Apostolos E. Kalovidouris

Dr. Apostolos E. Kalovidouris, 82, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.  Most recently, for twenty two years, he was the founding physician and sole proprietor of the medical practice, Southern Indiana Rheumatology in Columbus, Indiana.  Prior to his solo practice, Dr. Kalovidouris was Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine and Attending Physician of the University Hospital of Indianapolis where he treated patients, taught medical residents and conducted research on cellular immunity and polymyositis for nearly twenty years.     He was born in 1941 in Lafkos, Greece during the German invasion of Greece.  Despite the hardships of war, he persevered, worked hard and was a top student.  Growing up in beautiful Pelion, he cultivated a love of the bucolic life, Greek philosophy and literature and soccer.  He obtained his medical degree from the National University of Greece in Athens.  Before beginning his medical residency in the US, he honorably completed his Greek military service as a medical officer.   After his military service, he completed internships in internal medicine at Long Island College Hospital and Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn NY, a fellowship in rheumatology at Hahnemann Medical College and a fellowship in rheumatology and immunology at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.  He received accolades from the Arthritis Foundation, was an Associate Investigator of the Veterans Affairs Career Development Program and was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.  While in New York, he met the love of his life, Dr. Clarita Kalovidouris, and they celebrated 51 years of marriage this past December 2023. Dr. Kalovidouris was proud of his Greek heritage and instilled this pride in his daughters and granddaughters.  He also was fascinated with stock trading, gardening, cooking and going on walks.  His baklava, homemade bread, bean soups and fresh salads made from the produce of his garden could not be beat.  He was also an amazing storyteller and could recount in remarkable detail historical anecdotes and quotes from pieces of literature.  Ensconced in the Greek Orthodox traditions from an early age as an altar boy for the Lafkos Greek Church, he appreciated the connection of philosophy and religion. His greatest passion was his family and he supported them tirelessly all his life as a dedicated tutor, mentor, advisor and visionary.  Dr. Kalovidouris is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Emilios Kalovidouris and Mrs. Anastasia Kalovidouris.  He is survived by his brother, Dr. Angelos Kalovidouris & family; his sister, Mrs. Polyxeni Nicolaou & family; his wife, Dr. Clarita Kalovidouris; their daughter, Dr. Anastasia Kalovidouris and her husband Michael; their daughter Emily Kalovidouris, J.D.; and their grandchildren, Chloe and Eleni.  A visitation is planned on April 27th from 4-6 PM at the Bradshaw-Carter Funeral Home, located at 1734 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098.  Interment will be in Lafkos, Greece.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hellenic Professional Society of Texas in Dr. Kalovidouris’ memory, or the charity of your choice.