Dr. Elona Greca, MD, PGDip
Physician-Researcher | Psychiatry & Cardiology | Precision Mental Health
I am a physician-researcher with interdisciplinary expertise in psychiatry—particularly child and adolescent mental health—and cardiology. With a background spanning clinical practice, academic publishing, and international collaborations, I focus on integrating evidence-based approaches and multi-domain interventions to improve patient outcomes in mental health and cardiovascular care.
My research explores the biological and behavioural intersection between the heart and brain, focusing on exercise-based interventions, precision psychiatry, and multi-omics. I’ve authored and co-authored peer-reviewed studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on psychocardiology and structured physical activity in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
I am a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, a Pre-Membership Psychiatric Trainee with the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and a member of the American College of Cardiology. I contribute remotely to academic and clinical research at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, serve as a Research Ethics Committee Member with the NHS, and sit on the editorial board of Women's Health (SAGE Publishing).
At APA 2025, I present a meta-analysis on exercise interventions in schizophrenia, advocating for non-pharmacological strategies that can transform future psychiatric care.
The graphical abstract summarises our key findings, highlighting the effects of structured aerobic and combined exercise on cognition, symptom severity, and quality of life in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
"Shaping Minds: Structured Exercise in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders – A Meta-Analysis"
This meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of structured aerobic and combined (aerobic + resistance) exercise programs in adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Findings from 17 randomised controlled trials (n = 1,054) revealed:
📈 Moderate-to-large improvement in overall well-being (Cohen’s d = 0.68)
🧠 Enhanced cognitive function (d = 0.59)
😌 Reduced symptom severity (d = 0.71)
🌍 Improved quality of life and social functioning
These results underscore the importance of integrating structured physical activity into routine psychiatric care.
Interested in working together?
Fill out some info, and we will be in touch shortly.
Whether it’s research collaboration, academic inquiries, or connecting after APA 2025, I welcome thoughtful dialogue on psychiatry, cardiology, and interdisciplinary medical research.