World-renowned Cypriot doctor to be awarded the Grand Cross of Makarios III

World-renowned Cypriot foetal medicine pioneer, Professor Kypros Nicolaides is to receive the Grand Cross of Makarios III, it was reported on Tuesday.

The Cyprus Medical Society UK (CMS UK), under the auspices of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, organised a live online interview with Nicolaides on Sunday that included Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou.

The interview was hosted by the co-presidents of CMS UK, Dr Nicolas Galazis and Dr Savvas Hadjiphilippou, and the President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, Christos Karaolis. H.E. the High Commissioner of Cyprus to the UK, Andreas Kakouris was a guest along with Photiou.

Nicolaides, who was recently featured on new Netflix series The Surgeon’s Cut, was born in Paphos in 1953. He studied medicine at King’s College London and then become Director of the Harris Birthright Research Centre for Foetal Medicine, the first foetal medicine unit in the UK.

Whilst there, he created a research and educational programme that saw King’s College Hospital become a global hub in the field of foetal medicine, with thousands of doctors visiting from across the world. He was recently elected to the US National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honours in the fields of health and medicine.

The interview began with a pre-recorded video message from Photiou, who praised Professor Nicolaides’ timeless contribution towards science and wider society. Photiou also announced that the Cypriot president intended to award Nicolaides the Grand Cross of Makarios III, Cyprus’ highest civilian honour.

Nicolaides was asked about the discoveries he has made over the decades, earning him the title ‘Father of Foetal Medicine’. He also discussed the difficulties and dilemmas that doctors face during their careers, and shared advice for younger doctors.

The co-Presidents of CMS UK also announced that Nicolaides had accepted their invitation to be the patron of the organisation, as a symbol of their admiration, and as a source of inspiration for Cypriot doctors in the UK and beyond.

The event concluded with a glowing tribute from High Commissioner Kakouris.

The interview was watched by thousands of people around the world and is available to watch at: http://cypriotfederation.org.uk/professornicolaides