Neo Magazine and Leadership 100 have partnered to present a monthly profile of the New Generation of Leaders who belong to the Leadership 100 Partners Program which recruits young Greek American professionals on the rise in their careers, making membership affordable and providing a network for meeting their peers.

Leadership 100 was founded 25 years ago by the visionary Archbishop Iakovos and a small band of outstanding Greek American businessmen who wished to support the Greek Orthodox Church and perpetuate their faith and Hellenic heritage in America, passing it on to future generations.


Name: Michael Plakogiannis
Position: Obstetrician/Gynecologist at Manhattan Physician’s Group and Lenox Hill Hospital
Education: B.S from Sophie Davis School of Medicine, M.D. from NYU School of Medicine

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born in Manhattan and grew up in Whitestone, Queens.

Who or what were the main influences in your life?

I can imagine that most Greek Americans, who answer this question, will tell you that family is their main influence. Family is such an integral part of our life and this applies to me as well. My family has always been there for me. If it wasn’t for my parents, Fotis and Iro and my sister Rodoula, their support and love, I would not be where I am today. I know that this may sound like a cliché, but if it’s a cliché to have a loving family, so be it. I just wish that it was true for all people. I truly believe that a lot of the ills in our society are occurring because of the loss of families and family values. As a medical student at the Veteran Affairs Hospital in New York City, I would round on the medical wards and care for chronically ill patients. Some of these patients would be hospitalized, for long periods of time, and would never receive one visitor. When I would inquire about their families, they would explain, that their one son doesn’t speak to them, their daughter is in another state, their other son is too busy, you get the idea. It just astounded and saddened me, that these people were alone. At the same time, it made me realize how fortunate I am. On the contrary, when a Greek patient is admitted, their family takes up the entire waiting area and will not leave.

How did you get into your present work?

I had always thought about being a doctor since I was very young, but really considered it in high school. While in high school I applied and was accepted to a seven year combined B.S./M.D program, ultimately receiving my medical degree from NYU Medical School. I had a difficult time trying to decide which field of medicine to pursue. While performing my obstetrics rotation, I witnessed my first childbirth. I still remember the amazement and awe that I felt. You never forget your first experience in a delivery. That was the moment when I decided to become an obstetrician.

As a successful American you could and perhaps have joined major organizations that are focused more on mainstream society. Why L100?

I truly believe in the causes that L100 is trying to advance and spread. Its promotion of our Orthodox faith and Hellenic ideals, are of significant value to me. It’s amazing how little Americans know and understand of our Orthodox faith. I have been asked numerous times, if it is a part of Orthodox Judaism, or if it is a Protestant denomination, or why we don’t celebrate real Easter. Once I explain, the interest that they demonstrate when they realize that our Patriarch is the successor of St. Andrew the Apostle and that our religion has stayed true throughout time, their outlook changes. Through a national and well financed organization like L100, our faith and culture can be spread and maintained. The amount of immigrants coming from Greece is at a minimal. This means it is up to us to become active and keep Orthodoxy growing, by teaching and exposing the next generation of Greek Americans and even getting new converts into our faith. In fact, I regard Greek Americans as being very blessed people. We have the fortune to possess the great qualities of both, being a Greek and being an American. L100 is an organization that can promote our great qualities to the rest of our community and youth.

How would you evaluate so far your experience in the organization?

It has been an enlightening and actually fun experience. I went to the conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico and had a great time. I met some great and successful people, who share the same values and concerns for our Orthodox faith. It is interesting to meet Greek Americans from different parts of the country and hear about some of their local community issues. What I have also been impressed with, is the number of younger people involved in the organization. In the past I had the impression of L100, being for more established individuals. It’s great to see Greek Americans of all ages being active in support of our church and heritage.

As a new generation leader, what are some ideas of yours on the future of Leadership 100?

