Interne Geneeskunde Maastricht - MUMC | Page 184

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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