Which doctor is the best teacher? That’s a tough one. You meet so many doctors and you learn something from all of them, whether positive or negative. Some days, you can tell a doctor isn’t at their best – they interrupt patients or would clearly rather be rid of their clinical rotation student than teach them. They don’t involve you in consultations; you’re just sitting there. But the good ones, and there are a lot of good ones, take time for both patients and students. I think it’s impressive how they manage to give patients plenty of attention without running unreasonably late, all while letting us conduct physical exams or including us in rare and interesting cases. If I have to name just one person, I’ve learnt a great deal from gynaecologist Joep Kortekaas at the Elkerliek Hospital in Helmond. He makes you feel welcome in his clinic. You’re never just a number to him – he makes an effort to remember who you are and what you’re interested in. With him, you feel more like a colleague than a student. But I get that same feeling from the dermatology team at VieCurie Medical Centre in Venlo, for example.
Even as a toddler, I was already applying plasters and bandages. When I was five or six years old, I drew a picture of a GP practice – I’ve got no idea why. My mother is a diabetes nurse, so healthcare does run in the family. For a while, I was torn between human and veterinary medicine. I went to lots of open days and even looked into degree programmes in biology, psychology and languages. I also liked the idea of being a secondary school teacher. But fortunately, I ended up getting a spot in a Medicine programme.
I go home every weekend. Yes, I still have my own room at my parents’ house, though these days I feel more like a guest than I used to. I have a part-time job at Jansen-Noy, a clothing shop in nearby Sevenum. No, I don’t give fashion advice – I work the till. My boyfriend, who studies in Wageningen, also comes back to North Limburg every weekend.
When was the last time you cried? Last night. I had a nightmare that someone was standing in my room – it was terrifying. I woke up in tears and was inconsolable for a bit. I mostly felt bad for my boyfriend, who woke up because of me. He was concerned, but he’s great at comforting me.
It was love at first sight. No. Pim is from a nearby village, Swolgen. We’ve known each other for years; friends of mine from secondary school were friends with his group of friends, and my little sister is dating Pim’s best friend. We kept running into each other, and about a year and a half ago, sparks flew. He’s an enterprising person, plays lacrosse, used to play football, is doing a master’s in Wageningen, has a part-time job, and he’s funny and kind.
City or village? I live in a student house in Maastricht. I’ve got lots of friends here, and we often eat together. We have a lot of fun, but I’m not cut out for city life – I find it too individualistic. One day, I want to move back to the countryside. Not necessarily Kronenberg, but a village where people say hello in the street, know each other and can ask their neighbours for a cup of sugar. In Kronenberg, I’m surrounded by nature, family, and a couple of community clubs. I used to play the alto saxophone in the village brass band, but I can’t fit it into my schedule anymore.
What’s the hardest thing you’ve been through? I lost my godmother, Aunt Truus, two years ago. I saw her almost every week. She used to babysit me and my younger sister and brother when we were little. She was down-to-earth, funny, and very caring. Her door was always open. But she was also a strong, spirited woman who knew what she wanted. At seventy, she had a stroke. It was hard to see her so vulnerable. She couldn’t speak anymore. But I was lucky to have the chance to say goodbye.
In ten years… I hope to have a house and family of my own. I’d love to have children – I really like the idea of helping to make the world a better place by raising someone with my values. What values? First and foremost: we only have one planet, so we have to take care of it. And: value your community – you’re not the only person in this world. But also: be kind to animals and know where your food comes from. So, I want a vegetable garden and pets, and we’ll speak Limburgish at home, of course. I hope my children will be able to cycle to their aunts and uncles, just like I did. Family is so important.