When Dr Anne Benner Hamaker joined the Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Pediatrics, at the University of Naples “Federico II”, she brought a research question that crosses the boundaries of two European Reference Networks. Her inter-ERN exchange connected Endo-ERN and MetabERN through a shared focus on ketotic hypoglycaemia in children. Anne’s objectives were to initiate the Naples centre’s participation in her prospective PhD study, explore the metabolic aspects of the condition and work towards greater alignment in its diagnostic investigation across Europe.

During the five-day visit, Anne presented her study to clinicians, took part in the centre’s clinical routine and discussed local experience in assessing children with metabolic diseases. The exchange allowed her to gain more specialised knowledge of rare diseases, share expertise with colleagues and develop new relationships that could support future collaboration between the metabolic and endocrine communities.

“Very educational, as it was an inter-ERN exchange where I visited a MetabERN center that still falls within my research field of ketotic hypoglycemia. Clinically educational and relationship-strengthening”

Anne completed all her planned activities and described the experience as valuable both scientifically and personally. She hopes the relationships established during the exchange will stimulate further cooperation on paediatric hypoglycaemia, improve diagnostic pathways and help identify important gaps in knowledge across European countries. Her advice to other professionals considering an Endo-ERN Clinical Exchange is wonderfully direct: “Just do it!”