Dr. Olga Sarantopoulos was born in Athens, although her father was originally from Valtetsi, Arcadia and her mother has roots inn Sifnos and the Pontus area of Asia Minor. At a very young age she emigrated to Vienna, where she still lives, working as a cardiologist.
She was first elected Secretary of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) in 2003, while in 2006 she was reelected, this time as the Council’s sole Secretary worldwide. Up to today, she remains the directorate’s only elected female member.
A qualified French, German and Spanish interpreter, Olga Sarantopoulos holds a certificate of proficiency in English, while she also has knowledge of Arabic and Russian. A doctor in General Medicine at the University of Vienna, she specializes in specific pathology and cardiology, which she practices at the University Hospitals of Vienna and Paris respectively.
Among other things, she has served as a scientific advisor at the Medical Clinic of Vienna’s University Hospital, responsible for research and student training, State Advisor on Social Security Issues, Advisor of the Arabian Embassy of a Gulf country both at the U.N. Office in Vienna and the ambassador’s office. She remains a Honorary Adviser of Health Ministers in Austria and Oman.
In addition to her activity as a physician, she has contributed to the development of bilateral relations between Austria and Arab countries in the filed of medical science and research, and participates in official delegations to Arab states.
She is president of the Hellenic Society in Austria since 2001, a founding member of the Federation of Hellenic Associations in Austria, vice-president of greek Biomedical Society «Asklipios», Secretary of the Advisory Board of London-based World Hellenic Biomedical Association since 1998 and Deputy-Secretary General of the Austrian-Omani Association since 1999.
One of her most important roles is as General Secretary and founding member of the World Network of Doctors (MDs) of Greek Descent. Dr Sarantopoulos believes that the network’s success depends upon the unity, solidarity and cooperation of all healthy greek forces. Her priority focus is on the greek Omogenia, the promotion of national issues and the development of similar activities for the support and advance of Hellenism, greek Education and Civilization abroad.
Furthermore, she warmly endorses the fair demands of Cypriot people, favors a solution that would totally respect the cultural heritage of Macedonia regarding the naming of Skopje, believes that the Genocide of Greeks in Asia Minor and the Pontus area should be recognized, underlines the need to protect the Eucumenical Patriarchate and supports the demands of people from Northern Epirus, Imbrus and Tenedos.
Finally, she is interested in finding solutions for everyday problems afflicting the greek diaspora and believes in the strengthening of youth, women’s, scientific and entrepreneurial networks.