Birna Ásbjörnsdóttir obtained her MD from the University of Copenhagen in 2019. Since completing her degree, she has worked as a medical doctor in a variety of neurological departments, most recently at the Memory Clinic at the Danish Dementia Research Centre. Birna’s interest in neuroscience was sparked during her bachelor’s studies, and she did her bachelor’s thesis on REM sleep disturbances in Parkinson’s patients and her master’s thesis on opticus neuritis in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis.
Birna is interested in neurology, especially neurodegenerative diseases and genetics. She plans on becoming a neurologist – ideally in a position with equal opportunities for doing clinical work and research:
“Neurology is a very research-heavy specialisation, and I consider it part of a doctor’s plight to stay up-to-date about new methods and treatments. It is very important to have a strong basic research foundation. (…) Ultimately, I think that makes you a better doctor.”
As a researcher, Birna is driven by the hope of making a difference for patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases and their next-of-kin. In the research process, she especially enjoys the opportunities for creativity and invention that research brings.
When asked what motivates her about joining the NAD programme, Birna highlights the structure of the programme with the preparatory pre-PhD year and the collaborative aspect:
“I hope that the NAD programme opens up for more and better collaboration between clinicians and basic researchers. (…) Sometimes, we speak slightly different languages – and yet not.”