New MHPE programme director: Daniëlle Verstegen

"I thoroughly enjoy the contacts with MHPE participants from all over the world, both professionally and personally. I am looking forward to the challenges and joys of my new role".

Although the word ‘New’ is almost debatable. Since I moved to Maastricht in 2008 I have been involved in MHPE as staff member, unit coordinator, SIMP coach, mentor and thesis supervisor, and –the last few years- host of the ‘Happy hour’ in May. I thoroughly enjoy the contacts with MHPE participants from all over the world, both professionally and personally. I am looking forward to the challenges and joys of my new role.

MHPE serves as my own continuing education program too. I learn from reading assignments about curricula in different health professions all over the world. And I learn from my involvement in online education, not only in MHPE, in certificate courses and in Maastricht University’s MOOC about PBL.

Since my unit is about curriculum development, it is only logical that this will be an important focus. For the past few years I have sent in conference abstracts about online and blended education with funny titles like ‘PBL and MOOCs: A happy marriage?’ So, I am feeling the pressure of coming up with innovative ideas. I do hope that MHPE participants and alumni will help me, so please let me know what you enjoy and what you struggle with (d.verstegen@maastrichtuniversity.nl)

I hope to see many of you here in Maastricht in May starting with the next MHPE cohort, at the AMEE, in Skype meetings, or elsewhere.

Best wishes, Daniëlle Verstegen