About Us
International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos (IHFK)
The International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos (IHFK) is a nonprofit organization established in 1960 by Professor Spyridon Economou, a distinguished urologist at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Located near the ancient Asclepeion on the island of Kos, Greece, the foundation spans approximately 380,000 square meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding region. IHFK is dedicated to honoring the legacy of Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, by promoting his teachings and ethical principles in modern medical practice.
The foundation's facilities include the "Hippocratic Melathron," a central building housing a museum with artifacts related to ancient Greek medicine, a reconstructed medical office based on Hippocratic descriptions, a conference hall, administrative offices, and a shop offering replicas and collector's items. Adjacent to the main building are the Hippocratic Botanical Garden, featuring medicinal herbs mentioned in Hippocratic texts, and the Hippocratic Altis, a sacred grove with a statue of Hippocrates holding two snakes, symbolizing his contributions to medicine.
Mission and Vision
The mission of the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos is to disseminate and cultivate the ideals of medicine as conceived and practiced by Hippocrates over 2,500 years ago. These ideals emphasize humanitarian principles such as "either aid or do not harm" and the belief that "where love for man exists, love for art will also follow." The foundation aims to promote these values globally, fostering ethical medical practices and encouraging continuous learning among healthcare professionals.
IHFK envisions a world where the Hippocratic principles guide medical practice, ensuring patient-centered care, confidentiality, non-maleficence, and respect for life. Through educational programs, conferences, and collaborations with medical institutions worldwide, the foundation seeks to inspire current and future generations of healthcare providers to uphold these timeless ethical standards.