Neuromuscular Reference Centre, Departement of Pediatric Neurology, Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
Education summary
2022- Assoc. Prof. of Pediatric Neurology
2011 - Specialisation exam of electrophysiology (EMG, EEG)
2005 – 2009 Ph.D. study, The Charles University, The Second Faculty of Medicine, Prague 2004 - Specialisation exam for child neurology 2001 - Specialisation exam for adult neurology 1991- 1998 Charles University, 2nd School of Medicine, Prague, The Czech Republic
Career summary
I am a neurologist with 25 years of experience in paediatric neurology and electrophysiology, with a primary focus on childhood neuromuscular disorders over the past 16 years. I completed advanced training through repeated visits to the MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases in London and a one-year fellowship at the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University.
On my return to Prague, I established the Neuromuscular Centre for Children at Motol University Hospital, which has become a leading national centre for diagnosis, care, and research in pediatric neuromuscular diseases.
I am actively engaged in clinical research and clinical trials for innovative therapies, particularly in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). I am a member of the Czech Paediatric Neurology Society and the European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS).
What is the personal or professional achievement you’re most proud of?
I am most proud of establishing and developing our Neuromuscular Centre. Fifteen years ago, it was just myself and one nurse focusing on neuromuscular disorders within our Department of Paediatric Neurology. Today, we are a multidisciplinary team of 15 people working in close collaboration with researchers and patient organisations. Our centre was the first in Czechia to launch clinical trials in DMD and SMA and to introduce disease-modifying therapy for SMA. I also initiated the pilot newborn screening program for SMA, which has now become the national standard. At the international level, we maintain close collaboration with not only European centres, and I am proud to have hosted the WMS Congress in Prague in 2024.
Why did you first join the WMS?
I joined the WMS to learn from colleagues and to have a platform for discussion on neuromuscular disorders.
What is your goal in joining the Executive Board?
My goal in joining the Executive Board is to help build a global NMD community where knowledge is shared across regions. I am committed to supporting international collaboration, fostering fellowships, and promoting the development of innovative projects — including those led by young researchers.
