Farewell to Mattijs Numans: a lasting legacy in population health and interdisciplinary collaboration

From GP to academic leader

Mattijs began his career as a physician and later as a general practitioner in Utrecht. During his years in practice, he recognized the importance of accessible care and collaboration between GPs and specialists. His doctoral research, focusing on gastroscopy on GP referral, was an early testament to his dedication to aligning primary and specialist care.

With over 25 years of experience as a GP, he skillfully combined clinical work with academic roles. In 2013, he became head of the department of Public Health and Primary Care at LUMC, where he further advanced interdisciplinary leadership. His approach transformed the department into an academic workplace for population-focused care.

One of the highlights of Mattijs’ career was his work on the Health Campus The Hague. Recognizing the potential of a multidisciplinary approach, he established a network where professionals from diverse fields – such as primary care, behavioral sciences, data analytics, and medical anthropology – collaborate to address complex public health challenges.

“He sees opportunities others overlook and knows exactly when to take action,” says his successor, Hedwig Vos. The Health Campus has laid the groundwork for broader healthcare initiatives and innovative health interventions.

Under Mattijs’ leadership, the department evolved into a dynamic center for research, education, and practice-oriented work. His vision made it a place of collaboration, focusing on improving the health of diverse populations and addressing health disparities.

“It’s inspiring to see how broadly we can now approach health thanks to his efforts,” says Vos, emphasizing that Mattijs’ leadership has significantly contributed to a more inclusive perspective on healthcare.