Shaping future leaders: Interviews with members of the MDS LEAP Program class of 2024

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Hear from 2 soon-to-be graduates of the MDS LEAP leadership program about their experiences.  

Manon Auffret, PharmD, PhD 

Dr. Auffret is interviewed by Dr. Gams Massi, who is also a LEAP participant in the upcoming class.  

 

Zuzana Košutzká, MD, PhD 

Dr. Košutzká is interviewed by Dr. Śmiłowska, who is also a LEAP graduate from the 2020 class.  

1. Could you briefly describe your journey into neurology and your specific interest in movement disorders? 

When I was a medical student, I really enjoyed neuroanatomy. I found it fascinating that bundles of organized cells could control things like memory, emotions, or even personality. It felt like neurology had so many unanswered questions, which drew me in. I have also always liked working with older people, and I think that shaped my path, too. Of course, I was strongly influenced by my mentors — Peter Valkovič and Marie Vidailhet. They are not only excellent clinicians but also inspiring leaders, and their guidance played a big role in my decision to focus on movement disorders. 

2. What inspired you to apply for the MDS LEAP Program, and what goals did you hope to achieve through it? 

Working in medical and scientific teams is very rewarding, but it’s not always easy. I wanted to learn how to guide our movement disorder team more smoothly and efficiently, and also to bring out the best in people. In medicine, no one really teaches you how to lead — we are trained to diagnose and treat, but not to manage teams or support colleagues through change. My hope with LEAP was to gain those skills, also learning how to lead people who may be older or hold higher academic positions. I wanted to be better prepared for the hard times as well as the good ones. 

4. What were the key insights from the LEAP course sessions that resonated most with you — particularly the leadership theories and discussions with MDS experts? 

For me, the most powerful part was hearing the stories — both from MDS experts and from other LEAP participants. Everyone had faced some kind of obstacle, whether it was lack of funding, limited expertise, or tough competition. It was reassuring to see that even successful leaders have gone through challenges. I also really appreciated the one-on-one mentoring sessions. Talking through my own leadership journey with someone experienced gave me very concrete, personalized advice that I could actually put into practice. 

5. How do you foresee the LEAP training influencing your role within your department? 

I feel more confident now when it comes to starting conversations about strategy, long-term planning, or even team dynamics and troubleshooting. The program gave me a clearer framework for making decisions and a better sense of how to bring people together around shared goals. I think it will help me create a more collaborative and forward-looking environment in our department. 

6. Are there opportunities you’re exploring to strengthen clinical leadership, research collaboration, or education at your institution following LEAP? 

Definitely. I’m working on building stronger collaborations with other departments and also with international partners, especially in Parkinson’s disease and gait research. I see a lot of potential in mentoring residents and PhD students, not just in clinical or research skills but also in leadership. I’d also like to set up more structured educational activities for young neurologists in Slovakia. The experience of LEAP gave me the push to think bigger about what we can achieve together. 

7. How do you plan to mentor or support emerging leaders — especially women — in neurology or movement disorders in Slovakia and beyond? 

I think women sometimes hesitate to step into leadership roles, even when they are completely capable. I would  like to lead by example and be approachable for younger colleagues. I want to share not just the successes but also the difficulties, because I think that’s where a lot of learning happens. For me, mentorship is as much about encouragement as it is about advice. I would like to create spaces where everybody feels supported and confident to take on leadership roles and to contribute their perspectives. 

8. What message would you share with other emerging clinicians considering LEAP, particularly in terms of timing and readiness? 

I would say — don’t wait until you feel “completely ready,” because that moment never really comes. Leadership is a journey, and LEAP is designed to meet you wherever you are. If you’re motivated and curious, that’s the right time. The program challenges you, but in a very constructive way, and it gives you both practical tools and a strong network of peers and mentors. It is a really valuable step for anyone who wants to grow, not only in their career but also in how they contribute to their team and community.