Mayor Stemmerdink presents the Royal Award to Professor Dr. Van Hoek

After training in Groningen and Maastricht, Prof. Dr. Bart van Hoek came to Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) in the early 1990s, where he played an important role in setting up the current liver transplantation programme. In the early years he was the sole hepatologist, and almost every day, day and night, he was the point of contact for patients and colleagues. This has allowed the liver transplant program to grow into the vibrant and prestigious program it is today.

Last year, the 30th anniversary of the liver transplant program at LUMC was celebrated: the 750th liver transplanted. While the one-year survival rate was still 70% in 1990, it is now about 90%.

In 2009, Prof. Dr. van Hoek was appointed Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, especially Liver Diseases, at Leiden University. In the framework of his work as a researcher, he has published numerous articles on autoimmune liver diseases, liver failure and liver transplantation, among others, in national (international) scientific journals and books (monographs). In addition, he has given numerous public presentations, including scientific workshops, lectures and presentations (posters) at home and abroad; He served as an expert on panel discussions and conducted interviews.

Professor Dr. Van Hoek has collaborated with other researchers in numerous local, national and international research collaborations. He was an example for young researchers who often managed to get a doctorate from him with a beautiful thesis. He himself received a PhD from the University of Groningen in 1989. After two international fellowships in the United States, he returned to the Netherlands and specialized in gastroenterology and hepatology.

Since 1988, Prof. Dr. van Hoek has received various financial grants to carry out various research projects. For example, with a grant from ZonMw, a database has been developed by AMC, together with LUMC, ErasmusMC and UMCG and in close cooperation with the Dutch Liver Patients Association and the pharmaceutical industry, to increase knowledge about the treatment of chronic hepatitis. The information in the database enables doctors to better determine the treatment strategy for patients.

On 22 June 2023, it was announced that the DHOPE-DCD trial had won the 2023 Science and Innovation Award from the Federation of Medical Professionals. The jury considered this study a worthy winner due to its clinical importance, innovative aspect and significant impact on the patient. Professor Dr. Van Hook was one of the researchers.

In addition to being a physician, scientist and administrator, Prof. Dr. van Hoek has been involved in the field of education for many years. He was a trainer of specialist nurses and physician assistants in liver transplantation at LUMC for twenty years. He was also acting trainer in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at LUMC. He provided theoretical and practical education for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as postgraduate education. He also participated in patient education through the Dutch Liver Patients Association.

In 2022, Professor Dr. Van Hoek received the Golden Climbing Award as a token of appreciation for his exceptional efforts in promoting awareness about organ donation and transplantation. This award is an initiative of the National Donors Memorial Foundation.

Until his retirement in April 2023, Prof. Dr. van Hoek carried out clinical work, including endoscopy, supervision of the outpatient clinic and the department, and served as a source of information for his immediate (younger) colleagues. Moreover, colleagues from all over the Netherlands found him discussing difficult issues.

In addition to his clinical and scientific work, Prof. Dr. van Hoek has also been active as a member and chair of various bodies in the field of liver transplantation, such as the National Liver Transplantation Consultation and Patient Associations and as a Dutch representative on the European Liver and Intestine Advisory Committee of Eurotransplant.

Professor Dr. Van Hook – for his total services to the field of health care – was awarded the Order of Orange Nassau.