Ron H.N. van Schaik, PhD is a registered European Specialist Laboratory Medicine (2003) and Full Professor Pharmacogenetics (2013). He is working at the department of Clinical Chemistry (AKC) at the Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC) in Rotterdam since 1998. He studied chemistry at Utrecht University (specializations Biochemistry, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Biology) and received his PhD in 1992. He was trained in molecular biology at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories in New York. From 1992, he worked as post-doc at the Erasmus University (Dept. Endocrinology & Reproduction) and the Academic Hospital Rotterdam (Dept. Pathology, Dept. Clinical Chemistry) on translational research involving molecular biological testing. Currently, he is head of the AKC unit Specialized Research & Development (BO&O) and of the Pharmacogenetics Core Laboratory AKC.

Prof. van Schaik leads a research group on pharmacogenetics, in which the translation to implementation for patient diagnostics is the main topic. Current lines of research include Transplantation/immunosuppression, Oncology, Psychiatry, Pain treatment, anticoagulation and HIV. He has published over 150 articles on pharmacogenetics, and participates in national (NVKC, KNMP) and international (AACC, IFCC, IATDMCT, ESPT, IUPHAR, EMA) advisory committees on this topic. As a second line of research, he is involved in studies on new markers for the detection of prostate cancer.

1. Why did you decide to do a webinar with Business Review Webinars?

I have been asked to be a speaker for this webinar on behalf of Luminex, as we are in close cooperation for pharmacogenetics

2. How did you get into the industry?

I studied biochemistry in Utrecht and learned molecular biology and wanted to focus on clinical use. Pharmacogenetics was just emerging so I started working on that during my residency at the department of clinical chemistry at Erasmus MC Rotterdam.

3. What do you most enjoy about your role?

Implementing new knowledge for a better cure of patients.

4. What has been your best holiday and where would you recommend visiting?

Sardegna, because of the weather, nature, kind people, good food and relaxed atmosphere.

5. What motivates you?

Improving people’s health.

Join Prof. Dr. R.H.N. van Schaik in Luminex’s Webinar ‘Pharmacogenetics in Clinical Practice: Can we still do without?’ on 6th May at 3PM London/10AM New York.