzoulis, of Mrs. Phil. Triposkiadis and Mr. Dim. Alexopoulos, gives the honor and gratitude that befits the rare personality of Dimitris Kremastinos.
I'm not a doctor, but I would call this book a "cardiology dictionary".
Now that D. Kremastinos is not among us, his valuable advice will accompany our lives until we find ourselves near him.
