Artemis Simopoulos

Artemis Simopoulos is a prominent physician and nutrition expert, best known for her research on the Mediterranean diet and omega-3 fatty acids. She is the founder and president of the Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health in Washington, D.C., and has contributed significantly to the field of nutritional science.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Artemis Simopoulos was born in Greece, where she developed an interest in the relationship between diet and health. She moved to the United States to pursue her education, earning her medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine. She then completed her residency in internal medicine at the Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

Career[edit | edit source]

Simopoulos began her career at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she held several positions, including Chair of the Nutrition Coordinating Committee. Her work at the NIH focused on the relationship between genetics, nutrition, and health, and led to her founding the Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health in 1986.

Simopoulos is perhaps best known for her research on the Mediterranean diet and omega-3 fatty acids. She has published numerous scientific articles and books on these topics, and her work has been influential in shaping dietary guidelines in the United States and around the world.

Contributions to Nutritional Science[edit | edit source]

Simopoulos's research has highlighted the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. She has also emphasized the importance of a balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, and has argued that many modern diets are deficient in omega-3s.

In addition to her research, Simopoulos has been a strong advocate for nutrition education and policy. She has served on numerous advisory committees and boards, and has worked to promote the integration of nutrition into medical education and healthcare.

Recognition[edit | edit source]

Simopoulos has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the Harvard School of Public Health's Leadership Award in Public Health Nutrition and the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids's Lifetime Achievement Award.