"Professional athletes analyze their own performance as well as those of their opponents for their future improvement. And just like with professional athletes, everything related to my research was about continuous improvement. I also analyzed and evaluated historical patient data to improve diagnostics for future prostate cancer patients. While every patient is unique, we can still identify patterns. We can make better decisions by closely examining patient characteristics like age, blood tests, or PSA levels. This leads to improved diagnostics and helps avoid unnecessary examinations, making healthcare more efficient and personalized. My research matches my background in sports. When I was younger, I played basketball at the highest level and was part of the national youth team. That's where I learned the importance of perseverance and a strong work ethic. The lessons I learned there have been essential during my PhD, and continue to be in my current role as an assistant physician at OLVG in Amsterdam." Marias Hagens will defend his thesis on September 6.
This research was financially supported by the Dutch Cancer Society.
prof. dr. H.G. van der Poel en prof. dr. R.J.A. van Moorselaar
P.J. van Leeuwen en prof. dr. A.N. Vis