One idea would be to spread the word about L100 at the local level. What I mean, is that as I mentioned in the previous question, I had a false impression of L100 and didn’t understand its scope. I feel that we should promote L100 to the individual parishes throughout the country. I know of Greek Americans who attend church regularly, and yet have never heard of L100. When people become enlightened to the goals and works of our organization they will respond positively. Another idea is to support and finance more Greek Orthodox education. As a whole community we need to heavily support our Greek American schools. If our youth isn’t exposed to our religion and culture, then our future as a community will be bleak. Too many young Greek Americans are sent to public schools. If we expand and improve our schools, more Greek Americans will send their children to our private Greek schools, to be educated about our heritage and Orthodox faith. At the same time, making friends with other Greek Americans is invaluable. I am still life long friends, with the friends I made from St. Demetrios Greek American School in Astoria.
How has your involvement in Leadership 100 proved valuable in other activities of your life?

Throughout my life, I have heard people complain, including me, about the issues affecting them and yet doing nothing to resolve them. I think it’s a Greek trait to grumble and yet remain passive or expect someone else to improve your situation.

What impressed me with many of the L100 members, is that they are busy professionals, heads of corporations, operating nationwide companies, with families, and yet make time to support their church and heritage. It’s made me realize that I have made the excuse that “I am too busy”, once too many times. My goal is to strive to be more involved in my church and other Hellenic causes. We are a small minority in a country of 300 plus million people. If we, as Greek Americans, don’t actively participate in our causes, then no one else will.

What qualities do you most admire or value in others?

I value loyalty, respect and traditionalism. I feel that these are valuable qualities to have..

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

At this time, my greatest achievement has to do with my profession. Being an obstetrician and bringing life to the world, is an incredible feeling

Who are your heroes in real life?

My parents are my heroes. My father, speaking a limited amount of English, immigrated to this country, having no family or friends to support him here. He received his Masters from Ohio State University and later his PhD from the University of Southern California in pharmaceutics. My father is still working full time and retirement is farthest from his mind. At the same time, he has been heavily involved in the church, as he is currently the president of our church and one of the main spear headers in the construction of our new church. All while being active in other aspects of the Greek community and keeping a very active social calendar with my mother. I will never understand how Greek mothers seem to be able to accomplish everything. My mother worked full time, all while taking care of the family, serving a home cooked meal every night, keeping our clothes neat and clean, maintaining the house, and performing the other million obligations required of her. Teasingly I think that Greek mothers know of a secret magic potion that bestows them the power to accomplish all that they need to do and to grudgingly be right all the time.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

As most people do, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Whether it’s just a quick visit, delicious meal, family event or social event, spending time with family and great friends is always a pleasure. Living in New York City, gives me easy access, to immeasurable restaurants, museums, shows, events, etc. I love going to Greece during the summer and haven’t missed a summer in Greece since 1990. I feel like it rejuvenates me for the rest of the year. I also enjoy exercising and have to confess, I have an affinity for video games.

What are your thoughts on the current economic crisis?

It is remarkable how most physicians know little about business. We spend our lives reading and training in the sciences, and our knowledge in business and economics is sacrificed. From my understanding, it appears as if there is no single etiology for our crisis. Everyone is to blame. Unfortunately, I think that greed may have blinded a lot of people. In the end, the lawyers are to blame for everything (I am kidding, physicians love to disparage lawyers). How long it will take to get out of this crisis, I am not sure, but hopefully we will come out of it a lot wiser.

Where would you like to be in your professional and personal life 20 years from now?

I am not married, so 20 years from now, I hope to be married, with two or three children. My parents are going to kill me otherwise. I would like to have my own practice, with a few other partners, to share the work burden, giving me more time to spend with my family.

What is your idea of happiness?

Happiness is living every moment to the fullest potential with grace and gratitude. My idea of happiness is two fold. First and most important, is the health and safety of my family and friends. Second, is enjoying a late outdoor dinner, under a magnificent Greek summer night, surrounded by the laughter of my family and friends, while listening to the ocean nearby.

©2009 NEOCORP MEDIA


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