DMRF Canada Announces Recipient of the 2025 Clinical and Research Fellowship supported by Merz Therapeutics
Toronto, ON – June 23 – The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) Canada is pleased to announce a significant milestone in the history of its Clinical and Research Fellowship in Dystonia. For the first time since the program's inception in 2018, the fellowship has been awarded to a specialist with expertise in pediatric neurology—broadening the program’s impact on advancing dystonia care across all age groups.
Dr. Lindsey Vogt, a dedicated pediatric neurologist with a strong record in dystonia-focused clinical research and education, has been selected as the 2025-2027 Fellowship recipient. This exciting milestone is made possible through the generous support of Merz Therapeutics and a fundraising program through Ontario Charitable Gaming Association's program Charitable Gaming Community Good with Bingo World and Gaming Richmond Hill, and the City of Richmond Hill.
"We are proud to partner with DMRF Canada in supporting this fellowship," said Mike Stone, Country Manager (Canada), Merz Therapeutics." Supporting this program reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing medical education and enhancing access to expert care for individuals living with dystonia. By investing in the development of future healthcare professionals and leaders, we aim to help ensure patients receive the highest standard of care throughout their treatment journey.”
Hosted at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and Toronto Western Hospital, two of Canada’s most esteemed institutions for movement disorder care and research - the fellowship represents a strategic investment in expanding clinical and research capacity to better serve children and young adults affected by dystonia, a complex, life-altering neurological movement disorder. Dr. Vogt brings outstanding expertise and commitment to this role and will play a key role in advancing both care and innovation in the field.
Bridging Pediatric and Adult Expertise
DMRF Canada is pleased to support for the first time a program which offers an integrated training experience that spans both pediatric and adult dystonia care. A key distinguishing feature of the SickKids program is its Pediatric-to-Adult Movement Disorders Transition Clinic, where Dr. Vogt will work alongside both pediatric and adult movement disorder specialists to support adolescents and young adults during this critical transition phase of care.
“This fellowship marks an important milestone in our commitment to supporting individuals with dystonia across all stages of life,” said Archana Castelino, National Director, DMRF Canada. “By investing in specialized care for children and young adults, we are advancing a more inclusive and equitable approach to treatment and research. These are complex medical journeys, and we are proud to help ensure that expert care is available when and where it is needed. Thanks to the support of our community and funding partners, DMRF Canada can make such strategic investments that wouldn’t otherwise happen. In the world of rare disorders like dystonia, funding and attention are too often limited. This fellowship represents hope, equity, and progress.”
Through her fellowship, Dr. Vogt will participate in a wide range of specialized clinics including:
Pediatric Specialty Movement Disorders and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Clinics at SickKids Hospital
Toronto Western Hospital’s internationally renowned Movement Disorders and Dystonia Clinics, which include a robust botulinum toxin injection program
Collaborative programming involving Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and multiple centers across the Greater Toronto Area
This comprehensive, interdisciplinary training ensures that Dr. Vogt will develop advanced expertise in both interventional therapies, such as DBS and botulinum toxin injections, and the nuances of delivering care across diverse patient populations and life stages.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the DMRF Canada and their partners for supporting my training in pediatric movement disorders,” says Dr. Vogt. “This fellowship gives me the chance to learn from world-class mentors and gain the skills I need to help improve the lives of children living with dystonia.”
Dr. Carolina Gorodetsky, who will serve as Dr. Vogt’s primary research mentor, states: "We’ve cared for over 400 children with dystonia at SickKids. As Medical Director of the Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation Programs, I’m committed to advancing both care and research. As Fellowship Director, I’m equally passionate about mentoring the next generation. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Lindsey Vogt since her residency, and I’m excited to continue supporting her as her fellowship mentor and supervisor—thanks to the generous support from DMRF Canada and Merz Therapeutics. Dr. Vogt is an incredibly dedicated physician, and I’m confident this fellowship will help her make a real difference for people living with dystonia across Canada."
Advancing Research and National Capacity
As part of the fellowship, Dr. Vogt will also pursue a master’s degree in clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research at the University of Toronto. Her research will focus on the epidemiology and health burden of pediatric dystonia, with the goal of building a stronger evidence base to inform clinical care guidelines and resource allocation across Canada. "With few dedicated pediatric dystonia training programs available, this fellowship addresses a critical gap in movement disorder care in our country," said Archana Castelino, National Director, DMRF Canada. "We are thrilled to launch this initiative and look forward to the profound impact this will have on children, young adults, and families affected by dystonia."
To learn more about dystonia and DMRF Canada’s mission to support patients, families, and research, visit www.dystoniacanada.org.
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About Dystonia and DMRF Canada
Dystonia is a neurological condition characterized by persistent or sporadic muscle contractions, causing abnormal repetitive movements or postures, at times resembling a tremor. Depending on the severity of the condition, patients are faced with varying degrees of disability or pain.
DMRF was founded in 1976 by Samuel and Frances Belzberg of Vancouver after their daughter was diagnosed with generalized dystonia. The mission of the DMRF Canada is to advance research for more treatments and ultimately a cure; to promote awareness and education, and to support the needs and well-being of affected individuals and families. DMRF Canada is a registered non-profit Canadian charity governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
About Merz Therapeutics
At Merz Therapeutics, we seek to address the unique needs of people who suffer from movement disorders, neurological conditions, and other health conditions that severely impact patients’ quality of life. With our patient-centric approach, cutting-edge research and development efforts, highly-scientific medical affairs resources and dedicated commercial teams, we continue the advancement of new and individualized treatment standards, including botulinum toxin. Merz Therapeutics, a business of Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany and is represented in more than 90 countries, with a Canada affiliate based in Burlington, Ontario. Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH is part of the Merz Group, a privately held, family-owned company that has dedicated more than 110 years to developing innovations that serve unmet patient and customer needs.
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For more information, please contact: Archana Castelino, DMRF Canada, archanacastelino@dystoniacanada.org
