Hope for HH is co-sponsoring the 4th International Symposium on Hypothalamic Hamartomas – a professional symposium for HH investigators, clinicians and researchers – in Washington DC Sept. 12-14. The Symposium aims to identify gaps in understanding and opportunities for future HH research studies and collaborations to improve diagnosis, treatment and care of both the seizures as well as the other endocrinological and neuropsychological symptoms.
In this blog series, we will introduce you to several internationally recognized clinicians and researchers who are thought leaders both inside and outside of HH and who will serve as facilitators, presenters and discussants at the Symposium. Highlights of the Symposium will also be available to the HH patient and professional community following the meeting.
Meet Dr. Hanna Richardson
Dr. Richardson is a consultant in paediatric neurodisability at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), working within the developmental epilepsy service. In her clinic, they follow the developmental progress of a number of children with hypothalamic hamartoma (HH), and have recently carried out some research into the neurodevelopmental comorbidity associated with this condition, which is awaiting publication, and they are hoping to do more in the near future.
Dr. Richardson is one of three up and coming Young Investigators that was awarded a scholarship to attend the Symposium. We are grateful to our donors for making these awards possible. Funding young investigators is critical toward helping the next generation of HH clinicians and researchers network and connect.
What is your specialty training and background?
Originally from Sweden, I have lived, studied and worked in the United Kingdom for almost 20 years. My background is in paediatric medicine, and I completed my sub-specialty training in paediatric neurodisability in 2017. Since then, I have been working as a consultant in paediatric neurodisability in the developmental epilepsy service at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London UK. In this service, I work as part of a multidisciplinary team, working with some highly experienced, caring and hard-working professionals, together providing developmental assessment and advice for children with a range of conditions, including hypothalamic hamartoma.
How did you become interested in HH research and care? What are your contributions to the HH field of research and care?
As part of my clinical work, I have seen a number of children with hypothalamic hamartoma, of different ages, and at different stages of treatment. I became very interested in their developmental profiles, particularly the evolution of these profiles over time. Recently, together with some of my colleagues, I completed a retrospective study looking at the developmental profiles of children with hypothalamic hamartoma seen at Great Ormond Street Hospital. We are hoping to build on this work by setting up a prospective cohort study, and I am hoping to use this opportunity to meet others interested in the neurodevelopmental aspects of hypothalamic hamartoma, to discuss ideas and maybe even foster some collaborations.
The Symposium is important because
As clinicians, we strive to provide the best possible care for our patients, and to do so, it is critical to stay up to date with research, to learn from experienced colleagues and aim to find the best possible evidence to support decisions. The symposium is a fantastic opportunity for professionals from all over the world to meet and share experiences, which I hope will translate into better care for patients and families around the world. I hope that the symposium will provide a platform for future research, as in such a rare condition, collaboration is essential for high quality evidence.
Outside of work passions
As well as being a doctor, I am a proud, if not sometimes quite frazzled, mother of two wonderful girls, aged 3 and 6 years. Outside my busy clinical job, I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my family, exploring all London has to offer. I also enjoy pilates, am a recent convert to running, and make very tasty cinnamon rolls.
Call to Action
Like to share your feedback about the Symposium, speaker or topic, please send your comments to info@hopeforhh.org.
Would you like to support the Symposium and research with a donation to Hope for HH? Click here to Donate.
