Bém studied medicine at the Charles University, specializing in psychiatry and subsequently devoted most of his medical career to the treatment of drug addiction.

Bém has many interests besides his political career, including mountain climbing, sea diving, and playing the piano.

[2] On 1 August 2012 he climbed the second highest peak in the world, K2, together with Peter Hamor, and without supplemental oxygen.

[3] In 2007, Bém and his wife received CZK 3,5 million for leaving a rent-controlled apartment from Petr Pudil.

In 2008, Bém ran for leadership of ODS but was defeated by the incumbent leader Mirek Topolánek.