Biography

Christos Lionis, MD, PhD, FRCGP (Hon), FESC, FWONCA
Professor Christos Lionis is a physician, academic, and internationally recognized leader in primary health care and public health.
He served as Professor of General Practice and Primary Health Care and Director of the Clinic of Social and Family Medicine (CSFM) at the University of Crete from 1995 to 2022. In recognition of his long-standing academic and research contributions, he was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus in 2023.
In addition to his work in Greece, Professor Lionis has held the position of Professor of Primary Health Care and Public Health at the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Limassol, Cyprus.
His academic career has been marked by extensive leadership and collaboration in European and international research initiatives, with a particular emphasis on strengthening primary health care systems, promoting person-centered care, and advancing medical education.
Since February 2026, he is one of the two Heads of the WHO Collaboration Centre on Quality of Care and People-Centered Policies under WHO’s reference number GRE-33 Center.
Professor Lionis currently serves as Chair of the Mental Health Working Party of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) and contributes to the scholarly community through his roles on the editorial boards of several leading international journals.
His work bridges clinical practice, research, and policy, with a sustained focus on mental well-being, resilience, and the integration of public health and primary health care. His contributions have been widely recognized through numerous distinctions, including Honorary Fellowships from the Royal College of General Practitioners, World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA), and the European Society of Cardiology.