After completing my medical studies, I worked for two years in the neurology departments of the Slotervaart Hospital and the AMC. I then pursued specialization in rehabilitation medicine at the De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation Center. During my training, I conducted research on a simple assessment tool to evaluate hand function in stroke patients. Following my training, I worked at De Hoogstraat until 2006. Since then, I have been dedicated to supporting adults with neuromuscular diseases, working full-time in the Rehabilitation Medicine Department of UMC Utrecht, where we collaborate as part of a comprehensive muscle disease team.

I coordinate the ALS/PSMA care team and have established several outpatient programs for patients with SMA, Duchenne, and Myotonic Dystrophy. In our care approach, we foster close collaboration between pediatric and adult rehabilitation services (at the Spieren voor Spieren Children’s Center in WKZ and UMC Utrecht).

Additionally, I am part of the ALS Center Netherlands and actively contribute to various research and innovation projects aimed at improving care for ALS patients. I also help organize the annual ALS Symposium for treatment teams.

As a medical advisor to the ALS/PSMA/PLS diagnosis group, I frequently give presentations for the Dutch neuromuscular patient association, Spierziekten Nederland.

Our research and innovation efforts focus on optimizing care for individuals with neuromuscular diseases and their families, with particular attention to ALS and SMA. We aim to build on patients’ abilities and help them maintain control over their conditions. This includes leveraging new forms of care, such as e-health solutions (e.g., caregiver apps, virtual homes, and remote monitoring), as well as evaluating interventions like respiratory training and cognitive behavioral therapy.

My PhD research focuses on the quality of life and participation of adults with anterior horn cell diseases.