Pioneering with independent treatment centers
Twelve years ago, I joined Bergman Clinics in Naarden. Interestingly enough, my first day of work started in The Hague, where I participated in a panel discussion with then-Minister of Health, Edith Schippers. She explained her brand-new policy: an infrastructure in which complex and acute care would remain in hospitals, while planned care would be concentrated in smaller clinics. The Bergman location where I began working was one of these so-called independent treatment centers, or ZBCs. At the time, we were true pioneers. Our ZBC was the first Bergman Clinics location to offer insured care. Until then, Bergman was mainly known for its cosmetic procedures.
Initially, the established medical world viewed us with suspicion. However, during the COVID-19 crisis, no one doubted Schippers' vision anymore. While hospitals had to focus almost entirely on their COVID patients, ZBCs in the Netherlands worked extra hard to help other patients relieve their pain. But even before and after that crisis period, it was always all hands on deck for us.
21,000 Consultations in twelve years
In the twelve years that I worked at Bergman, I conducted 21,000 consultations, of which 9,400 were first-time consultations. Of that group, I operated on 62% of the patients and treated 38% conservatively. This contradicts the initial fears of critics, who worried that surgeons like me would operate on as many patients as possible for financial gain. The numbers prove otherwise. Anyone who has consulted with me knows: I always ask thorough questions and still consider surgery a last resort, only when all other options have failed and the pain has become completely unbearable.
Minimally invasive surgery
Another contribution to the medical landscape was the proprietary database that the founders of Bergman Clinics established, which yielded unique data. These data were used to demonstrate our results to insurers. But based on the same data, I was also able to conduct scientific research alongside my clinical work, which provided new insights into minimally invasive surgery. This was one of the main reasons I initially joined Bergman. There, I could perform hernia surgeries using thin tubes and screw surgeries guided by a state-of-the-art navigation robot, for which Bergman made a substantial investment. This resulted in nearly 50 publications in international medical journals. I was invited to present my findings at lectures around the world, and two young doctors have since earned their PhDs under my guidance. A ZBC can certainly make a societal contribution and is not just about market-driven healthcare.
A heart for patients
Pioneering was exciting. But together with other surgeons, operating room staff, nurses, neurologists, pain specialists, outpatient consultants, cafeteria staff, and cleaners, we created an institution with a strong sense of camaraderie. We all had the same goal: to help people with the best equipment and the finest support staff, in a facility where patients feel at home. In recent years, this was achieved under the inspiring leadership of our location director, Fleur Joanknecht. The Bergman organization has grown into a respected international organization in just over a decade.
Bergman quickly realized that focusing on specific treatments within available specialties (neurosurgery, orthopedics) allows surgeons to work more efficiently and improve treatments. I would like to thank Bergman for the trust and opportunities they gave me. But I also want to express my deep gratitude to all the patients who trusted me. It’s a big deal to go under anesthesia, let a stranger cut into your body, and hope that they will relieve your pain. For those who have let me know that this was successful: I’ve kept your cards!
New position at Park Medical Center in Rotterdam
After these words, it might seem strange that I am leaving Bergman for a new position: Park Medical Center in Rotterdam. I have been working part-time at Park for two and a half years now. At Park, I have another opportunity to innovate and pass on my expertise more intensively to young doctors. Moreover, I find myself once again in a small organization where everyone knows each other, communication lines are short, and ambitions are high.
I am embarking on a new path, but I will carry Bergman Clinics, along with all the wonderful memories, with me in my heart.
