[hypeibole]

I actually believe the intent is the opposite.

I think the PR people are just trying to sell Fokas as a polymath genius. "Look, he is not only a mathematician but also an MD, wow!"

[naturalgradient]

Thank you, I had not considered that. I think researchers or a HN audience may perceive this differently than the average reader.

[TomVDB]

FWIW: my initial instinctive reaction to the MD part was most definitely negative.