Panagiotis (Panos) Christoforou – EHC Co-opted Steering Committee Member
Greece
[email protected]
Panagiotis (Panos) Christoforou, originating from Cyprus, is a Cypriot Greek with a profound commitment to the field of haematology. Born in Paphos, Cyprus, Panos encountered the challenges of severe Haemophilia A during his formative years. After an initial period of struggle without a diagnosis, he sought medical assistance in London, UK, where he was finally informed of his condition and initiated prophylactic treatment.
Motivated by the firsthand experience of witnessing the difficulties faced by both himself and his family in dealing with the diagnosis and the associated psychological burdens, Panos resolved to dedicate his professional endeavours to the field of medicine. He has become a haematologist, driven by a vision to transform the landscape of haemophilia and rare bleeding disorders, advocating for equitable treatment and universal access to care. His overarching goal is to institute a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that encompasses both patients and their caregivers.
Panos’s commitment to advancing the cause of haemophilia extends beyond his clinical pursuits. He currently serves as a member of the Youth Leadership Advisory Committee for the term 2022-2024 of the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH). Furthermore, his dedication is reflected in his longstanding association with his Greek National Member Organisation (NMO) since 2016. Elected to the board for the term 2021-2023, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Youth Group, focusing on promoting physical exercise and overall well-being among patients with haemophilia. This initiative is emblematic of his passion for nature and mountaineering.
In essence, Panos exemplifies a commendable fusion of personal experience and professional commitment, contributing significantly to the advancement and well-being of individuals affected by bleeding disorders.
Jim is aged 66 and has Haemophilia A with a high titer inhibitor which he developed at age 14.
Maria Elisa Mancuso (MD, PhD) is a Haematologist and works as a Senior Haematology Consultant at the Center for Thrombosis and Haemorrhagic Diseases of IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital in Rozzano, Milan, Italy. She is Adjunct Clinical Professor at Humanitas University. She obtained a post-degree in Clinical and Experimental Haematology and a PhD in Clinical Methodology. She is involved in clinical research and has published several original articles in peer-reviewed journals a The Lancet, Blood, Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Haematologica, Thrombosis and Haemostasis, British Journal of Haematology and Haemophilia. She is reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals and member of the Editorial Board of JTH. She is a member of several scientific societies (ISTH, WFH, ASH, EAHAD, SISET, AICE) and was a medical member of the Inhibitor Working Group of the European Hemophilia Consortium. She is co-chair of the ADVANCE Study Group. She has acted also as co-chair of the Scientific and Standardization Subcommittee of ISTH on FVIII, FIX and rare bleeding disorders. She has been involved as principal and co-investigator in several clinical trials, and she takes care of both children and adults with hemophilia and other congenital bleeding disorders with a specific scientific interest in novel therapies, prophylaxis, inhibitors, and chronic hepatitis C.
As a patient with factor II deficiency, the diagnostic and treatment of rare bleeding disorders is a matter dear to my heart. My motivation to participate in the work of the ERIN committee is to improve both diagnostic and treatment for patients with rare bleeding disorders across Europe.
Economist and financial expert by profession, executive coach and trainer by passion and haemophilia advocate by every drop of my blood through my son (who has severe haemophilia A with inhibitors). Bringing a good decade of practical experience from the corporate insurance world, laser focus, growth mindset and resilience from my own experience, offering you anything I can just do, in hope that together we can make life more fulfilled for those impacted by bleeding disorders.
Amy Owen-Wyard is a Registered Mental Health Nurse. With experience working with children, young people, their families and adults with severe and enduring mental health conditions. Amy was also involved in a service improvement to provide a holistic care approach for those in general hospitals to support both their mental and physical health, whilst sharing her expertise and knowledge in mental health with the wider multidisciplinary team.
