Successful re-certification of the Magdeburg Neuromuscular Centre at Magdeburg University Hospital and award of the DGM e.V. seal of approval.
The German Society for Muscle Diseases (DGM) e.V. has re-certified the Neuromuscular Centre at Magdeburg University Hospital as providing a high quality of care.
The inspection of the Neuromuscular Centre at Magdeburg University Hospital took place on 11 November 2024. Professor Dr Jens Schmidt, long-standing Chairman of the Medical-Scientific Advisory Board and member of the Federal Board of the German Musculoskeletal Society (DMG), as well as other external experts and guests were present. The event provided a valuable platform for experts to present and discuss current developments in research and advances in neurological therapy.
During the inspection, the focus was on demonstrating, together with representatives from all relevant specialist areas, that the Muscle Centre, which specialises in DGM diagnosis groups such as ALS, myasthenia and muscular dystrophies, has been one of the first centres in Germany to be certified by the DGM in 2008 and continues to guarantee the highest level of care and support for patients with neuromuscular diseases.
After a warm welcome by Professor Dr Stefan Vielhaber, Deputy Clinic Director of the University Clinic for Neurology and Head of the Neuromuscular Centre Magdeburg, he highlighted the importance of the DGM with its 10,000 registered members and the neuromuscular centres and emphasised their central role in supporting those affected. The muscle centres with their contact and discussion groups are the adequate organisational prerequisites for high-quality patient care and are essential for the care infrastructure. Magdeburg has been a muscle centre for almost 30 years to the day and is proud to have a number of DGM award winners and sponsored applicants among its ranks. In his welcoming address, Professor Dr Hans-Jochen Heinze, Medical Director of the University Hospital, emphasised the importance of the interdisciplinary nature of university medicine in combination with the possibilities of state-of-the-art imaging.
He pointed out that university medicine, as envisaged by the Science Council, has the task of promoting access to specialised care in rural regions as the fourth pillar. Beate Cwiertnia, Chairwoman of the Saxony-Anhalt regional association, emphasised that the DGM motto ‘Together for each other ’ was being implemented excellently. Professor Dr Stefanie Schreiber, Acting Clinic Director of Neurology, kicked off the lecture series and offered a comprehensive insight into current developments and research approaches at the University Clinic of Neurology Magdeburg.
Professor Dr Dimitrius Mougiakakos, Director of the Department of Haematology, Oncology and Cell Therapy, reported on major advances in cell therapy for the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Professor Dr Martin Zenker emphasised the central role of neurogenetics in the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases. Lora Lefterova, senior consultant in neurology, presented innovative approaches to multimodal imaging, and Dr Judith Wesenberg shed light on cognitive changes in the context of ALS.
After a short break, Professor Vielhaber and Dr Uta Beyer presented the Magdeburg Muscle Centre. Professor Dr Jens Schreiber then explained new respiratory therapies for advanced neuromuscular diseases. Professor Dr Susanne Vogt emphasised the important role of psychological support in coping with the disease. Chief physician Dr Sabine Lindquist concluded the event with a presentation on the MZEB and specialised care for adults with disabilities.
The event ended with a tour of the facilities of the muscle centre and the cooperating specialist departments, including the muscle outpatient clinic, the EMG laboratory, MRI, neurochemistry and the respiratory therapy centre. The participants were offered practical insights into interdisciplinary collaboration.
Photo: Professor Dr Hans-Jochen Heinze, Medical Director of Magdeburg University Hospital (2nd from right), Professor Dr Stefan Vielhaber, Deputy Clinic Director of Magdeburg University Hospital for Neurology and Head of the Neuromuscular Centre Magdeburg (2nd from left), Professor Dr Christian Mawrin, Director of the Institute for Neuropathology Magdeburg (l. ), Professor Dr Stefanie Schreiber, Acting Clinic Director of the University Clinic for Neurology Magdeburg (right), and Dr Uta Beyer, Neuropaediatrician at the University Children's Hospital Magdeburg (3rd from right), provide information as part of the re-certification process for the Neuromuscular Centre at the University Medical Centre Magdeburg. Photographer: Sarah Kossmann/UMMD