🏫 Early Academic Pursuits
Polyzois Makras embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in medicine. He earned his MD degree from the University of Thessaloniki, Greece, in 1994, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to the field of endocrinology. Following his medical degree, he pursued specialized training in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology in Athens, where he developed a keen interest in disorders of calcium and bone metabolism. His academic curiosity and drive led him to further his education, culminating in the completion of a PhD from the University of Thrace, Greece. This academic achievement set the stage for his extensive research career.
Makras’s academic path also included a significant international experience. He served as a clinical fellow at the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases of the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands between 2006 and 2007. This period was instrumental in shaping his expertise in metabolic diseases and provided him with a broader perspective on global health challenges related to endocrinology.
🏥 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Polyzois Makras has made significant strides in his professional career, particularly in the field of endocrinology. He currently serves as a Consultant Endocrinologist and Director of the Department of Medical Research at the 251 Hellenic Air Force & VA General Hospital of Athens, Greece. In this role, he has become a pivotal figure in the study and treatment of rare diseases, specifically Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) and Erdheim Chester Disease (ECD). His leadership in these areas has been transformative, as he established and directed the National Expert Center for LCH and ECD at his institution.
Makras co-founded the LCH adult clinic in 2005, which later evolved into the National Expert Center for LCH and ECD in 2019. Under his guidance, the center became recognized for its excellence and joined the ERN – EuroBloodNet in 2022, a European reference network for rare hematological diseases. His commitment to advancing knowledge and treatment options for these rare conditions has placed him at the forefront of histiocytosis research.
📚 Contributions and Research Focus
Over the last eighteen years, Dr. Makras has dedicated his research efforts to understanding disorders of calcium and bone metabolism, as well as rare diseases, particularly LCH and non-Langerhans histiocytoses. His work in these fields has been pioneering, and he has contributed significantly to the scientific community’s understanding of these complex conditions.
Dr. Makras is a founding member of the European Consortium for Histiocytosis (ECHO) and the head of the Adult ECHO working group. Through these roles, he has facilitated collaboration among researchers and clinicians across Europe, fostering the development of new treatments and management strategies for histiocytosis. His research has also led to the publication of numerous diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines, particularly in osteoporosis and parathyroid disorders. These guidelines have been instrumental in shaping clinical practice in Greece, where Dr. Makras is recognized as a leading authority in his field.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Makras’s contributions to endocrinology and rare disease research have been widely recognized. He is the former President of the Hellenic Society for the Study of Bone Metabolism, a role in which he influenced the direction of bone metabolism research and advocacy in Greece. Additionally, he has been a member of the Committee of Scientific Advisors of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) since 2020. His involvement with the IOF underscores his global impact, as he has played a key role in shaping international osteoporosis research and policy.
In Greece, Dr. Makras is known for establishing the country’s first fracture liaison service (FLS), a crucial development in the prevention and management of osteoporosis-related fractures. His leadership in this area has set a new standard of care for patients with osteoporosis, significantly improving outcomes and reducing the incidence of fractures.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Makras’s impact extends beyond his immediate clinical and research environment. Through his leadership roles in national and international organizations, he has influenced the global approach to bone metabolism disorders and rare diseases. His guidelines for osteoporosis and parathyroid disorders have become the gold standard in Greece, and his advocacy for the establishment of FLS has led to improved patient care and outcomes.
Moreover, his work with the European Consortium for Histiocytosis (ECHO) has facilitated cross-border collaboration, enabling researchers and clinicians to share knowledge and resources in the fight against histiocytosis. This collaborative approach has accelerated the development of new treatments and improved the quality of life for patients with these rare diseases.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
As Dr. Makras continues his work, his legacy is already evident in the advancements he has driven in endocrinology and rare disease research. His establishment of the LCH and ECD expert center, his leadership in the Hellenic Society for the Study of Bone Metabolism, and his role in the International Osteoporosis Foundation are all testaments to his enduring impact on the medical field.
Looking to the future, Dr. Makras is poised to continue making significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of rare diseases and bone metabolism disorders. His ongoing research, coupled with his commitment to improving clinical care through the development of new guidelines and services, ensures that his influence will be felt for years to come.
In summary, Polyzois Makras MD, PhD, is a distinguished endocrinologist whose work has had a profound impact on both national and international levels. His dedication to research, clinical care, and collaboration has not only advanced the understanding of complex medical conditions but has also improved the lives of countless patients. As he continues to push the boundaries of medical science, his contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the field of endocrinology.