Dr. Pavlos Natsios
Surgical precision. Engineered outcomes.
Care you can feel. Precision you can measure.
I’m the partner you call when it’s complex and the room needs calm—Senior Surgeon and faculty at the University of Zurich, ECVS Diplomate. I listen first, translate fear into a plan, and lead quietly: surgeon’s hands, engineer’s mind, humanistic approach.
I design what’s needed—surgical plans, custom guides and implants, strategy—run biomechanical and translational research as Study Director , and coach teams so outcomes become repeatable and humane. To scale that care beyond the OR, I’m grafting an MBA at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) into my practice—so the discipline that steadies a hand can steady a system. Philosophy and arts: guardrails for judgment, fidelity for the hand. If you want clarity, speed, and real care without theatrics, get in touch. I listen. I explain. I execute. I stay steady.
Who I am
I’m a small‑animal surgeon, ECVS Diplomate — the highest certification in my field — but I treat it as a promise, not a pedestal. I’m the call when complexity must be resolved into a clear plan, or when a first attempt needs to be rebuilt. Philosophy keeps my judgment honest, and the arts train my eye in surgery. In parallel, I lead translational biomechanics research and am completing an MBA at the University of St. Gallen to convert expertise into scalable systems, products, and teams.
My background is diverse and broad. I was born into the Greek minority in Albania and grew up in Cyprus and Piraeus. Strong roots, quiet intensity, wide perspective. Veterinary medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki set the base. I took my first steps in small animal surgery and research there and in Athens, where volume and pace shaped a steady temperament.
Vienna proved leadership. At Tierklinik Breitensee I led the surgical department in a 100‑person clinic. High demand and high pressure. Coaching teams, taking responsibility at the difficult end, and seeing results fast.
Zurich added depth. In the University of Zurich Small Animal Surgery group, I combined clinic, research, and teaching. The ECVS Diplomate title followed, with acknowledged specialist status.
In my research and beyond, I work at the intersection of surgery and engineering. I have developed novel techniques, surgical prototypes, and produce custom guides and implants to improve outcomes. I publish, lecture students and veterinarians internationally, and provide consultancy to clinics that want to raise their surgical standard. The academic engine is active: a Ph.D. at the University of Zurich, in collaboration with the University of Florida Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and under the University of Bern, ties joint biomechanics and kinematics to daily decisions in the operating room.
I invest in leadership and systems. MBA studies (HSG) refine operations, quality, and team performance. A grounding in philosophy and arts keeps thinking wide, places the human stake at the center, and judgment steady. Plans are bespoke yet reproducible. Imaging is audited. Indications are confirmed. Risks and contingencies are mapped. Communication is direct. Outcomes are measured.
Regarding surgery, I maintain a selective caseload and work by referral with trusted practices across Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, so attention remains precise: if your case requires specialization with measured empathy or a revision that needs to work, I provide a private, by-referral service of the highest standard through selected practices.
Cutting between Art & Algorithm
Philosophy, biomechanics, strategic thinking, surgical precision
I’m Pavlos Natsios—surgeon, lecturer, researcher, and thinker. I turn complex cases into clear plans, build what’s missing (guides, implants, systems), and coach teams so results repeat. I’m grafting an HSG MBA—and studies in philosophy & arts—onto a practice forged in every situation, so precision scales without losing the human. If that’s your tempo, let’s connect.
CV
πάντα ῥεῖ
Current Appointments
Faculty/Lecturer/Senior Surgeon (Oberarzt), Small Animal Surgery Clinic, University of Zurich.
Study Director/Researcher, Musculosceletal Research Unit (MSRU), GLP certification, University of Zurich.
Founder, Bioengineering & Advanced Orthopedics Consultancy.
Education
MBA (Master of Business Administration) -Candidate, University of St. Gallen, Class 2025–2027.
MA (Master of Arts) - Candidate, Philosophy and Arts, Hellenic Open University, 2024–present.
