What have you been working on the past few years?

For the past few years I was the President of the University Board of Nyenrode Business Universiteit.

Why did you choose to specifically focus on Healthcare Management?

It’s a choice I made a long time ago. After working as an anaestheologist for 10 years, I started teaching anaesthesiology students, and gradually started focusing more on the management of the department. That eventually turned into a full-time job as a member of the Board of Directors of the Amsterdam Medisch Centrum (AMC).

Could you give an example of how your research has an impact on society?

A year ago that was something I would have to explain from time to time, but the pandemic has made the impact of my research clear. That’s when the world came to a standstill so that hospital capacity (especially intensive care units) could be managed.

What are your plans and what will you be focusing on in this new position?

Healthcare is one of the biggest ‘industries’ in the west. What’s special about this sector is that the most important actors such as doctors, nursing staff, pharmacists and paramedical personnel are highly trained in their specialism, but they have little knowledge of the field in which they work. This administrative aspect of healthcare is not a part of the medical curriculum. It is important for society that future managers in the healthcare sector receive training and support in this area. This could be achieved through the education provided in the MBA Healthcare, as well as through research into optimisation and business processes.

Do you see opportunities for interesting collaboration within UvA Economics and Business?

There is certainly potential for collaboration, but I’ve just started working here so it’s something I still have to explore. But if there’s anyone who is interested in the rather obscure field of Cultural Economics, then please get in touch with me.