Madara Auzenbaha is both a physician and a scientist dedicated to studying and treating rare diseases in children. This year, during her research, she successfully diagnosed a 17-day-old baby girl with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This dangerous condition affects one in every 9,000 newborns. The earlier treatment begins, the greater the chances that the child can live a symptom-free life.
“I knew from a very young age that I wanted to study here and become a doctor. When I was three years old, I told my parents I would be a doctor, a pediatrician. It has always been my dream,” says Madara Auzenbaha, a physician at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital and a researcher at Riga Stradiņš University (RSU).
Her childhood determination became a reality as she grew up. Today, she works at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital and conducts research at Riga Stradiņš University.
“I care for children with rare diseases. For some of them, treatment is possible; for others, I can only provide care. This ties closely to my work as a researcher. We study the genetics of various rare diseases,” Auzenbaha explains.
Her colleagues describe her in glowing terms, both professionally and personally. Linda Gailīte, head of RSU's Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory, highlights Madara’s friendly and communicative nature: “She collaborates with everyone and fosters team spirit in the lab. Madara is an invaluable colleague who drives scientific ideas and brings practicality and realism to our research. Being a pediatrician, she maintains the connection to patients, reminding us why we do what we do.”
Currently, Madara and her team are focused on a project researching spinal muscular atrophy. As part of this initiative, neonatal screening, including DNA analysis, is being conducted in Latvia.
Spinal muscular atrophy, Madara explains, is a rare genetic disease: “We’ve calculated that it occurs in about one in 9,000 newborns. The baby may appear completely healthy, and parents notice nothing unusual. The child looks happy and may even achieve initial developmental milestones.”
However, the muscles gradually weaken, and the child begins to lose these abilities. Without intervention, the child may become disabled or even face life-threatening complications. Fortunately, treatment for this rare disease is covered by the state in Latvia. Early diagnosis is crucial to give the child a better chance at a full life.
“It is very important to start treatment before symptoms appear. This year, we experienced a major success story. We identified the condition in a baby girl and managed to begin treatment at just 17 days old, before any symptoms emerged. We hope she will lead a symptom-free life,” Madara shares with pride.
Madara hopes that neonatal screening for rare diseases will one day be implemented nationwide for all newborns. Early detection would enable timely treatment for many rare conditions.
Her research has demonstrated the immense value of such initiatives.
Every day, Madara approaches her work at the hospital and university with joy.
“I am incredibly lucky because I don’t see it as a profession or a job—it’s a way of life. I truly live for my patients and my work. I love what I do, and it brings me great happiness to be able to help someone,” Madara says with a smile