Credentials & Education
- MD – National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
- Internal Medicine Residency, Weil Cornell, NY USA
- Rheumatology Fellowship, NIAMS/NIH, MD USA
- Former Director – Autoinflammatory Clinic, Cleveland Clinic
- Former Co-Director – Autoinflammatory Clinic, Stony Brook University Hospital
- Over 60 published scientific papers, abstracts, and book chapters
- Principal Investigator – Clinical Trials in Lupus, Pericarditis, Still’s Disease
- Invited Member – International Symposium on Autoinflammation and Immune Dysregulation
- Frequent keynote speaker at national and international medical conferences
- Contributor to medical media and rheumatology publications
- Recognized leader in bridging primary care and specialty medicine in complex cases
Languages Spoken
- Greek
- English
- Spanish
Doctor Name
Dr. Apostolos Kontzias, MD
Clinical Immunologist & Rheumatologist – Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Expert “My work is dedicated to patients and doctors navigating uncertainty—offering clarity, diagnosis, and treatment for the rare, the complex, and the misdiagnosed.”
About Dr. Kontzias
Dr. Apostolos Kontzias is an internationally recognized expert in autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders, with over 15 years of experience diagnosing and treating complex, elusive conditions that often evade traditional medical systems.
He trained at the National Institutes of Health (NIAMS), working with the world’s largest cohort of autoinflammatory patients, and has led highly specialized clinics at both the Cleveland Clinic and Stony Brook University Hospital—two of only a few centers in the USA dedicated to these rare syndromes.
Dr. Kontzias is a strong advocate for reflective over reflexive medicine, believing that precision care comes not from rushing to treat symptoms, but from deeply investigating their cause. His consultative approach helps both patients and their physicians uncover rare or atypical diseases—ranging from Still’s disease and CAPS to autoimmune pericarditis and complex Sjögren’s presentations.
Specializations
- Autoinflammatory Syndromes (CAPS, FMF, TRAPS, etc.)
- Autoimmune Diseases (Lupus, Still’s Disease, Pericarditis)
- Diagnostic Consults for Complex or Multisystem Presentations
Why Patients Trust Me
Many of my patients have been through years of uncertainty—seeing specialist after specialist, without a clear diagnosis or treatment path. I founded my consulting practice to serve as a bridge: between disciplines, between doctors and patients, and between questions and answers. I bring the clinical expertise and systems-level view needed to finally unlock a diagnosis and create a treatment plan that works. Whether it's an unexplained fever, rash, recurrent pericarditis, or non-specific inflammatory symptoms, I work collaboratively to bring clarity to the most puzzling presentations.
I’m committed to medical education, physician-to-physician collaboration, and global access to expert care—offering second opinion consultations and expert input to medical teams worldwide. I believe that medicine should be precise, reflective, and humane.
Patient Perspective
“I was told for years my fevers were viral, my rashes allergic, and my joint pain ‘stress.’ It wasn’t until Dr. Kontzias reviewed everything and dug deeper that we found the real cause—an autoinflammatory condition I’d never heard of. His insight changed my life.”
Patient Story
Dr. Apostolos Kontzias expertise and gentle approach make every visit reassuring. I trust her judgment and always feel genuinely cared for.
Beyond the Clinic
Dr. Kontzias enjoys traveling with his family, walking with his dog, hiking and exploring hidden treasures. He stays active through tennis and soccer, embracing the same curiosity and energy in life that he brings to each patient he serves.