After studying medicine at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, I completed my PhD and specialized in neurology and immunology there. Since 2003, I have been working at Erasmus MC as a general neurologist with a particular interest in patients with peripheral nerve inflammation, especially Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). I am involved in education on nerve inflammation as a board member of the Master’s program in Infection & Immunity and as a coordinator of the national AIOS Neurology training days.

My scientific research focuses primarily on understanding the immunopathogenesis of GBS and CIDP, the differences between patients, and finding more effective treatments. International collaboration is essential for this work, and in 2012, I initiated the International GBS Outcome Study (IGOS).

Immunology has been rapidly evolving in recent years, particularly regarding the discovery of pathogenic and diagnostic antibodies and the availability of new treatment options. In my role as coordinator of the Erasmus Center for Neuro-inflammation, I aim to leverage these developments to benefit patients with neurological disorders.