“With good communication, explanation and care you can make a big difference to people’s lives”
I completed my training as a dermatologist at UMC Utrecht, where eczema is a focus area. I have been working in the International Health Center since March 2020. About 10 years ago I moved with my family to The Hague; back to my roots and close to the beach. My colleagues and I consider patient care in the broadest sense of paramount importance. As a department, we are continually looking for opportunities to improve the quality of care. It is a small-scale center with short communication lines between the specialists. This makes it a stimulating working environment which I enjoy being a part of.
This combination of conceptual thinking and practical action keeps our profession dynamic. I think that one of the best aspects of our profession is the daily contact with my patients, and every patient requires a different approach. During my work at the HagaZiekenhuis I also specialized in Paediatric dermatology, skin cancer and dermatosurgery. I see it as a challenge to close the skin, after having removed a mole or skin cancer, with the best cosmetic results. I try to empathise with the patient and ensure quality of treatment.
Unfortunately, some skin conditions (such as eczema) are chronic and have a significant impact on the patient’s life. With good communication, explanation and care you can make a big difference to people’s lives.
During my internship in Africa I learned to recognize and treat diseases in the dark skin, as well as tropical diseases. This is very useful in an international city like the Hague. And as a daughter of an “expat” family, I know what it is to live in a country other than your own with a different language and culture.
M.Pilon-Houtappel
Allround Dermatologist with specialisation in:
-Paediatric dermatology
-Dermato-oncology and surgery
-Tropical dermatology
Education
2008-2009: Peripheral internship, Tergooi hospitals Hilversum and Blaricum
2005 – 2009: Training Dermatologist, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, UMC Utrecht
1995 – 2003: Study Medicine, Utrecht University
1995: Summer course in Chemistry for the study of Medicine, James Boswell Institute Utrecht
1994- 1995: Study Italian language and culture, Universtia per Stranieri in Perugia (Italy)
1988 – 1994: Gymnasium at the Christian Gymnasium Sorghvliet in the Hague
Work experience
2020 – present: Dermatologist International Health Center, the Hague
2009 – 2020: Dermatologist HagaZiekenhuis, the Hague
Ancillary positions
2009 – 2020: management tasks (Quality&Cooperation; Education&Development)
NVDV member
ESPD member