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) , Biomedical Engineering, Vetsuisse (University of Zurich)• GCB (University of Bern) • Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (University of Florida). 2021–2025.
MSc. (Master of Science), Small Animal Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Distinction (GPA 8.68/10). 2012–2015.
DVM(Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 2006–2011.
Certifications
Diplomate, European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS); EBVS® European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery; RCVS‑recognized specialist. Since 02/2025.
Fachtierarzt für Chirurgie der Kleintiere, Austrian Veterinary Chamber, 2025.
Fachtierarzt für Kleintiere, Austrian Veterinary Chamber, 2022.
GLP Study Director/Experimental Surgery (Switzerland).
Leadership & Prior Roles
Head of Surgery & Co‑Director, Kleintierklinik Breitensee, Vienna, 2018–2019. Led surgical service in ~100‑person clinic; systems, training, outcomes.
Co‑Lead Surgeon, KTB Vienna, 2016–2018. Organized/Taught in multiple educational events in the Training & Information Center.
Surgeon, KTB Vienna, 2015–2016. Referral ortho/neuro/soft tissue, on‑call duties.
Intern, Companion Animal Clinic, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 2012–2015. Rotating internship with clinical and research duties.
Publications
Brandstetter V, Matis U, Schuenemann R, Arndt C, Pozzi A, Natsios P, Haimel G. A retrospective multicenter study of outcomes and complications in dogs undergoing total hip replacement with a BFX collared stem. Veterinary Surgery. Status: under publication.
Natsios P, Capaul R, Pozzi A, Park B. The role of muscle forces on rotational and cranio-caudal stability in the intact and CCL-deficient stifle: an ex vivo biomechanical study. Veterinary Surgery. VSU-25-263. Status: under publication.
Pozzi A, Natsios P, Kim S, Choate CJ, Conrad BP. The geometry of the tibial plateau and its influence on stifle contact mechanics after meniscectomy. Front Vet Sci. 2025;12:1441329. doi:10.3389/fvets.2025.1441329.
Natsios P, Golini L, Park B, Steffen F. Effect of local epidural application of methylprednisolone acetate on time to ambulation in non-ambulatory dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease: a prospective randomised, blinded control trial. Vet Rec. 2024. doi:10.1002/vetr.4962. Status: In Production.
Sullivan AL, Ordway NR, Park BH, Natsios P, Petazzoni M, Tinga S. Biomechanical comparison of spacer pin fixation to two established methods of tibial tuberosity transposition stabilization in dogs. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2024 Nov 15. doi:10.1055/s-0044-1793853. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39547685.
Natsios P, Chatzimisios K, Tsioli V, Psalla D, Angelou V, Savvas I, Papazoglou LG. Surgical management of squamous cell carcinoma of the canine male external genitalia: 15 cases (1994–2020). Top Companion Anim Med. 2024 Jul 2;61:100887. doi:10.1016/j.tcam.2024.100887. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38964542.
Natsios P, Capaul R, Kopf N, Pozzi A, Tinga S, Park B. Biomechanical evaluation of a fixation technique with a modified hemicerclage for tibial tuberosity transposition: an ex vivo cadaveric study. Front Vet Sci. 2024 May 9;11:1375380. doi:10.3389/fvets.2024.1375380. PMID: 38784651; PMCID: PMC11111921.
Pfitzer JM, Natsios P, Beer P, Nolff MC. Long-term outcome after total scapulectomy for the treatment of osteosarcoma in a cat. JFMS Open Rep. 2022;8(2). doi:10.1177/20551169221121901..
Book chapters
Natsios P, Pozzi A, Hulse D. “Lateral Compartment Disease of the Stifle.” In: Canine and Feline Arthrology and Arthroscopy. 1st ed. June 1, 2025. ISBN: 9780323712552.
Natsios P. Endocrine Surgery in Small Animals. Script for 4th‑year veterinary students, Vetsuisse.
Teaching
Lectures, clinical teaching, wet labs, monthly surgical club; supervision of masters and doctoral students