An unexplainable gut feeling caused me to end up at the department of cardiothoracic surgery of the Academic Medical Center (AMC) Amsterdam. My initial plan to start a small research project slowly transformed into something larger after I accidentally came into contact with congenital cardiothoracic surgeon David R. Koolbergen. During our first contacts, Koolbergen trusted me with an idea he had about how to solve an important clinical problem within the universe of congenital cardiac surgery. A mix of creativity and stubbornness resulted in conversion of a theoretical idea into both a clinical and technical research program. I am co-founder of the Clean Cardiac Surgery Consortium and creator of my own PhD program. Currently looking for ways to catalyse our research project by inspiring people.
HARD WORKER: above average intrinsic motivation and urge to work hard which gives me satisfaction; I don’t complain about a huge workload. Still, I know my limits and to protect them I am straightforward towards colleagues and patients. TEAM PLAYER: I’d always pursue to work with someone, not against. As an active rower (10tr/w) and coach at the Amsterdam Student Rowing club Nereus I have learned to deal with victories and conflicts in- and outside the field: social skills I use in my work too. Surround yourself by people that each have different skills; they make you and your team stronger. CREATIVE: A personal twist is a great way to make you stand out; even better when it’s out of the box. I am not afraid to try something, on a professional as well as cultural level. I have a clear vision in mind and co-creation has to make the final result better than I intended it to be. PASSIONATE ABOUT: Earning a residency in (congenital) cardiothoracic surgery.