SMA Greece

Our faculty members Jacqueline Montes, Jean Fitzpatrick, and Cara Kanner recently led a specialized Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) physiotherapy workshop in Greece as part of the STEP-IN SMA educational initiative, a Columbia-led effort focused on advancing care for individuals with SMA. Held from April 18-20, 2026, at the National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government (EKDDA), the program brought together 25 physiotherapists from multiple countries and 10 facilitators from Greece, Columbia University, Northwestern University, and the University of Utrecht. The workshop was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, the University Pediatric Clinic of “Agia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, and the Hellenic Pediatric Neurology Society, with institutional support from the Hellenic Patients Association for Rare Diseases (ESAE). 

The event also marked an important moment for SMA advocacy and access to care in Greece. Deputy Minister of Health, Ireni Agapidaki attended the workshop and participated in a ceremony affirming Greece’s commitment to newborn screening for SMA. Hellas and President of the Hellenic Red Cross, reinforcing a shared commitment to expanding access to medical care for individuals with SMA in remote regions of Greece. Through hands-on learning, education, and international collaboration, the program created space to build clinical skills, exchange knowledge, and strengthen a global community of clinicians working in rare disease care. As SMA Hellas shared, “STEP-IN SMA is more than a program, it is a step forward for the future of SMA care in Greece.” The workshop reflects the ongoing commitment of our faculty to education, research, and improving patient outcomes beyond the classroom and on a global stage.