Fransiska Malfait MD, PhD

Fransiska Malfait performed a pre-doctoral training on the phenotypic characterization and identification of novel genetic defects in several subtypes of the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). This resulted in a series of peer-reviewed publications and a PhD degree in medical sciences, with a thesis entitled, “New insights in the molecular pathogenesis of the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.” Simultaneously, Dr. Malfait was also trained as a clinical geneticist and became involved in the genetic counseling and clinical care of patients with heritable connective tissue disorders (HCTD). Impressed by the chronic musculoskeletal problems and pain that patients with these conditions suffer from, she decided to further specialize in rheumatology, a degree she obtained in 2009.

Dr. Malfait is solicited intensively by patients, physicians, caretakers and scientists from over the world, regarding clinical, diagnostic, management and research issues concerning HCTD. She established a large international network of collaborators, both clinical and scientific. Together with Anne De Paepe, she co-chaired the First International Symposium on the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which took place in Ghent in September 2012. In addition, she was recently elected as the President of the International Consortium on Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.