Dr. Jana Behunova-Specialist in Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna/Institute of Medical Genetics, Austria.
Dr. Jana Behunova, M.D., Ph.D., is a distinguished Slovak medical geneticist and pediatrician currently based in Vienna, Austria. Born in Košice, Slovakia, she has dedicated over two decades to the academic, clinical, and research dimensions of medical genetics and pediatrics. She earned both her medical and doctoral degrees in Slovakia and has gained global insights through international fellowships in Sweden, the USA, Israel, and the Czech Republic. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Dr. Behunova combines teaching, patient care, and genetic counseling with a passion for rare disorders and congenital malformations.
Publication Profile
🎓 Education Background
Dr. Jana Behunova’s academic journey began at the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, Faculty of Medicine, Košice, where she earned her M.D. between 1990 and 1996. She continued her advanced studies in medical genetics and pediatrics through doctoral programs at the same institution and later at Comenius University in Bratislava, completing her Ph.D. between 2002 and 2008. Her academic excellence is further complemented by certifications in Pediatrics (I and II) and Medical Genetics, recognized across the European Union. This robust educational foundation paved the way for her specialization in genetic disorders, clinical pediatrics, and rare disease research across Europe and beyond.
🏥 Professional Experience
Dr. Behunova’s professional career commenced with residency roles in Prešov and Košice, Slovakia, where she trained in pediatrics. From 1999 to 2012, she served as Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University. Her academic pursuits then led her to the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, where she has held a long-standing role as Assistant Professor at the Institute of Medical Genetics since 2012. Her diverse experience spans clinical diagnostics, academic instruction, genetic counseling, and research leadership. Dr. Behunova’s multidisciplinary experience reflects her dedication to pediatric and genetic healthcare, both in her native Slovakia and internationally.
🏅 Awards and Honors
Dr. Jana Behunova has been honored for her contribution to European research networks and rare disease policies. She played a pivotal role in the Europlan project, contributing to the development of national guidelines for rare diseases in Slovakia. She also authored contributions to the 2011 Report on Rare Disease Activities in Europe by the EU Committee of Experts. Her international collaborations with renowned experts in Israel, Sweden, the USA, and Austria, alongside participation in elite training seminars such as the Salzburg Open Medical Institute and the ESHG’s genetic counseling programs, further underline her recognition as a leader in her field.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Behunova’s research lies at the intersection of medical genetics, pediatric anomalies, and congenital malformation syndromes. She has contributed to significant projects such as the analysis of facial cleft-related syndromes using micro-CT on historical specimens and studies on gene polymorphisms in orofacial clefts. Her work also delves into neural tube defects, jaundice syndromes in Roma populations, and birth defects in fetal archives. Through collaborations with eminent institutions across Europe and the USA, Dr. Behunova investigates how genetic variations influence developmental disorders, positioning her at the forefront of translational genetics and syndromic research within pediatric medicine.
🧾 Conclusion
Dr. Jana Behunova exemplifies dedication, innovation, and excellence in medical genetics and pediatrics. Her international training, bilingual fluency, and extensive contributions to research and education place her among Europe’s respected clinician-scientists. From Slovakia to Austria, and across borders, she continues to advance the understanding of rare diseases, congenital syndromes, and genetic counseling. With a passion for both clinical practice and academic mentoring, Dr. Behunova’s lifelong commitment impacts patients, students, and the broader scientific community alike. Her work not only advances healthcare standards but also enriches the global conversation on genetics and pediatric disorders.
📚 Top Publications Notes