Dr Alexandros-Konstantinos Lykos, who graduated from UNIC Medical School in 2022, is building a promising career in New York. Currently working at Flushing Hospital as an Internal Medicine resident, he manages intensive care patients during challenging 24-hour shifts.
The transition from medical school to residency presented its challenges. ‘The first day as an Internal Medicine resident was daunting. You’re suddenly responsible for patients whilst learning to navigate a new electronic health records system, write progress notes, and handle medical emergencies’, Alexandros recalls. The shift from Cyprus’s paper-based system to computerised records required significant adjustment, but with support from senior colleagues, he adapted within his first few months.
During his residency, Alexandros has taken on substantial responsibilities, including managing the intensive care unit during 24-hour shifts. ‘When you’re the senior person responsible for up to 12 critical patients, with no in-person attending physician, it’s challenging but incredibly rewarding’, he reflects.
One of his notable achievements includes identifying a critical cardiac condition in an elderly patient who presented with seemingly routine symptoms. His decision to conduct an ultrasound revealed a significant pericardial effusion, leading to immediate intervention that proved potentially life-saving.
Dr Lykos (right) demonstrates central line placement into the internal jugular vein with a junior resident.
Alexandros credits the University of Nicosia Medical School for providing him with strong foundations, particularly in patient-communication. ‘The communication skills training, though challenging at times, proved invaluable in preparing us to be empathetic with patients and their families’, he notes.
Whilst at medical school, Alexandros balanced his studies with athletics, participating in track and field in Limassol. This experience taught him the importance of maintaining interests outside medicine for wellbeing – a practice he continues today through regular exercise and social activities in New York.
Looking ahead, Alexandros has set his sights on orthopaedic surgery, planning to pursue a second residency in this field. He will be undertaking research in Boston while preparing for this next chapter. His approach to medicine remains grounded in a simple but powerful principle: ‘Treat every patient as if they were your own parent’.
For current medical students, Alexandros offers practical advice: ‘Determine your specialty interest and preferred location early, and if you’re interested in practising in the United States, try to secure observerships or internships – having face-to-face connections can make a significant difference’.
Alexandros’s journey from Cyprus to New York, and his progression from medical student to resident physician, showcases the opportunities available to University of Nicosia Medical School graduates. As he prepares for the next phase of his career in orthopaedic surgery, his story serves as an inspiration to current and future medical students, demonstrating that with dedication and resilience, ambitious career goals are achievable.