Dr. Georgios Matis is the Secretary of the German Neuromodulation Society and leads the Neuromodulation Unit for Chronic Pain and Spasticity at Hygeia Hospital in Athens, Greece. He has also been honored as the “Top Specialist in Advanced Pain & Spasticity Therapies – 2025”  by CToday Awards. His career is a perfect example of how medical science and human compassion can go hand in hand. After moving from Greece to Germany and then returning, he gained valuable experience that helped him grow both professionally and personally. Today, he uses that knowledge to offer advanced treatments while always keeping the needs and well-being of his patients at the heart of his work.

From Challenge to Opportunity & Leading with Purpose

Twelve years ago, Dr. Georgios Matis made a bold move from Greece to Germany, a shift that became the turning point of his medical career. What started as a challenge soon became an opportunity to immerse himself in Germany’s advanced medical ecosystem. Exposure to structured healthcare systems, cutting-edge neurostimulation technologies, and international collaborations refined his understanding of spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal therapy. Returning to Greece, he now brings with him a powerful blend of German precision and Greek medical philosophy, offering a holistic, globally informed approach to pain management.

Dr. Matis believes that leadership in neuromodulation must be grounded in values. Early in his career, he resisted pressures to quickly implement an intrathecal therapy protocol. Instead, he insisted on extended follow-up studies. The data collected revealed crucial long-term insights, improving patient outcomes and establishing a reputation for clinical excellence. His principle of “dignified innovation” ensures that every technological advancement serves human dignity. He has championed closed-loop systems and personalized therapies that empower patients and prioritize individual needs.

Recognition Through Human-Centered Innovation

For Dr. Matis, true recognition lies not in awards or accolades, but in the healing of his patients. Witnessing individuals regain movement, function, and hope through neuromodulation is the most meaningful measure of his success. He views each clinical breakthrough as a testament to the power of human-centered care. At the same time, he embraces the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and data analytics in shaping the future of neuromodulation. With the help of real-time data and predictive algorithms, therapies like spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal treatment are becoming more precise and personalized. However, Dr. Matis maintains that technology must not replace the clinician’s role. He envisions a future where AI enhances compassionate care, allowing science and empathy to work hand in hand to restore dignity and function to those who suffer.

Sharing Knowledge Through Books & A Message to Future Professionals

Dr. Matis recently authored three books that reflect his multidimensional perspective: Intrathecal Therapy and Ziconotide, From Surgeons to Storytellers, and Pain and Pulses. Each title seamlessly weaves together elements of science, philosophy, and human connection, offering readers a deeper understanding of neuromodulation beyond its technical dimensions. Through these works, Dr. Matis emphasizes that neuromodulation is not merely a medical specialty; it is a compassionate art that blends precision with empathy. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that true innovation occurs where technology meets humanity, and healing is guided by both the mind and the heart.

He warns aspiring clinicians against focusing only on technical skills. The most common mistake? Forgetting the patient’s story. He believes tomorrow’s professionals must master both data and empathy. “Adaptive empathy,” understanding the emotional, cultural, and psychological aspects of pain, will be just as critical as technical knowledge.