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So, the top GPs of the future? They’ll be concer ned with nutrition, exercise, supplements and other preventions in a scientific way, not just with operations and medication that mainly treat symptoms. I also believe that patients will insist that doctors become knowledgeable on nutrition and prevention, because they will not tolerate their GP being ignorant on these matters.” Supplements are quite controversial, at least in the Netherlands. Many GPs say they’re nonsense. What do you think about that? “That’s a fascinating and complex story. There are people who consider supplements to be expensive urine and others who say that you can treat all kinds of diseases with magnesium. Both these statements are an oversimplifi- cation. It’s much more nuanced. Of course, nutrition remains crucial. But even if you’re following a healthy diet, it’s very difficult to get all the micronutrients you need. Therefore, I think supplements in the right form and dose can be helpful, but doing it correctly is very difficult.” “Well, mostly enthusiasm. I think everyone wants to be young and healthy for longer. I just think that some people fear that it’s all going too fast.” Do you believe it’s important to talk about it at conferences? “Yes, it’s a big deal. Since our field’s expertise is constantly evolving, it’s critical to stay educa ted and share knowledge at conferences. I like discussing, but I also very much enjoy meeting like-minded people.” Have you ever noticed resistance instead of enthusiasm when you talk about combatting ageing?

gram our genetic hardware. Some philosophers believe that in the future, we’ll be able to disting uish between different human species because some people will be able to modify themselves more or less genetically.” Are you hopeful for all those changes? “Overall, I’m hopeful that we can use those technologies to do good. There are existential risks that we will have to face, as you could also commit bioterrorism with those technologies. Or use AI to create terrible things. Generally, I think that those technologies, used wisely, will still bring about major changes. “Personally, I also want to live and stay healthy for as long as possible and enjoy every moment of it. I’m almost 40 now, but I feel better today than when I was 20. I want to pass that on to others.”

Do you learn things from other speakers? “Yes, I’m always very curious and willing to learn. I strongly believe in the principle ‘being the dum best person in the room is the smartest thing you can do’. At conferences, I often get to speak with a professor who has developed or discovered something new. It’s always a great honour to talk to someone like that, hearing about those deca des of experience. That’s usually the only way to be able to speak to and listen to such authorities in a specific field.” “Absolutely. That’s the neat thing about human beings: that we can learn from each other. I think that’s one of the driving forces for our species. We’re always building on the knowledge of others. And that has enabled us to eventually build MRI scanners and particle accelerators and send rockets into space.” “Now, this framework is being disrupted by AI. For the first time in history, knowledge no longer arises through consciousness. This is a unique moment. Not only because we’re competing with AI, but also because we have biotechnology that can change our genetic constitution and repro So, you strongly believe in the value of knowledge sharing?

What’s the key message that you want your audience to leave with?

“If they only take away one thing from my story, I hope it’s this: adopt a healthy lifestyle and try to stay alive as long as possible, so that you can eventually benefit from the biotechnology that will see the light of day in the coming decades.”

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