Dr. Peter Hedera, MD, PhD

Clinical Trials

• A Phase 2 RCT Study of CX-8998 for Essential Tremor
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Essential Tremor and Parkinsonian Tremor
• Efficacy and Safety of WTX101 Administered for 48 Weeks Versus Standard of Care in Wilson Disease Subjects

Media Releases

Get to know Neurologist Dr. Peter Hedera, who serves patients in Nashville, Tennessee.

Dr. Hedera is a practicing neurologist with a unique focus on movement disorders and neuromuscular disorders. He is a part of the team at Vanderbilt Neurosciences, which is located within Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Vanderbilt Neurosciences provides comprehensive, innovative treatment for brain, spine, and central nervous system disorders. The specialists offer everything from complex surgical procedures to routine management of chronic conditions. 

Likewise, Dr. Hedera serves as an Associate Professor within the Department of Neurology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. It is committed to providing the highest-quality patient care, conducting cutting-edge research, and training the future leaders in neurology. 

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Hedera earned his medical degree at the Medical School of Ian Amos Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia in 1987. He graduated cum laude and was awarded the University Presidents Prize of Honor. Upon graduation, he stayed in Bratislava for a four-year residency in neurology at University Hospital. 

In 1991, he relocated to the United States, spending the next three years as a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Robert P. Friedland at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He did an internship at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Cleveland from 1994 until 1995, followed by a residency in neurology at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor from 1995 until 1998.

Furthering his education, Dr. Hedera remained at the University of Michigan Medical Center for a one-year postdoctoral fellowship in neurogenetics, under the mentorship of Dr. John K. Fink, a two-year residency in the Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, and one year as Lecturer in the Department of Neurology. He was given the Founder’s Award by the American Academy of Neurology at their annual meeting in 1999.

An elected member of the American Neurological Association, the doctor is board-certified in neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, which is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to promoting high quality patient care for the public through the initial and continuing certification of psychiatrists and neurologists. 

Moreover, he is board-certified in clinical genetics by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics, whose mission is to serve the public and the medical profession by promoting and assuring standards of excellence in medical genetics.

“My research interests are focused on understanding the underlying genetic basis of two major neurological disorders: hereditary spastic paraplegia and essential tremor. The immediate goal is to identify the genes involved and how changes in those genes cause the disorders. The hope is that once that information is known, it can be applied toward treating or curing the disorders.” as stated by Dr. Hedera. 

In addition to his clinical research and teaching responsibilities, he serves as ad hoc reviewer of a number of professional journals, and is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Parkinsonism and Restless Legs. He also actively participates in clinical trials, including the management of spasticity and cervical dystonia with botulinum toxins, and quality of life and stereotactic radiosurgery for treatment of tremor.

Neurology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Neurologists are licensed medical specialists who diagnose and treat disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles of patients. They examine a patient’s mental and physical status, conduct medical tests and scans, and evaluate the results to diagnose and treat the patient.

Dr. Hedera’s many accolades include Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2010, 2011, 2013, 2015), On-Time Doctor Award (2016), Patients’ Choice Award (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016), Top 10 Doctor – City (2014), Top 10 Doctor – Metro Area (2014), and Top 10 Doctor – State (2014).

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