From intensivist to patient: a life-changing experience

For many years, I worked as an anesthesiologist-intensivist — my dream job.

In addition, I was a researcher and medical manager in a large hospital, giving me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by doctors and nurses.From one moment to the next, I found myself on the other side — admitted to my own intensive care unit due to a severe COVID-19 infection. Overnight, I became both a doctor and an ICU patient. After a long rehabilitation process, it became clear that I could not return to my former role due to persistent health issues.

This life-altering experience turned everything upside down. The changes were painful and deeply challenging, but also enriching in unexpected ways.

Throughout my career, improving healthcare has been a central mission — and that remains true today. My journey has taken me from doctor to patient, and now to advocate.

I have experienced both the perspective of the medical specialist and that of the patient. How can we bridge the gap between these two worlds?

Alongside my work as a speaker, I remain active as a researcher and a medical consultant, supporting clients in personal injury cases and medical malpractice claims.

"With my personal experiences, I want to make the vulnerability and experience of patients visible to healthcare providers, in order to work together towards more human and empathetic care."

Meta van der Woude

Key values

Seize the day,
learn from the past and
embrace the power of vulnerability.
From vulnerability to strength,
from experience to meaning.