Pantelis Nikolaou graduated from Athens Medical School in 1975, completed his residency at the Orthopaedic Clinic of Athens University in February 1981 and in 1985 he earned his PhD from the University of Athens.

Following his residency, he moved to the United States for a one year fellowship in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and two years in Orthopaedic Research, at the Orthopaedic Clinic of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina (1983-86).

Dr. Nikolaou won the “O Donoghue” award from the American Orthopeadic Society of Sports Medicine in 1986 for his innovative work in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transplantation. In 1997 he was also awarded the highest prize “Kappa Delta” of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons for his research in Physiology of Muscle Injuries.

He is a member of many Greek and International Medical Societies and the author of numerous publications in both Greek and International medical journals and co-author in textbooks.
He was elected president of the Hellenic Orthopaedic Society for the year 2017.
Dr. Nikolaou also enjoyed a great football career. He was a football (soccer) player of AEK Football Club and a member of all Greek Football National teams. He was named twice “Athlete of the Year” in 1974 and 1979 from the Hellenic Journalist Sports Association.

He was the official doctor of the Greek National Football Team from 1987 up to 1994 and has been the doctor for AEK Football Club since 1987 to the present. For a period of six years he was also the Head doctor for Olympiakos Football and Basketball Clubs (2003 to 2009).
He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Football Federation (E.P.O) and the President of the Health Committee.

Since 1987 he is the Director of the Orthopaedic Clinic with clinical focus in Sports Injuries at the Athens Medical Center.

Pantelis (Lakis) Nikolaou is married with Eleni since 1974 and they have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.