Spain Breaks into Top 5 on HSBC Best Countries for Expats List

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Outside of his work in clinical research, Los Angeles resident Mark Paskewitz is dedicated to improving his language ability in French and Spanish. Mark Paskewitz practices his Spanish by reading articles from Spain-based news outlets and staying informed of current events in the country.

In the latest survey of foreign workers conducted by multinational bank HSBC, Spain ranked in the top five countries for expats for the first time. Spain beat out other popular destinations such as New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and Germany. 

The survey scores livability based on living standards, work-life balance, and career opportunities. Spain secured its spot due to high rankings in the areas of quality of life and benefits for families. Respondents also lauded the relaxed culture and stunning weather as major highlights. 

However, the country’s low salaries and limited job market landed it in 22nd place for career advancement. Foreigners in Spain earn around 50 percent less than the average expat.

Genetic Disorders - X-Linked Hypophosphatemia and Treatment

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Dr. Mark Paskewitz is the vice president of clinical operations at the National Institute of Clinical Research in Los Angeles. Earlier in his career, Dr. Mark Paskewitz served as the senior director of clinical development with Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, where he contributed to the creation of burosumab, the first-of-its-kind drug treatment for X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH)

When a person has XLH, their blood does not have enough phosphorus due to an underlying problem with the kidneys. Without enough phosphorus, the patient’s bones weaken. Symptoms of XLH include bow-leggedness, slow growth, and pain in the teeth, bones, and joints. 

XLH is a genetic disorder; the genes involved are essential for the proper regulation of blood phosphate. Mutated copies of these genes in patients with XLH result in the overproduction and/or persistence of a protein that prevents the kidneys from introducing phosphate into the blood. In patients with XLH, the phosphate is excreted in the urine. 

Until recently, no drug existed specifically for XLH. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved burosumab, marketed as “Crysvita,” to treat patients with the disorder. In clinical trials, Crysvita restored blood phosphate levels to normal in the vast majority of XLH patients.