Faculty

I am a paediatric surgeon and Amsterdam UMC principal investigator (PI) with a strong interest in optimisation of the surgical care of children with gastro-intestinal diseases. After I obtained my PhD in 2017, I continued this work which led to the establishment of three independent research lines (with a total of 7 PhD, all funded with grants by myself) are on acute appendicitis, anorectal malformation (ARM) and rare/complex intestinal motility disorders. As a translational researcher with clinical experience, I am passionate about identifying knowledge gaps in need for further research. I aim to unravel the pathogenesis of the abovementioned diseases so that we can detect them early, select the appropriate treatment straightaway and improve (long-term) outcome & health-related quality of life (hr-QOL). Recently I joined forces with Bernadette de Bakker to study the micro-anatomy of anorectal malformation using micro- CT imaging with striking, revolutionary but unexpected results. Because of my capability of creating interdisciplinary and international research teams, I have obtained multiple grants, have performed large international studies, and have established a resourceful network. I am involved in two European Reference networks (ERN eUROGEN and Ernica) as (sub)representative and in the network office of the EUropean Paediatric Surgery Association (EUPSA). Within these networks, I play a central role in workings groups on research, centralisation issues and transition of care. Due to previous accomplishment, I am frequently invited for lectures, mainly on topics related to my field of research. Recently, I am also involved as one the leaders in the development of the Amsterdam Paediatric Abdominal Centre (Kinderbuikcentrum), which opened on 01-07-2023.