Specialization
Gastrointestinal Oncology. Special interest in colorectal screening and diagnosis both in average risk populations (in CRC screening program) and high-risk populations such as hereditary polyposis and cancer syndrome patients (ao. Lynch syndrome, Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), MYH-associated polyposis (MAP), Serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS). Peutz-Jeghers syndrome).
Focus of research
I lead the AUMC expert clinic for familial and hereditary polyposis and colorectal cancer (CRC), and am medical director of the Bergman IZA expertise center for endoscopy. I combine my clinical work as a gastroenterologist with clinical and translational research, chairing the CRC research group at the AUMC Gastroenterology & Hepatology department since 2005. My research group focuses on CRC screening and surveillance, both in average risk and high-risk populations (eg. hereditary polyposis and cancer syndrome patients). My research work includes quality and advanced techniques in colonoscopy and endoscopic treatment modalities for gastrointestinal polyps and early CRC. I have been one of the frontrunners for the Dutch national CRC screening program, and I am still involved in the program's evaluation and quality assurance. I am currently global chair of the CRC screening committee of the World Endoscopy Organisation. In addition, I am a member of multiple national and international working groups and guideline committees on CRC screening, CRC surveillance, colonoscopy quality, advanced endoscopic imaging, endoscopist training, and management of hereditary CRC syndromes.