Strengthening Primary Healthcare with Specialised Professionals in Diabetes and Obesity Management

The first graduates of the Postgraduate Certificate in Diabetes and Obesity in Primary Care celebrated their success.

The first Graduation Ceremony of the Postgraduate Certificate in Diabetes and Obesity in Primary Care was successfully held at the Marousi Campus of Metropolitan College, marking a significant milestone in the specialised education of healthcare professionals in Greece.

More than 30 physicians and healthcare professionals received their qualifications, awarded through the collaboration with the distinguished Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche (UMH), reflecting the growing need for clinically oriented and interdisciplinary education in the management of chronic diseases.

Ianis Matsoukas, Deputy Principal Strategic Projects & Reputation Management of Metropolitan College

The collaboration with the Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche represents a prime example of international higher education and fully aligns with the framework and mission of the Metropolitan College Global University Hub (GUH). This initiative addresses shared needs for specialised postgraduate education, adopting an interdisciplinary approach that leverages the expertise of two leading institutions for the benefit of healthcare professionals on an international level.

The Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche is a strong academic partner, comprising four campuses, seven faculties, and more than 15,000 students. With a budget reaching €145 million for 2026, and offering 50 postgraduate and 16 doctoral programmes, the public Spanish university enhances the prestige of the programme through its international scope and strong research activity.

Filippos-Richard Domayer, physician specialised in diabetes management and Primary Healthcare

Ianis Matsoukas, Deputy Principal Strategic Projects & Reputation Management, opened the ceremony by highlighting the shift from traditional knowledge delivery to impact-driven education. He noted that “in fields such as healthcare—and particularly in Diabetes and Obesity—the challenges are complex and systemic, requiring professionals who possess not only knowledge, but also adaptability, interdisciplinary thinking, and the ability to apply knowledge in practice.” He further emphasised that the aim of the collaboration is “to develop programmes that respond to real societal needs and to create educational experiences that are internationally connected yet locally relevant,” positioning Greece as a hub for international higher education.

Filippos-Richard Domayer, a physician specialised in diabetes management and Primary Healthcare, outlined the vision for a new “ecosystem” in medicine, where education, clinical skills, and research operate as three interconnected pillars. He highlighted that the programme is the only one in Europe specifically designed by academic primary care physicians for primary care professionals, with a strong focus on real-world needs. Addressing the graduates, he stated:
“Greek Primary Healthcare has every reason today to feel proud, as it sees in you professionals who chose not to remain static, but to evolve in order to better serve the people in front of them.”

In the same context, the contributions of UMH professors were of particular importance. Professor Domingo Orozco Beltrán, who co-developed the programme, and Professor Vicente Micol Molina, who played a key role in the academic agreement between the institutions, highlighted the importance of clinically oriented education and interdisciplinary collaboration in the management of Diabetes and Obesity.

The ceremony also highlighted the importance of collaboration with the business sector and innovation:

• The provision of scholarships through a donation by Boehringer Ingelheim, in collaboration with Primary Care Diabetes Greece (PCDG).
• The support of leading clinical networks and companies such as Blue Med, Abbott, and Hemoglobe, which provided state-of-the-art equipment for high-quality practical training.
• The invitation extended to graduates to join the research network of the Greek Primary Care Diabetes Network, strengthening the production of new knowledge in Greece.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Diabetes and Obesity in Primary Care, equivalent to 40 ECTS credits, is a comprehensive interdisciplinary programme. Structured over two semesters—focusing on foundational and specialised training respectively—it offers participants numerous opportunities for hands-on practice through laboratories and simulations, ensuring the application of knowledge in real-life conditions.

Designed with the support of Primary Care Diabetes Europe (PCDE), the programme covers the full spectrum of theoretical knowledge, as well as the latest scientific developments in the epidemiology, physiology, and therapeutic management of diabetes and obesity.

With a strong human-centred approach, the programme places emphasis on patient care, taking into account the psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence disease progression and management