Despina Tsirakoglou, D.O.

Despina Tsirakoglou, D.O. First Local Greek American Woman Family Physician

Despina was born in a small town named Tsotyli, Voiou, Kozanis, in 1954. Her father came to America in 1956 and her mother and Despina followed in 1958. Despina finished Upper Darby High School in 1971 and graduated from Villanova University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Pre-med.

Despina lived in Greece after marrying Nicholas Tsirakoglou. For two years she taught science and biology to seventh through twelfth graders at Pinewood School in Thessaloniki.

After returning to the United States, she went back to Villanova University and in 1982 received her Master of Science degree in Biology and Secondary Education. Despina taught Biology to eleventh graders and Introduction to Physical Science to ninth graders at Cardinal O’Hara School for one year. The following year she taught Biology to seniors at Archbishop Carroll High School for Boys.

Despina went back to medical school and graduated in 1990 from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She did a year of rotating internship and two years in Family Practice Residency at Delaware County Memorial Hospital.

She opened up her medical office in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, as a solo family physician in 1993 and faithfully served the community until her recent retirement. No doubt she took care of thousands of patients and their families.

Despina is a member of AMA, AOA, AAFP, AOFPS and POMA. She is a member of the Hellenic University Club, St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church and the “Agioi Anargyroi” Society. She was President for two years of Amalia, a chapter of the Pan Macedonian Association. She is and has been an active member for many years.