Dr. Lara Diem: Specialist in Neurology, Epileptology & Post-Covid Syndrome

The Luzerner Kantonsspital (LUKS) has announced a strategic leadership transition within its Neurozentrum, appointing Dr. Med. Lara Diem, and Dr. Katharina Seystahl to jointly lead the neurological outpatient clinic. This co-leadership model aims to strengthen the coordination of specialized care within the clinic for neurology and neurorehabilitation in Luzern.

The appointment of the new co-leadership for the neurological outpatient clinic reflects a commitment to multidisciplinary expertise. Both physicians previously served as leading physicians (Leitende Ärztinnen) within the LUKS neurology department, bringing a deep familiarity with the institution’s operational needs and patient demographics.

Dr. Lara Diem, in particular, brings a specialized portfolio to the role. As the head of epileptology, her clinical focus extends across several critical areas of modern neurology, including neuroimmunology and the management of Post-COVID-19 syndrome. Her appointment ensures that the outpatient clinic remains aligned with current research and treatment protocols for complex neurological conditions.

Clinical Expertise and Specializations of Dr. Lara Diem

Dr. Lara Diem’s professional trajectory is marked by extensive training across several of Switzerland’s leading medical institutions. She earned her medical degree from the University of Basel in 2012 and subsequently completed a series of residencies and fellowships that shaped her current expertise in neurology.

Her specialization in epileptology and neuroimmunology is supported by targeted fellowships. Between 2019 and 2020, she completed a fellowship in epileptology under PD Dr. Med. M. Hauf at the Klinik Bethesda Tschugg. Following this, from 2020 to 2021, she pursued a fellowship in neuroimmunology under Prof. Dr. Med. A. Chan at the Inselspital Bern at Luzerner Kantonsspital.

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Diem is deeply integrated into the Swiss medical community. She holds several certifications, including a 2021 qualification in EEG (SGKN) and a 2016 certification in neurovascular ultrasound. Her academic contributions include a dissertation completed in 2017 and a professional title as a specialist (Fachärztin FMH) in neurology, achieved in 2020.

Addressing the Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

One of the most pressing challenges in contemporary neurology is the Post-COVID-19 syndrome. Dr. Diem has positioned herself as a key expert in this field, serving as the co-lead of the medical working group on Post-COVID-19 for the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (Bundesamt für Gesundheit).

This role is critical as healthcare systems worldwide struggle to categorize and treat the long-term neurological sequelae of the pandemic. By integrating this expertise into the LUKS neurological outpatient clinic, patients suffering from persistent cognitive or motor impairments following COVID-19 will have access to specialized, evidence-based care.

Professional Background and Institutional Path

The path to the co-leadership role at LUKS involved a decade of diverse clinical experience. Dr. Diem’s career highlights include:

• 2012–2014: Assistant physician in internal medicine at Spital Davos.
• 2015–2017: Assistant physician in neurology at Kantonsspital Aarau.
• 2018–2021: Various roles at Inselspital Bern, transitioning from assistant physician to Oberärztin (senior physician) in neurology.
• 2023: Appointment as Oberärztin mbF at the LUKS Neurozentrum.
• 2026: Promotion to Leitende Ärztin (Leading Physician) and Head of Epileptology at the Luzerner Kantonsspital.

Her membership in professional societies further underscores her commitment to the field. She is an active member of the Swiss Society for Neurology and the Swiss Society for Clinical Neurophysiology. She serves on the scientific advisory board of the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Society and is affiliated with the Swiss Epilepsy League.

The Impact of Co-Leadership at LUKS

The decision to implement a co-leadership structure with Dr. Lara Diem and Dr. Katharina Seystahl suggests a move toward a more collaborative administrative model. In a high-pressure environment like a neurological outpatient clinic, sharing leadership responsibilities allows for a broader range of clinical oversight and more flexible management of patient flows.

For patients, this means the clinic can maintain high standards of care across multiple sub-specialties—from epilepsy and multiple sclerosis to the emerging complexities of post-viral syndromes—without compromising the efficiency of the outpatient service.

Key Takeaways for Patients and Practitioners

• Specialized Care: The LUKS neurological outpatient clinic now benefits from the combined leadership of Dr. Lara Diem and Dr. Katharina Seystahl.
• Focus Areas: Patients can expect specialized expertise in epileptology, neuroimmunology, and Post-COVID-19 syndrome.
• Academic Rigor: The leadership team is backed by certifications from the Swiss Society for Clinical Neurophysiology (SGKN) and the FMH.
• Systemic Integration: The clinic’s approach is informed by Dr. Diem’s work with the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health.

For those seeking consultation or further information regarding neurology services in Luzern, the Secretariat of the Clinic for Neurology and Neurorehabilitation can be contacted via phone at 041 205 51 49 or via email at [email protected] via the official LUKS specialist directory.

The appointment of this new leadership team marks a continuing evolution of the Neurozentrum at Luzerner Kantonsspital as it adapts to the evolving needs of neurological health in Switzerland. We invite our readers to share their thoughts on the implementation of co-leadership models in specialized medical clinics in the comments below.