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 decompennsated cirrhosis.
Decompensated cirrhosis and portal hypertension:
As principal investigator (PI), I lead an European multicenter study —the PEARL-trial— on the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy following TIPS placement. In September 2026, the study entered its final phase, and we expect to have enrolled all 238 patients required by early 2027. This will make this study the largest of its kind to date in patients with decompensated cirrhosis who have undergone a TIPS procedure. Additionally, I currently mentor 2 PhD candidates conducting research into the role of portal hypertension in the pathophysiology of decompensation. In February 2027 one of the wil defend his thesis.
Portal hypertension is the driving mechanism behind complications in patients with cirrhosis. There are many non-invasive tests (NITs) available – of which the Fibroscan is the most important – that can provide an assessment of whether portal hypertension is present. However, the gold standard is the hepatic venous pressure gradient measurment (HVGP). This allows us to make a quantitative assessment of portal pressure. With the discovery that portal pressure is the main driver of complications, the importance of the HVPG-measurment has increased. Therefore we performed the first HVPG-measument at the endoscopy department in July 2026. New studies on the role of portal pressure and developemnt of complications will start later this year/beginning 2027.
Preventive hepatology
As a dedicated hepatologist, I combine scientific expertise with a strong commitment to society in order to bring about positive change, both within and beyond my field. That is why I am deeply committed to the prevention of alcohol-related harm. In this capacity, I have co-authored the guidelines for the prevention of alcohol-related liver damage and am actively involved in a partnership of the joint health funds, in which the Dutch Association of Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (NVMDL) is also represented.
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 capacity, 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 a healthier lifestyle and place prevention high on the political agenda. 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 also conduct research into screening for problematic alcohol use using the AUDIT-C questionnaire. This research is funded by the Dutch Organisation for Knowledge and Innovation in Health, Healthcare and Well-being (ZonMw). Guided by professional insight and personal dedication, I strive for a future in which healthy habits are the norm and in which preventable alcohol-related diseases are significantly reduced. Finally, a study involving participants in Dry January will begin at the end of this year, in which participants will undergo a minimally invasive fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) at the start of the study and after 4 and 16 weeks of abstinence from alcohol. The aim is to investigate the molecular, biological and psychosocial responses to a month of abstinence from alcohol and to determine the extent to which the changes associated with abstinence are still present after four months’ follow-up.
In my role as a patient advocate, I attach great importance to the care of patients with end-stage liver disease. Assessing the prognosis for these patients is considered highly complex and often results in palliative care either not being initiated at all or being started too late. We have therefore set up a multidisciplinary group this year to provide timely palliative care to this patient group. This project has been submitted for funding from ZonMw.
In addition to my clinical, research and social roles, I am the treasurer of the Netherlands Association for the Study of the Liver (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Hepatologie) and former president of the Dutch Liver Week (4 years).