Specialization
Gastroenterologist with special ineterest in Hepatology
Focus of research
Decomensated cirrhosis
Portal hypertension
Preventive hepatology
I am a hepatologist with a special interest in complications of portal hypertension and preventive hepatology.
Complications of portal hypertension:
As the principal investigator (PI), I am leading a European multicentre study — the PEARL trial — on the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement in patients with cirrhosis and therapy refractive ascites or a high risk varceal bleed. The study entered its final phase in September 2026, and we expect to have enrolled all 238 required patients by early 2027. This will make the PEARL trial the largest prospective study of its kind to date involving patients with decompensated cirrhosis who have undergone a TIPS procedure. I am also currently mentoring two PhD candidates conducting research into the role of portal hypertension in the pathophysiology of decompensation. One of them will defend their thesis in February 2027.
Portal hypertension is the driving mechanism behind complications in patients with cirrhosis. Many non-invasive tests (NITs) are available, the most important of which is the Fibroscan, to provide an assessment of whether portal hypertension is present. However, the gold standard remains the hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement (HVPG). This allows us to make a quantitative assessment of portal pressure. Following the discovery that portal pressure is the main driver of complications, the importance of HVPG measurements has increased. We therefore performed the first HVPG measurement at the endoscopy department in July 2026. New studies on the role of portal pressure in the development of complications will start later this year/beginning of 2027.
Preventive hepatology:
As a dedicated hepatologist, I combine scientific expertise with a strong commitment to society to bring about positive change within and beyond my field. This is why I am deeply committed to preventing alcohol-related harm. In this capacity, I have co-authored the guidelines for preventing alcohol-related liver damage and am actively involved in a partnership of health funds, alongside the Dutch Association of Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (NVMDL).
Since 2025, I have been a member of the Committee on Policy, Public Health and Advocacy of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL). In this role, I contribute to European recommendations and position papers on the prevention of lifestyle-related liver complications and patient advocacy. My mission is to raise awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol, promote healthier lifestyles, and prioritise prevention in political agendas. Through education, advocacy, policy engagement and strategic partnerships, I empower individuals and communities to make informed choices that reduce alcohol consumption and improve long-term health outcomes. As part of this work, I conduct research into screening for problematic alcohol use with the AUDIT-C questionnaire. This research is funded by the Dutch Organisation for Health, Healthcare and Well-being Knowledge and Innovation (ZonMw). Guided by professional insight and personal dedication, I strive for a future in which healthy habits are the norm, and preventable alcohol-related diseases have been significantly reduced. Finally, a study involving participants in Dry January will begin at the end of this year. Participants will undergo a minimally invasive fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) at the start of the study and after four and sixteen weeks of abstinence from alcohol. The study aims to investigate the molecular, biological, and psychosocial responses to a month of abstinence from alcohol, and determine the extent to which changes associated with abstinence persist after a four-month follow-up period.
As a patient advocate, I prioritise the care of patients with end-stage liver disease. The prognosis for these patients is considered highly complex, often resulting in palliative care not being initiated at all or being started too late. We have therefore established a multidisciplinary group this year to provide this patient group with timely palliative care. This project has been submitted for funding from ZonMw.
Alongside my clinical, research and social roles, I am treasurer of the Netherlands Association for the Study of the Liver and a former president of Dutch Liver Week.