well-known top journals, such as NEJM, Lancet, JAMA and BMJ. Not only the scientific relevance of research, but also its societal relevance, is important. In this respect the Maastricht Study, which has been initiated and conducted by the department and which focuses on the prevention and etiology of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other chronic disorders in South Limburg, is of great importance. The holistic vision that underlies this research is an elegant reflection of the best traditions of the Maastricht School of Internal Medicine.
Patient care
In Maastricht the academic department is the only department of internal medicine in the city. Therefore it has always seen and treated both regular patients from the city as well as patients referred regionally or nationally for tertiary care. The regular care is mainly given by the section of general internal medicine, whereas the other sections take care of much of the tertiary care. However, all staff members are involved in the care for patient regardless whether they come from the city or are being referred from the region or elsewhere. This favors the exchange of clinical knowledge among the subspecialties and contributes to integral patient care with a holistic vision. For the regional and tertiary care the department has chosen to excel in a limited number of areas. In the past and in accordance with the research priorities of the Faculty Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, it has been decided to boost the nephrology, the medical oncology and the haematology; a similar approach for the gastroenterology is being considered. The department of internal medicine explicitly pursues collaboration with the departments of internal medicine in the community hospitals of the South-Eastern part of the Netherlands. This collaboration is extremely harmonious, not only with respect to patient care, but also regarding teaching, education and – more and more – research. conviction is based on the fact that in an aging society where many patients have not one but five or more diseases, holistic medicine is needed more than ever. Internists, rheumatologists and gastroenterologists are holistic doctors by nature. Maintenance of that holistic approach requires continuous exposure to knowledge and expertise outside one’ s own direct area of subspecialization. The organization“ all-together-under-one-roof” strongly guarantees this. Combining that vision with the apparent necessity to provide space and freedom for the subspecialities to develop academically remains the challenge for the years to come.
The mission of the Maastricht School of Internal Medicine:
Strength through diversity in unity
The future
The Maastricht School of Internal Medicine is a strong brand and is ready for the challenges of the future. An important issue is whether the organization of the department should change. It is inherent to academic medical specialties and subspecialties that they aspire to autonomy and increasing differentiation. Is it better that some or all sections become separate independent departments, like in other University Medical Centers? The current model, all-together-under-one-roof, has been successful, but is it also the best model for the future? We think so. This
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