The Technical Medical (TechMed) Centre and the University of Twente’s Faculty of Science and Technology (TNW) have appointed Michelle Heijblom as head of TechMed Academy (TNW-TME), the unit responsible for training professionals working at the intersection of healthcare and technology. Heijblom will start on 1 January 2023. She is taking over the reins at TechMed Academy from former director of education Heleen Miedema, who is now working as interim dean at ATLAS, University College Twente.
In her new role as head of TechMed Academy (TMA), Heijblom will have final responsibility for the unit, which focuses on life-long learning. Under the banner of the TechMed Centre, TMA offers academically certified and flexible education for a wide variety of professionals working at the intersection of healthcare and technology. “I’m delighted with my appointment and look forward to contributing to education for healthcare professionals”, Heijblom says. “In our fast changing world – a world of shifting demographics and increasing pressure on our care systems healthcare providers are faced with a host of challenges on a daily basis. The infrastructure and network, and the medical, technical and educational expertise at the TechMed Centre give us all the ingredients to jointly develop appropriate education for these professionals.”
ABOUT MICHELLE HEIJBLOM
Michelle Heijblom studied technical medicine and completed a PhD on clinical photoacoustic mammography, supervised by Prof. Srirang Manohar and Prof. Wiendelt Steenbergen (BMPI). Even during her studies, Michelle was closely involved in teaching. She further developed her teaching skills as senior lecturer of technology in care at Saxion University of Applied Sciences, where she was involved in embedding technology in the nursing and health and technology programmes, as well as in the Saxion Part-time School programmes. In recent years, Michelle has continued to hone her expertise at the TechMed Simulation Centre, particularly in the field of simulation training for medical professionals.
The TNW faculty board and the TechMed Centre management team are very pleased with the appointment of Michelle Heijblom. “We’re delighted with Michelle’s new role as head of TMA”, says portfolio manager for education Stefan Kooij (TNW). “With this appointment, we’re investing in new developments in the field of life-long learning while also contributing to a broader UT offering in this area.” Director of Education Katja Haijkens (TechMed Centre) agrees. “Our ambition is to become one of the leading training institutions in Europe in the field of technology and healthcare”, she adds. “We’re convinced that Michelle Heijblom, with her boundless commitment and expertise, can make this ambition a reality.”
ABOUT TECHMED ACADEMY
TechMed Academy offers academically certified and flexible education for a wide variety of healthcare professionals under the banner of the University Technical Medical Centre. With its Simulation Centre and medical and educational expertise, TMA is ideally placed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills of the future.
