After obtaining my degree in physiotherapy and rehabilitation sciences in 1993 I joined Belgian Defence as an officer. I worked in the Military Hospital Queen Astrid as a physiotherapist and became head of the Center for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (C PM&R). I left that position after almost 30 years but had the amazing opportunity to introduce the most advanced rehabilitation techniques and make the C PM&R grow with highly motivated and skilful colleagues. The constant search for new and better techniques and technologies led to the creation of a research and development unit within the C PM&R.
Being triggered by R&D, I fulfilled a PhD degree in rehabilitation sciences. This shaped also the way I approach problems and potential solutions. My military background forces me to endorse the pragmatic and practical approach but I value my scientific knowledge to add the topping on the cake. If there is no science behind a proposed tech, chances are slim I’ll embrace it.
Since 2023, I’m an advisor to the Medical Component Commander for R&D and I’m the innovation officer for the Medical Component. Innovation in the (civilian) medical world is buzzing, but the translation into the even more complex military medical world, where technology must be used in an austere environment is not always easy. I’m also involved in the Human Factors and Medicine NATO panel where interactions with other researchers from NATO is of utmost importance.
I’ve been deployed as a military physio in 6 different deployments working in Role 1 to Role 3 military medical facilities. This gave me also good insights on the issues medics and medical doctors face during military operations and the innovative ideas that could make a difference for them and their patients.