Anne Dijkstra

Anne Dijkstra is a dedicated medical student, PhD-candidate at the Radboud University Medical Center and a member of the EACTS Pre-Trainee Committee. Currently pursuing her fourth year of MSc in Medicine at Radboud University, Anne has a proven track record of academic excellence, graduating with Honours and a Cum Laude distinction from her BSc in Medicine.

Anne’s passion for cardiothoracic surgery has driven her to complete two research fellowships. At the University of Chicago’s Department of Surgery, she investigated the complex interplay between the gut microbiome, hostal immune system and surgical infections. Subsequently, at the Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié Salpêtrière’s Department of Cardiac Surgery, she focused on aortic and mitral valve repair. These fellowships have provided her with valuable experience in both research and clinical settings, including assisting in cardiac surgeries.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Anne is actively involved in the medical community as the President of VECTOR, a national student association in the Netherlands dedicated to providing supplementary education in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, in order to motivate academic excellence and foster the development of skilled medical professionals.

Anne’s dedication to both clinical practice and academic research is evident in her pursuit of a PhD program alongside her MSc studies. This dual commitment reflects her strong ambition to push the boundaries of modern cardiothoracic surgery and improve patient care.