Conference Matters 144

hope'

a glimpse into each other’s world of experience and what you can do for each other. In addition, there are also many institutions that advertise and recruit, and then you think, ‘Now I know where I can go if I want to do a specia lised internship,’ whether it’s forensic psychiatry, a consultation team, or whatever. They are options that I didn’t know existed before this conference because nobody tells you any of it in person. Hearing someone talk about it makes a big difference.”

What did you think of your first conference?

“It was fantastic. When I got back to work on Monday, I wished I was back at the conference. But at the same time, I realised how much I love my work.” What did you like about it? “As it’s often the case with conferences, they serve two purposes. First of all, it’s essential for knowledge exchange: you stay up to date with the latest research and the like. But another impor tant function is the social cohesion between col leagues. It’s often mocked, as if doctors only go there for a drink, but that’s not true. I actually enjoyed experiencing both sides. Firstly, it was stimulating to be fully involved in my field again, and secondly, I also found it very valu able to be in contact with colleagues in a different way. That really helps a lot. You hear stories from experts who have come through the most diffi cult situations. That’s so hopeful, especially with tough problems, where you sometimes feel like you’re not making a difference, and then you see that recovery is actually possible.” Did you also make a lot of new contacts? “Yes, I did! In fact, I was surprised to primarily make new contacts within my region. Of course, I knew my colleagues, but I also met the colle agues of other colleagues from Friesland and Drenthe. And that quickly gave rise to the idea that I could go to that one person for this problem and learn things that seem promising. It provides

'I discovered career options I didn't know existed'

Does the conference have additional added value for you because you come from abroad? “For me, it’s definitely very valuable to under stand how psychiatry works here and to get to know people from all over the Netherlands, instead of just my workplace. As a foreigner, it was very helpful, but I would say it’s essential for every starting psychiatrist. My Dutch colleagues who have just started didn’t know much more than I did. And then to be able to sit in on sessions of leading institutions is really inspiring.”

MAASTRICHT “Maastricht feels a bit like being abroad, especially if you come from Groningen,” says Pieter Swart. “Unfortunately, I was so busy with the conference and everything around it that I hardly saw the city itself. But everything was really well organised. For example, with my conference badge I could travel for free on public transport. And I had made use of the special AIO package, with which you could register as a doctor in training at a reduced rate and get a hotel room. Really great. MECC Maastricht was also very suitable. I was especially impressed by how well everything was organised, despite there being thousands of people for three days. They really managed that well. And the programme was top-notch.”

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