Chair in Personalized Therapy in Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine
Title of Lecture: ‘Iedereen is anders’ (Everyone is Different)
Date: Friday, July 4, 4:30 p.m.
Professor Kak Khee Yeung will formally assume her appointment as Professor of Personalized Therapy in Vascular Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine by delivering her inaugural address titled “Everyone is Different.” In her lecture, Professor Yeung will outline the need for individualized therapeutic strategies in vascular surgery, particularly in the management of aortic diseases and peripheral arterial diseases.
Involvement in the patients journey
Cardiovascular diseases are number one cause of death in the world. Aortic aneurysms, which fall under this category, are solely treated by surgeons. “It really inspired me to directly help these patients, to be able to save aneurysm patients from rupture” says Yeung. Her role as a vascular surgeon allows her to support patients throughout their entire journey—from surgical planning and the operation itself, to postoperative care in the outpatient clinic. This comprehensive involvement makes vascular surgery one of the most rewarding professions, according to Yeung.
patients, to be able to save aneurysm patients from rupture
Reaching groups of patients
Yeung combines her clinical expertise with scientific research on aortic diseases and peripheral arterial diseases. With her research she tries to reach a group of patients, instead of saving one patients at the time. Her research focuses on finding biomarkers that can predict the course of disease in patients with aortic aneurisms. Yeung is exploring many methods to achieve greater understanding; from setting up a biobank of cell lines and clinical data from a thousand different patients to creating in vitro 3D models and using artificial intelligence.
A woman in academia
“The field is still male-dominated, especially at senior levels such as professorships and leadership roles,” Yeung observes. “But it’s slowly changing, and that takes time.” As the daughter of Chinese parents, Yeung shares that her upbringing taught her to be adaptable, open-minded, and patient. “Being a woman and looking a bit different can be a strength—you’re more memorable, and it can help you make a strong impression.”
Overcoming challenges
Her career has not been without its challenges. When asked about these, she explains that the biggest challenge was to put vascular diseases, especially aortic aneurysms and peripheral arterial diseases, on the national and international research agenda. “Cardiac diseases and cancer tend to attract more attention and funding,” she notes. Securing initial research grants, especially the Horizon Europe grant, was extremely difficult. “It took four attempts before we finally received the funding.”
Words of advice
“My general advice is to find what you truly love doing over the long term. Understand your personality and strengths, remain authentic, but always push yourself to reach your full potential,” says Yeung when asked for her advice for young researchers. She also emphasizes the importance of building a strong CV through tangible output, seeking opportunities — both within and outside of medicine — that add value, and thinking creatively. “Attend conferences outside your field and stay curious about research in other disciplines.”
doing over the long term