Eleni Efstathiou, MD, PhD
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center - Houston, Texas

Dr. Efstathiou received her MD from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine in Athens, Greece, where she also performed her clinical residency and fellowship. In addition, she received her PhD from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine. Dr. Efstathiou continued her studies in the United States to obtain her postdoctoral fellowship from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. She is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology for the Division of Cancer Medicine at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Dr. Efstatihiou has always been interested in medical oncology. As a child, she would observe her grandfather, who was an internist, at work. The experience soon fueled her passion to become a medical student. She then trained as an internist and a medical oncologist, and began to focus her interest in the field of prostate cancer. “Unlike what one would expect, I started getting involved with prostate cancer initially out of the great interest I found in conversations with older gentlemen. More often than not this remains a disease of older age, usually characterized by maturity and a plethora of experience. Believe it or not, I enjoyed learning from my patients and just like that started getting more and more involved with prostate cancer,” Dr. Efstathiou explains. Shortly after that she also started getting more involved with the research field and focused on the unique features of the disease.

Dr. Efstathiou’s work can be found in 41 publications. She continues to be involved in research support, and is currently a practicing physician. “Patient care whether direct or indirect through research, is my sole priority,” she states.

Dr. Efstathiou’s busy schedule leaves her with little personal time. “I would have to admit that keeping a research appointment in the university of Texas M.D. Anderson cancer center and a clinical position in an academic institution in Greece, as well as teaching responsibilities leaves little time for other interests and hobbies,” she says. In her free time, Dr. Efstathiou assists uninsured cancer patients, such as the elderly in Europe, in receiving the help they deserve. “I admit I should have time for hobbies, but the gratification in helping others, even one person at a time, is such I can’t resist,” she happily states.