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How do you work in the awareness that you are often the only hope for families with a seriously ill child? Jutta Gärtner and Hendrik Rosewich are one of the few points of contact for pediatric neurological disorders, such as pediatric dementia or unclear movement disorders. Once a diagnosis is made, a grueling race against time begins. In the search for therapies, patient care and research must go hand in hand - also often on weekends. The neuropediatricians at the University Hospital Göttingen experience their work as "deeply meaningful".

Within a few months, the previously lively three-year-old has become an apathetic, convulsing bundle. When the parents shortly thereafter also recognize the first symptoms of the mysterious condition in their younger daughter, a race against time begins. The fact that a highly effective therapy is finally found seems like a stroke of luck beyond all probability. But it is also a testimony to the fact that, in principle, a cure is possible if treatment is started in time.

Early in her husband's first term, Eva Luise Köhler decided to lend her voice to people with rare diseases. In doing so, she became a "beacon of hope" for many. Her goal: more research so that all people can realize their right to health. The Köhler family was aware that such a mission would require many comrades-in-arms and staying power. "My wife set out to do this, and I admire her for it," confesses the former German president in an interview with Britta Wauer.

In order to provide research-based pediatricians with the necessary freedom for high-level scientific work during their qualification, the research network Alliance4Rare, initiated by the Eva Luise and Horst Köhler Foundation, focuses among other things on structured clinician scientist programs. Some of the fellows who have recently started their work introduce themselves and their projects.

In an interview with 'themenbote medizin', Sanna Börgel, Managing Director of Alliance4Rare gGmbH, introduces the initiative of the Eva Luise and Horst Köhler Foundation and explains how the civil society alliance intends to launch a visionary care and research network for rare diseases and thus advance the development of modern therapeutic approaches.

In order to provide research-based pediatricians with the necessary freedom for high-level scientific work during their qualification, the research network Alliance4Rare, initiated by the Eva Luise and Horst Köhler Foundation, focuses among other things on structured clinician scientist programs. Some of the fellows who have recently started their work introduce themselves and their projects.