Ever since I was a child, I had always wanted to be a vet, and that interest only grew after volunteering at a local clinic while at school.

During my studies at Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, I was doing clinical rotations. It was a busy day, and I was working with Niklas Bergknut, who is now a specialist neurologist and was a resident at the time. I was asked to examine a progressively tetraparetic cat. By luck (or yet undiscovered neurological talent!), I correctly neuro-localised the patient and after discussing my plans for further diagnostics with Niklas, they were approved. This was a major boost and sparked my enthusiasm for the puzzle that is clinical neurology, where the clinical examination is fundamental to the whole process of patient management.

Further encouragement from colleagues and other neurologists I had the pleasure to encounter during externships only solidified that interest and helped me to become a specialist in veterinary neurology.

Can you tell us about your journey from being an intern to becoming a specialist in neurology?

After graduating with honours from Utrecht University in 2015 and obtaining my master’s degree in veterinary medicine, I applied for a surgical internship but was not successful. I secured a position as a first-line vet in a referral practice instead, and after 2 years of gaining more experience, the practice fostered my enthusiasm for neurology.

I began to open for neurology referrals locally, working with practices and the University hospital that had access to more advanced diagnostic modalities. The specialist surgeon who worked there was a great help and supported me in improving my surgical skills and developing the neurosurgical experience I obtained during rotations at the University of Utrecht.

During my work in first-line practice, I arranged externships that I could often combine with trips to events like the ECVN symposium. Those externships, especially the inspiring people working there, really helped me to gain as much experience as possible and to develop as a novice in neurology.

I published some papers in scientific journals on the topic of veterinary neurology. Feedback on those papers from neurology specialists all over the world made me realise how dynamic this field and the work of a specialist are. Working at an Evidensia clinic, it was made clear that my ambition to become a neurologist could be made a reality.  Paul Mandigers put in great effort on my behalf to make it possible and together with Niklas Bergknut as co-supervisor, my residency started in 2020. When I became a resident, I was over the moon!

The residency itself was a wonderful journey to acquiring the knowledge and skills that a specialist should have. My first attempt at the exams was partially unsuccessful – but I refused to let it demotivate me. Support from specialists I worked with from over the world and my supervisors fuelled me to continue my efforts. I continued to focus on my work and research, with 15 first-author publications, co-authorships, and of course a great number of patients we had the pleasure of being able to help. When I passed the exam a year later, I was delighted!

What is your favourite thing about your job?

Being able to keep focus on veterinary neurology and being supported to do so. As a neurologist, the clinical examination is pivotal in the process of patient management. The combination of knowledge on the subjects of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and diagnostic modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging as well as technical makes our discipline particularly exciting.

One of my favourite things about my job is explaining the signs owners present their animals with based on my clinical examination and diagnostic findings. It all makes a lot of sense. And if it makes sense, we can make a plan to help the patients in the best way we can. Our clinical research continues to contribute to our understanding where we currently lack some.

My job is also made great by the support of my team, including other specialists, veterinary technicians, MRI technicians, and of course the fantastic colleagues behind the desks and phones.

Could you tell us about your research interests?

Single case reports continue to be of interest to me to impact clinical decision-making as well as contributing to the knowledge of neuroanatomical localisation and neurophysiology. However, larger studies that have led or led to publications often carry more weight in the scientific community.

Two big research interests currently include Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia in Pomeranians (my PhD subject (University of Utrecht - IVC Evidensia) and mass lesions affecting the central nervous system. The former, Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia in Pomeranians, has been a long-time interest of my PhD co-promotor Paul Mandigers, who has seen countless Pomeranian(s) with these disorders and, through perseverance, dedication to owners and the breed, time, and hard work, has laid the foundations for the whole project. For both, the IVC Evidensia Research Fund was fundamental in our opportunity to gather cases through clinical work.

How has receiving support from the IVC Evidensia Research Grant impacted your research?

This grant enabled us to both gather large numbers of patients and (for the mass lesion project) verify diagnoses on a daily basis through post-mortem examinations that owners would otherwise likely have declined due to associated costs. The data acquired through these single cases will likely provide us with numerous new insights into specific tumour types as well as their imaging features. Practically, this meant that when we diagnosed mass lesions of the central nervous system for which owners declined further treatment options, we could offer post-mortem examinations to understand what had happened.

What is the biggest advantage of being part of a structured referral network and professional community?

The opportunity to learn from each other and exchange best practices is invaluable! Our referral network and professional community at IVC Evidensia provides great opportunities for advances in our field. You can see it in the growing number of publications, professional roles, and recognitions from and for many of our colleagues.

How would you recommend young veterinarians approach the decision to pursue a speciality?

In my opinion: cherish your motivation and focus on your passion. Think about the level of commitment you can dedicate to the job, but you also need to view it as part of your personal development.

What advice would you give to veterinarians considering specialisation in neurology?

Determination, in my view, is key. A bit of luck is likely involved as well, but your determination is vital. Seek out those people in your network, or start a new network, to help you get to the position you want to be in. You will do most work yourself, but you can’t do it all on your own. You need the help of colleagues and specialists in the field.

What are you looking to achieve or work on in the future?

Now that I’m a diplomate I’m focused on being the best neurologist I can be, which means I can continue to develop. It is no small feat to keep up with the field's advances and insights based on literature with dozens of papers coming out each month.

In my new role as Lead Neurologist at IVC Evidensia, I also hope to build on the work of my predecessor Niklas Bergknut, and support cooperation and regular discussion among residents and specialists working for our company all over Europe and the rest of the world.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I try to go to the gym at least twice a week. Weekends fill themselves with all kinds of social events. But what I enjoy most is spending time with friends and family, especially my two sons (Joop and Ties) and wife (and internal medicine resident) Martine. Their enthusiasm for the simple things makes me so happy.

Tell us about your pets!

We have a cat called Lotje who will turn ten next year! She was rescued as a kitten and brought to our dermatologist for treatment. After taking her in, she fortunately overcame her skin issues except for some mild seasonal flare-ups. She puts up with a lot from our sons who tend to disturb her peaceful sleep, but she always remains cuddly.