Ben Cohlen appointed professor

At the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, extensive and important research is conducted that encompasses the entire life cycle of women. From pre-conception (i.e., before fertilization) to malignant tumors later in life, and from congenital conditions of the unborn child during pregnancy to research involving ill pregnant women.

Cohlen: “We conduct research on important societal themes. One example is contraception. For instance, we are investigating myfegyne as a new contraceptive method. Our research involves collaboration with many departments, such as Immunology in cases of recurrent miscarriage or pregnancies following egg donation. We also value our collaboration with the Leiden Bio Science Park.”

“In the coming years, we aim to bring more focus to our research themes and conduct more in-depth research within each line. In addition to fully committing myself to this goal, I will also do my utmost to support my colleagues in achieving it,” says Cohlen.

Patient care

In recent years, healthcare has evolved significantly, with patients taking on an increasingly active role. Cohlen: “These developments will continue. Value-based healthcare is a great methodology to actively involve patients and organize care in a way that adds value. I see it as an exciting challenge to design care pathways based on this approach.”

Education

The education provided by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, both within and outside the LUMC, is highly regarded. “As head of the department, I want to support my team in this area as much as possible,” says Cohlen. “The importance of high-quality education and training, in a positive environment for medical interns and residents, cannot be overstated.”

Curriculum vitae

After studying Medicine in Ghent and Groningen (where he graduated cum laude), Ben Cohlen began working as a non-training physician (ANIOS)/IVF doctor at the Sophia Hospital in Zwolle. After two years, he moved to the former Academic Hospital in Utrecht to work as an IVF doctor. During his specialization in gynecology, he also earned a PhD in reproductive medicine.

He completed his training in the Utrecht cluster in 2000. He then started as a gynecologist at Isala Zwolle, where he soon became head of the Fertility Department. After also serving ten years as a trainer and chair of the visitation committee of the Dutch Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology, he became head of the Women-Child Center at Isala, a role he fulfilled with great pleasure for seven years. Cohlen  has now taken on a new challenge as head of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at LUMC.