C. Dimopoulos (1934-2015): Beloved mentor, educator and urologist

Greek urology pioneer Prof. Constantinos Dimopoulos has recently died in Athens, Greece, following a lingering illness. He was 81.

Born in Peloponnese, Greece, Dimopoulos was educated at the prestigious Medical School of Paris where he worked for almost a decade as urologist in several hospitals, specializing in innovative techniques. He returned to his homeland in 1964 and became a director of the Department of Urology at the General State Hospital of Athens. He was elected professor and head of the Department of Urology of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at “Laiko” Hospital.

Dimopoulos was known for his contributions to Greek urology through his work at Laiko Hospital and for having established the first Endourology Section in Greece. As one of the first members and active supporters of the European Association of Urology (EAU), he actively organized and supported regional and international conferences and helped developed strong bonds among urological professionals. In 1980 he became congress president of the fourth Annual EAU Congress in Athens. During his many years as honorary EAU member, he encouraged many young doctors who later became opinion leaders and experts.

Dimopoulos was elected in 1997 as Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He actively engaged in many academe-based activities such as creating a post-graduate program at Athens University’s Department of Political Sciences and contributing to the renovation of various administrative departments. In 2000, he helped create the University of Peloponnese and became president of the University’s Steering Committee. He retired in 2001 and received the title of Honorary Professor.

For his internationally renowned scientific and academic work, Dimopoulos was honored in 1989 by the French President François Mitterrand with the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor. In 2003, he also became Foreign Associate Member of the French Academy of Medicine.

Dimopoulos was survived by his wife Olga, his children, Athanasios-Meletios, Ioanna and Maria and eleven grandchildren.