A young doctor who chose to build her career on Kastellorizo is providing round-the-clock medical care to the island’s approximately 300 permanent residents, becoming a vital source of reassurance for one of Greece’s most remote communities.
Elli Papadopoulou, director of the Multipurpose Regional Clinic of Megisti, says medical care on the easternmost Greek island comes with responsibilities that extend far beyond conventional working hours.
“We don’t have working hours here,” Papadopoulou told Ta Nea, explaining that she remains on call 24 hours a day and is prepared to respond whenever residents need medical assistance.
As the tourist season winds down and the island returns to its quieter winter routine, the clinic remains at the centre of daily life.
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For residents, having a permanent doctor who knows them personally has made a significant difference. Previous visiting doctors often stayed for limited periods, making it difficult to establish lasting relationships with patients.
Papadopoulou says the connection between doctors and residents on small islands is particularly personal, with many locals treating her not only as their doctor but also as a trusted member of the community.
A long-standing decision to serve Kastellorizo
Papadopoulou’s appointment on Kastellorizo was not a coincidence.
She completed her rural medical service on Skyros but had initially hoped to work on Kastellorizo. When the position was unavailable, she continued her career elsewhere.
She later began her medical specialisation at AHEPA University Hospital in Thessaloniki before serving in Rhodes and taking up appointments on other islands, including Patmos and Symi.
Her connection with Kastellorizo strengthened earlier this year, when she first visited as a mobile doctor from the Rhodes Health Centre in February, staying for two weeks.
She returned in March for a 30-day period and visited again during May and June before taking up her current position as clinic director. She is now awaiting completion of the formal appointment process through publication in the Government Gazette.
“What I always wanted was to be useful and to really contribute,” she said.
“I believe that in such small places my efforts are rewarded, regardless of any difficulties. Medicine is different here.”
Working without the support of a major hospital
Providing medical care on Kastellorizo presents challenges that doctors in larger centres rarely face.
The clinic does not have a team of specialists or the resources of a major hospital. Access to advanced diagnostic equipment, including a CT scanner, is limited, while the availability of specialist medicines can also be a concern.
Weather conditions are another major factor, as rough seas or poor flying conditions can prevent patients from being transferred to larger medical facilities.
Papadopoulou says doctors working in such isolated locations must have strong professional training, confidence in their clinical judgement and the ability to manage emergencies independently.
“The magnitude of the responsibility is clearly greater, since there is no team, no specialties, no one to help you with something extremely urgent,” she explained.
“When the weather is not good, you are literally on your own. You and your experience.”
Another doctor is expected to join the island’s medical services, while two rural doctor positions have also been advertised.
Papadopoulou says the clinic is equipped to manage emergencies and hopes additional medical staff will strengthen its capacity.
Emergency tested during Frontex vessel sinking
The demands of her role became particularly clear last March, when a Frontex vessel carrying Estonian Ambassador Karin Rannu sank off Kastellorizo.
Five people were injured, with two reportedly in serious condition.
Papadopoulou was suddenly required to coordinate emergency treatment, communicate with hospital emergency departments and organise the response while stabilising patients.
“I suddenly found myself in front of five severely injured people, two of whom were in serious condition,” she recalled.
She described the pressure of treating one patient whose life was in danger while ensuring the second seriously injured person also received urgent attention.
The rapid coordination of the evacuation proved crucial, she said, adding that without it the incident could have ended in tragedy.
“When we finally managed to do it, I said, ‘Oh my God, fortunately everything went well.’ I was relieved.”
She also praised the support provided by the Greek Army and the commander of the local military unit.
Military personnel assist with ambulance drivers and play an important role in emergency air evacuations, providing essential support to the island’s healthcare services.
A 24-hour commitment to the community
Papadopoulou’s working day typically begins around 7.15am, but there is no fixed time for it to end.
Alongside patient consultations, she attends online medical conferences and continues her professional study. She also makes time for swimming, including during the winter months.
However, she remains available around the clock.
“Here we don’t have a schedule,” she said. “I might go to school between 2pm and 2.30pm, I might not leave at all, especially in the summer. Here I’m on call 24 hours a day, ready to respond at any moment.”
Her work brings her into contact with residents of every age. As a specialist in General and Family Medicine, she provides care for children, adults and elderly patients.
Around 50 to 60 children live on Kastellorizo, and her speciality allows her to support the health needs of entire families.
She describes the island’s residents as everyday heroes, pointing to the demands of life in a small and isolated community.
“They work all day, they work two and three jobs each, they are carpenters, plumbers, they are involved in tourism, they do everything themselves,” she said.
While the island has essential services, shops, cafes and restaurants, Papadopoulou believes its greatest asset is its people.
“We have developed a special bond, we have a lot in common and I sincerely admire them.”
Why young doctors hesitate to serve on remote islands
Having worked across several Greek islands, Papadopoulou understands why some younger doctors are reluctant to accept positions in remote communities.
Many seek the professional and personal opportunities available in larger cities, while others worry about being isolated when confronted with a serious medical emergency.
She believes the prospect of having to manage critical situations without immediate specialist support remains one of the biggest deterrents.
Government incentives and assistance with accommodation from local municipalities can help make these positions more attractive, she said.
Despite the challenges, Papadopoulou has no regrets about her decision.
For the residents of Kastellorizo, her presence means knowing that a doctor is there when they need one, regardless of the hour or the weather.
And for Papadopoulou, the opportunity to serve a close-knit community at the easternmost edge of Greece is precisely where she believes her work matters most.
