From student to strategic advisor in digital health & AI: “I contribute to the responsible use of healthcare data and AI systems.”

Door-opening, busy, and fun.

I chose the one-year 4TU Ethics and Technology track, which offered me the opportunity to take courses in ethics and technology at other universities as well: TU Eindhoven, TU Delft, Wageningen University, and Utrecht University. I met a great number of PhD students and researchers, and this opened a lot of doors once I finished my master’s thesis. Thanks to that network, I was able to participate in a research project leading to three publications, lifelong friendships, and great memories.

How genuine the support was. I will never forget an email from a lecturer in which he sent me helpful materials for an essay I was writing. I was surprised, “He remembers what I am working on?” During my bachelor's studies in Germany, that kind of support wasn't common.

At Nictiz, we advise institutions such as the Ministry of Health on questions about healthcare data exchange and the digital architecture behind it. A big part of my team's current work focuses on the role of AI systems. For example, how can AI systems improve healthcare data registration and exchange? My role is focused on research, translating those findings into policy advice, and communicating with a wide range of stakeholders to get them on board.

One recent project examined the use of generative AI and AI-powered transcription software in data registration. We carried out a large survey with professionals in the healthcare field and asked them about their experiences with these technologies.

While using them saves time, it also raises some critical questions. For example, what should healthcare professionals do with the time saved? Should they use it to improve their work-life balance, to care for more patients, or to give more attention to their existing patients? According to policy advisors and hospital boards, all of the above, but in reality, responsible choices need to be made. We shared the survey findings with a wide range of stakeholders and the Ministry of Health, which used them for their AI in healthcare programme.

Knowing that I am contributing to better, fairer healthcare in the Netherlands. I am also really happy to work in my team: it drives me to achieve something together.

After completing my PhD in Sweden, I realised I wanted to explore a non-academic career path and return to the Netherlands. While learning Dutch, I came across the open position at Nictiz. What drew me to it was the outlook of impact and people's openness to consider the ethical and social implications of implementing technologies such as generative AI.

The core of my work is critical engagement with new technologies, and this was exactly the focus of my Master’s. Critical thinking, asking critical questions, and deconstructing current practices are essential in my daily work. For example, going back to the AI-powered software that transcribes conversations: how do patients feel about it? And what does it mean for the healthcare professionals if AI systems take over all simple tasks, leaving them only with the most complex ones? Thanks to my Master’s, this way of thinking is ingrained in me.

One thing I am learning a lot about is politics. Being a strategic advisor means dealing with a lot of stakeholders, all with different opinions and needs, and I am learning to navigate that.

I would like to be in a role with enough responsibility to make a difference while finding a good work-life balance.

You might be wondering about the line of work you could do after graduation, but it is all a matter of translating your skills. As a PSTS alumnus, you have many valuable skills, such as critical thinking and the ability to work with people from completely different disciplines, like biomedical engineering, computer science, or media studies. You are a connector who bridges different disciplines, and many employers value that.