My journey began in Greece, where I always had a passion for animals and health sciences. Growing up, I was torn between becoming a doctor, a veterinarian, or a biologist. After I had taken my exams, I was accepted in veterinary medicine. The school I attended in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki was absolutely amazing, and I became completely enthusiastic about my studies.

You have a specific interest in neurology. How did that develop?

Interestingly, when I first started veterinary school, I was fascinated by exotic and wildlife medicine - and that passion for wildlife still remains. However, as I progressed through my studies, I began to develop a deep fascination with neurology, particularly during the final two years of my academic training.

What was the turning point that made you commit to neurology?

After completing my mandatory military service in Greece, I began a veterinary internship in my alma matter, and within this program, I was exposed to neurology. It was a transformative experience. I realised how neurological cases brought me genuine excitement. It was like discovering a whole new world - especially as technology was evolving. Smartphones were becoming more prevalent, and people were sharing videos that weren't even possible just five years earlier. This technological shift opened up new possibilities for understanding neurological conditions because we can see footage of clinical signs recorded at home by owners.

How did you come to move to the UK, and what was that transition like?

My move to the UK was motivated by both professional opportunities and personal support. My partner encouraged me to apply to positions in the United Kingdom, and I was fortunate enough to secure a neurology internship at a veterinary referral centre in Cambridge. It was a significant leap, especially considering I had never imagined myself becoming a resident or a diplomat when I was back in Greece.

The path to becoming a specialist can be challenging. What was that experience like?

The journey was incredibly challenging, both mentally and practically. From a mindset perspective, I was coming from Greece and had never envisioned myself pursuing this specialised path. There were technical challenges, too, such as the difficulty of securing a residency. It took me five years to finally achieve my residency, which was a test of persistence and dedication.

Mentorship seems to have played a crucial role in your journey. Can you tell us more about that?

I was fortunate to experience both ends of the mentorship spectrum. I had some exceptional mentors. These role models taught me not just about neurology but also about ethics, communication, teamwork, and soft skills.

What advice would you give to early career veterinarians or students considering exploring neurology?

My most important piece of advice is simple: don't get discouraged by what your imagination might lead you to believe is impossible. The journey is more important than the destination. Focus on teamwork, communication, and hard work. Don't chase goals blindly; instead, prove who you are through your dedication and passion. Regardless of your background or connections, if you demonstrate your genuine commitment and skills, you will succeed.

Can you describe the moment you found out you passed your specialist exams?

It was surreal! I was on a trip in Rome, completely switched off and enjoying a cultural weekend. I received a message that didn't even explicitly congratulate me. I had to open a PDF, and initially, I didn't have a signal being in a dungeon tasting wine, which was incredibly nerve-wracking. When I finally opened the document and saw that I had passed all my exams, the feeling was amazing. It felt like closing a challenging chapter of my life - a total reward for years of hard work and persistence.

What do you love most about your day-to-day work in veterinary neurology?

I absolutely love investigating unusual cases. It's like being a detective - I enjoy watching interesting videos and discovering new, extraordinary movement disorders. Neurology is fascinating because, as Socrates said, "we know that we know nothing." It's a field with so much left to explore. When I find a unique case or make an interesting discovery, it's incredibly exciting. I find it infectious how this enthusiasm can also motivate the residents I work with.

Tell us about the Tremor Clinic you've established. What inspired this initiative?

My PhD focused on tremors, and I've published around 10 papers on the subject. There are many syndromes that haven't been fully discussed in veterinary literature. The clinic aims to advance our understanding of tremors in animals, which can be genuinely disabling. A dog with severe tremors might struggle to eat, stand, or move comfortably. Our goal is to develop better diagnostic and treatment approaches, potentially even validating an application to measure tremors more effectively.

Outside of your professional life, what are your interests?

I'm passionate about history and archaeology. I love visiting archaeological sites and reading historical texts. I also enjoy more artistic pursuits – I enjoy drawing. One of my favourite archaeological sites is the royal tombs of Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, located in Greek Macedonia.

Any final thoughts you'd like to share with aspiring veterinary specialists?

Stay curious, be persistent, and never stop learning. Veterinary medicine, especially neurology, is a field of endless discovery. Embrace the challenges, learn from your mentors, and always maintain your passion for understanding and helping animals.