Dimitrios Synodinos

Greek Alliance for Rare Diseases (PESPA)

e-mail: dimitrios.synodinos@eurordis.org

In 2006 Dimitrios Synodinos began working with the Greek Alliance for Rare Diseases (PESPA) where, together with other members, he played an active role in drafting a basic Greek National Plan for Rare Diseases. Used as a cornerstone by the Greek Ministry of Health, and after a few modifications, this plan then became the Greek National Plan for Rare Diseases.

As a member of the EURORDIS Board of Directors he promotes the activities and goals of EURORDIS as well as provides valuable insight to the current situation and the needs of rare diseases in south-eastern Europe.

During his time as a member of PESPA, Dimitrios has seen firsthand the problems encountered by rare disease patients and has actively attended awareness raising events in Greece and abroad.

Also, he participated in the successful planning and running of both the EURORDIS general assembly held in Athens In May 2009, and the Greek EUROPLAN meeting held in November 2010.

Currently, in an advisory role to the PEPSA board, he is closely involved in in the coordination of rare disease educational conferences and seminars as well as Rare Disease Day.

Along with Marianna Lambrou, president of PESPA, he attends fund-raising actions in addition to meetings with stakeholders including the Health Ministry, the Social Services Ministry, and industry.

Dimitrios was born in Aden, Yemen in 1949 and currently resides in Athens, Greece where, after studying economics, he has pursued a career in the private sector.