Growth Needs Clear Names
Under the name Central German Competence Network for Rare Diseases (MKSE), various activities have been consolidated in recent years; these include not only the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases at Magdeburg University Medical Center (UMMD) but also, among other things, statewide collaboration.
In order to meet the requirements for the Center for Rare Diseases at UMMD in accordance with the guidelines of the Joint Federal Committee on the one hand, and the networking efforts in Saxony-Anhalt funded by the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, and Equality on the other, the Center’s activities have been clearly delineated since the turn of the year 2025/2026. These activities are now carried out as the Magdeburg Center for Rare Diseases (MaZSE) within the already established network Central German Competence Network for Rare Diseases (MKSE).
Coordination of both structures remains unchanged at UMMD; a joint coordination office will be located in the future in Building 39 at UMMD. For questions regarding specific patient concerns, care, or self-help, Dr. Katharina Schubert, as medical director of the MaZSE, and Alexandra Sroka, as administrative coordinator, remain available via their existing contact information. In May 2026, the team was expanded to include Ms. Janette Schlaugat as network coordinator.
New Impetus for the Further Development of the MKSE
Thanks to state funding from the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, and Equality of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, the MKSE has established a foundation to coordinate the care landscape for rare diseases and increase the visibility of available care services. Another goal is to strengthen the network among the MKSE’s cooperation partners—the University Hospitals of Halle and Magdeburg, as well as the Dessau Municipal Hospital. Through a joint steering committee, the participants aim to pool their scientific and clinical expertise and sustainably improve the interdisciplinary care of patients with rare diseases in the state.
