The Board Members of the Swiss Osteoporosis Registry Association
Our board consists of medical specialists with different areas of expertise and experience.
PD Dr. med. Judith Everts-Graber
Recognised Specialist Title: FMH Rheumatology, FMH General Internal Medicine
Position: Rheumatologist at OsteoRheuma Bern, consultant and head of osteoimmunology at Inselspital
Connection to osteoporosis: As a rheumatologist, I came across the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis rather by chance in 2016 – a field that fascinated me from the outset. In 2023, I was able to obtain my postdoctoral qualification in this field and since then I have been delighted to be involved in the training and further education of future osteologists. In addition, in my practice I treat patients directly affected by osteoporosis and work with them to find individual, effective and practical treatment options. As a board member since 2019 and co-president of SORA since 2024, I hope that the Swiss Osteoporosis Registry will continue to grow and that the quality of osteoporosis care in Switzerland will continue to improve.
Dr. med. Gernot Schmid
Recognised Specialist Title: FMH Rheumatology, FMH General Internal Medicine
Position: Co-Head Physician, Rheumatology
Medical Practice: Luzerner Kantonsspital
Connection to osteoporosis: My interest in the subject was sparked by my former boss, whom I succeeded on the board of SORA (then known as Osteoporosis Platform). For me, dealing with osteoporosis feels like a ‘beloved hobby’, but it only makes up a small part of my daily practice as a rheumatologist. In contrast to rheumatic inflammatory diseases, which are often (very) rare, osteoporosis is a highly prevalent and undertreated disease, which more than justifies our commitment. Since 2024, I have had the privilege of serving as chair of SORA alongside Judith Everts.
Dr. med. Mathias Wenger
Recognised Specialist Title: FMH Rheumatology, FMH General Internal Medicine
Funktion: FMH Rheumatologie, FMH Allgemeine Innere Medizin
Medical Practice:Zentrum für Rheuma- und Knochenerkrankungen
Bellariastrasse 38, 8038 Zürich
Relation to osteoporosis: Taking over Professor Häuselmann’s practice, fascination with the musculoskeletal system, complexity of bone metabolism, recognition of the importance and significance of osteoporosis for every person affected and for society as a whole.
Dr. med. Sven Oser
Recognised Specialist Title: FMH Rheumatology, FMH General Internal Medicine
Position: Senior Physician, Centre for Rheumatism and Bone Diseases (ZRK)
Connection to osteoporosis: As a specialist centre for osteology, Dr Wenger and I have taken over from Prof. Häuselmann to continue this valuable tradition with dedication and passion.
Our primary goal is to offer our patients osteoporosis treatment of the highest professional standard – individualised, modern and scientifically
sound.
It is equally important to us to raise awareness of osteoporosis and to continuously promote expertise in this
area. Through targeted further training for general practitioners,
assistant doctors and medical practice assistants, we are actively contributing to closing existing gaps in treatment
and improving the care of those affected in the long term.
Dr. med. Ueli Christian Studer
Recognised Specialist Title: FMH Rheumatology, FMH General Internal Medicine
Position: Senior Physician, OsteoRheuma Bern AG
Connection to osteoporosis: Osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment since 2012 at the Osteoporosis Centre OsteoRheuma Bern (ORB). Scientific work in collaboration with Drs. Everts, Lehmann, Ziswiler, Steiner within the practice. Multiple topic-specific lectures at regional (quality circle) and national level.
Dr. med. Martin Toniolo
Recognised Specialist title: FMH Rheumatology, FMH General Internal Medicine
Position: Rheumatology at the Centre for Rheumatism and Bone Diseases (ZRK), attending physician at Hirslanden Klinik im Park, consulting physician at Klinik Hirslanden Zurich.
Connection to osteoporosis: As a rheumatologist, I have been passionate about osteoporosis since 2016 – a disease that is of central importance for healthy ageing. I am particularly fascinated by the microarchitecture of bone, which we examine at our centre using state-of-the-art imaging (XtremeCT). I take a holistic approach to treatment: evidence-based therapy combined with individual consideration of nutrition, exercise, living conditions and personal needs. As a member of the SORA board, it is important to me to further expand the Swiss Osteoporosis Registry, raise awareness of osteoporosis among those affected and in medical care, and continuously optimise the care of people with osteoporosis.
Diana P. Frey
Recognised Specialist Title: DMH General Internal Medicine, FMH Pharmaceutical Medicine, Certified Osteologist DVO (CH)
Connection to osteoporosis: Since around 2000, as part of my work as Head of Clinical Trials at the USZ Rheumatology Clinic, I have been involved in studies on osteoporosis, among other things. I was interested in the topic, not least because of experiences in my own family. In 2010, I had the opportunity to take over as head of the Osteoporosis Centre at the Rheumatology Clinic. For 14 years until my retirement in 2024, I cared for patients with a wide variety of osteological diseases and was responsible for the continuing education and training of assistants and general practitioners in osteology. At the same time, I worked as an osteologist at the Gynosense women’s health centre, which I still do on an irregular basis.
Unfortunately, the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, a widespread disease that significantly impairs quality of life, are often not yet perceived as important elements of healthcare. As a member of the SORA board, I hope to be able to make a small contribution to a better understanding of osteoporosis and to raising awareness of the issue among healthcare professionals and patients.
Dr. med. Anna Thoma
Recognised Specialist Title: FMH Rheumatology, FMH General Internal Medicine
Position: Deputy Head Physician, Rheumatology and Pain Medicine, Bethesda Hospital, Basel
Connection to osteoporosis: Many years of practical experience and interest in the diagnosis and treatment of osteological diseases, particularly osteoporosis. Certificate in densitometry (IOF) and transfer of osteological knowledge and experience to doctors in further training.
Dr. med. Christian Steiner
Recognised Specialist Title: FMH Rheumatology, FMH General Internal Medicine
Position: Rheumatologist at OsteoRheuma Bern
Connection to osteoporosis: Osteology is an exciting branch of rheumatology that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. During my time as a resident and senior physician at Inselspital in Bern and Kantonsspital in Lucerne, I gained extensive experience in bone density measurement and the therapeutic options available for osteoporosis. I am delighted to be able to continue this work with enthusiasm and dedication in my private practice, where I am particularly committed to providing individualised treatment strategies with a sense of proportion.
As a member of the SORA board, I would like to promote the training of doctors and contribute to improving osteoporosis care in Switzerland.