Martin Rijlaarsdam

Since 2021, I have been working at the NKI as an internist-oncologist. My areas of interest are breast cancer and gynecological tumors such as uterine (neck) cancer, ovarian cancer and vaginal cancer.

It appeals to me that cancer treatment is teamwork. In the first place, I mean the patient, her environment and the care providers involved. Good communication and time for clear explanations and joint decision-making are central here. In addition, intensive cooperation with other specialists ensures that together we can provide the best care for the patient. You can think of gynaecologists, surgeons, radiotherapists, pathologists, radiologists and geneticists.

Research into the causes and treatment of cancer is strongly intertwined with patient care at the NKI. For example, our treatment recommendations are always designed on the basis of the latest insights from our own and worldwide research. My scientific background (bioinformatics and cell biology of germ cell tumors) contributes to building these kinds of bridges between research and treatment (from bench to bed).