The Epirotes Society of Philadelphia “Omonia” joyfully celebrated their annual free luncheon at the Adelphia Restaurant in Deptford, New Jersey, on Sunday, April 21, 2014. Members of the society, filled with pride for their shared heritage, gathered to commemorate and honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the community. This event, a testament to our strong bond, has become a cherished tradition in our society over the years.
During this year’s gathering, the Epirotes Society bestowed a well-deserved honor on Dr. Dimitrios Monos, PhD, a distinguished Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Monos’s unwavering dedication and commitment to serving others have earned him not just respect, but deep admiration from his peers and the community.
As attendees savored their delicious meal and engaged in lively conversation, they took a moment to reflect on Dr. Monos’s remarkable achievements and his impact on those around him. His work in pathology and laboratory medicine has advanced the healthcare field and touched the lives of countless individuals who have benefited from his expertise and care.
The award presented to Dr. Dimitrios Monos serves as a token of appreciation from the Epirotes Society, recognizing his outstanding contributions and exemplary character. Through his work, Dr. Monos embodies the spirit of service and excellence that society holds dear, inspiring others to make a positive difference in their communities.
As the luncheon concluded, the members of the Epirotes Society expressed their gratitude to Dr. Monos. They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the unity, tradition, and community values that define their organization. The event reminded them of the importance of coming together to celebrate their shared heritage and honor those who make a difference in the world.
By honoring Dr. Dimitrios Monos, the Epirotes Society of Philadelphia celebrates his accomplishments and underscores the powerful impact of the community and the collective achievements that can be attained through collaboration and mutual support. Dr. Monos’s enduring legacy will continue to ignite the spark of excellence in others, inspiring them to strive for greatness and to leave a positive imprint wherever they go.
Dr. Dimitrios Monos
Dr. Monos holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Patras, Greece, and a PhD in Biochemistry/Immunology from Georgetown University, Washington, DC. He is a pathology and lab medicine professor at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and the director of the immunogenetics laboratory that supports the transplant programs at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Dr. Monos has significantly contributed to the scientific community by identifying the structural elements of various HLA molecules associated with autoimmune diseases. His research has also helped to identify additional genomic regions related to autoimmunity through genome-wide association studies. Dr. Monos’s lab has pioneered DNA-based methodologies for HLA typing and introduced Next-Generation Sequencing in Immunogenetics.
Recently, Dr. Monos’s lab made a breakthrough by successfully sequencing the 4Mb of the MHC in haploid form and exploring the 3D interactome of the MHC using Hi-C methodology. His lab has also identified miRNAs encoded by the HLA genes and the MHC. These findings have unveiled a new functional role for the HLA genes that may influence many cellular pathways and explain the significant associations of these genes with many diseases.
Dr. Monos has authored over 170 original publications and served on the editorial boards of several journals. He has been invited to present his work at universities and national and international meetings. His work has been funded by various organizations, including NIH, ADA, JDF, the University of Pennsylvania, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the Diabetes Research and Education Foundation, the National Marrow Donor Program, and other foundations. Dr. Monos has also served on NIH study sections and reviewed grant applications for several funding organizations. He also received the Rose Payne Award, the highest distinction bestowed by the American Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) at an international level.