Despina is an experienced pediatric nephrologist who took a career in the pharmaceutical industry in late 2014. She completed her medical degree at the Université Pitiè Salpètriêre Paris, France and Freie Universität Berlin prior to completing her PhD in 1992.During her clinical career, Despina worked as a nephrologist at the University Hospital Frankfurt in Germany, followed by a residency in pediatric nephrology at the StateUniversity of New York at Stony Brook USA, before returning to Germany to the Munich University Hospital.

Despina took on the role of the Head of Medical Affairs including nursing and pharmacy of Kuratorium für Dialyse und Nierentransplantation e.V, the largest German dialysis organization in mid-2018, where she oversaw dialysis for 1,200 nephrologists. Here, Despina led the digitalisation of the dialysis process in 220 dialysis units, introduced a risk management process, and headed the Covid-19 Crisis Management team.

Following this she joined CSL Vifor as Global Medical lead in Nephrology.She has a successful track record in combining academic and clinical skills with health economic requirements and patient needs.