For a long time, there was no family doctor on campus. The last general practitioner left in April 2003, after an argument about privatizing the practice. It was a replaced by a surgery of nurses. This surgery was cancelled as well because of the new Health Law. All these developments were closely monitored by Jeroen van Gestel. `They led me to the idea of opening a new practice here together with some of my colleagues. With 12.000 students and employees, I am confident that there is room for us. All these people have really had nowhere to go for the past few years. We also want to cooperate closely with the physiotherapist, the dentist, the psychologists and the Health and Safety Executive. That way, our patients will be ensured of quality care.'
The four doctors met at the medicine program of the Vrije Universiteit (VU) in Amsterdam, which they completed at the UT. For many years, the VU has been renting accommodations on campus, to use as a classroom for the future doctors one day a week. The rest of the week, the students work in a practice. `The program is distributed throughout the country in this way,' Van Gestel explains. The foursome graduated some time ago and is currently employed by different organizations. For example, Van Gestel works at addiction institute Tactus. `That has provided each us with specific medical knowledge, which obviously benefits our patients.'
The new practice will be completely independent. The UT has indicated it does not want to bear any responsibility or provide any financing. Van Gestel: `Everyone is very pleased with this initiative. Medical facilities significantly benefit the national and international reputation of the university, especially with foreign students and researchers.' Jan Melief of Student Services & Campus agrees: `That is right. We have regretted not having a family doctor on campus in the past years. The UT feels it is important to provide quality healthcare to its students. This will benefit international students in particular.'
The campus doctors want a `flexible practice,' which will mean, for example that they will adjust their opening hours during exam weeks. Also, they can help their patients with phone consultations, repeat prescriptions, referrals, examinations, vaccinations and minor medical operations. Van Gestel: `One day, we hope to open an annex to the pharmacy, but that is still in the future.'
The doctors will probably be housed in the medical building at the Calslaan. According to Van Gestel, they are discussing a new location with rental housing organization De Veste. The general practitioners emphasize the importance of as many students and employees registering even before the planned opening on February 15, so that it can be off to a good start. Registration can be done online through the UT homepage. Van Gestel: `Furthermore, we would like to point out that we are never “full” for students. Everyone is always welcome.'
Trans. Jeroen Latour
