The Winners Circle Naples Style: A Life Of Dedication

When Dr. Chris Papadopoulos looks at you, it’s as if he’s known you all his life. The very charming gentleman chats with people as though each is his best friend. His brand of communication is nearly a lost art – he stays focused on you, hanging on every word you say. You’re important to him.

Whether this talent helped shape his career as a doctor, or his career helped shape the man, no one can argue the contribution Dr. Papadopoulos made to the world of cardiac care as we know it today. “I was beginning my training in cardiology in Baltimore, when CPR, as we know it today, was developed at Johns Hopkins Hospital,” says Dr. Papadopoulos.“I was one of the first physicians to be trained as an instructor, to develop Hospital CPR Teams and to disseminate the procedure.”

Dr. Papadopoulos says cardiology was opening new horizons in the 60’s, what with open heart surgeries, coronary angiography, pacemakers, defibrillators and CCUs. Today, there are new diagnostic and surgical techniques, better artificial valves, stents and a variety of more effective drugs – but doctors like Dr. Papadopoulos are who have helped blaze a trail for brilliance to follow.

He served as the president of the American Heart Association in Maryland and authored a medical book, numerous chapters in textbooks and journal articles. And in continuing with his theme of helping others learn and grow in the medical profession, Dr. Papadopoulos has also served on the editorial board of the Maryland Medical Journal and lectured in the United States and abroad.

“We started teaching through the American Heart Association, in the 60’s about the risk factors that contribute to heart disease and tried to control them – they include weight, high blood pressure, high fat diet, inactivity,” says Dr. Papadopoulos who has high hopes for people to follow a healthy lifestyle.

He joined the Red Tie Society and has been a member since its inception, the purpose being to support research and education in heart disease in women, which he says is badly needed.

Dr. Papadopoulos transfers his bedside manner to people he meets in everyday life, but he remains involved as a community leader, particularly as it pertains to heart health. He has shared his antique stethoscope collection, which represents the history and evolution of the instrument, at national conventions including the American College of Cardiology – and also at the Heart House in Washington, DC for that organization’s 50th anniversary. It’s now on permanent display at NCH in the Telford Building. A true community treasure, this charming doctor has improved countless lives and brings joy to those that know him. What a winner!