In every edition of our alumni newsletter, we speak with an alumnus or alumna about their time at Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM) and what they are doing today. This time, we feature Roy Wesenhagen. He shares his story of transitioning into healthcare, returning to university, and how his previous work experience continues to prove valuable in his day-to-day work.
‘I feel it is important, at this stage of my life, to use my knowledge and experience to make a contribution’ – alumnus Roy Wesenhagen
At the start of his career, Roy Wesenhagen could hardly have imagined that he would one day be working in a hospital. He studied Commercial Economics, spent many years working in the business sector and founded his own strategic communications company. Yet healthcare gradually became an increasingly important part of his professional life. Eventually, he decided to return to university to pursue a master's degree in Healthcare Management at ESHPM.
Today, Roy works as a senior project manager in a hospital, where his commercial background, expertise in communication and education in healthcare have come together in ways he had not initially expected.
Healthcare Became an Increasing Part of His Life
Roy began his career working for organisations including Datastream and ABN AMRO. Later, he established his own company, specialising in strategic communication. Through his work, he became increasingly involved in healthcare and social welfare. He worked on projects supporting people with disabilities, chronic illnesses and older adults, and spent several years contributing to the development of The Hague as an Age Friendly City.
His interest in healthcare continued to grow. Around the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided he wanted to deepen his understanding of the healthcare sector.
When exploring his study options, he considered both ESHPM and the University of Humanistic Studies. Although he had a strong interest in ethics, the broad scope of the Healthcare Management programme ultimately convinced him. “At ESHPM, you really had the opportunity to look at things from a broader perspective.” The programme brought together management, social and medical sciences, and patient-centred care, while an elective course allowed him to explore ethics in greater depth.
‘I Thought I Would Breeze Through It’
Returning to university after years in the workforce took some getting used to. Initially, Roy thought he would be able to combine his studies with his other responsibilities relatively easily. That turned out to be a little more optimistic than he had anticipated.
“At first, I thought it would be quite easy, that I would just breeze through it.”
Reading all the academic literature, in particular, took more time than expected. And studying was not his only responsibility. Roy was also working, raising a family and coaching basketball. “I thought twenty hours a week would be enough. But it really required more time than that.”
At the same time, his professional experience gave him an advantage. In courses such as Organisational Studies, he could immediately relate models and theories to situations he had encountered throughout his career.
The reverse was equally true. In Epidemiology, fellow students with medical backgrounds often had more knowledge. Everyone brought something different to the classroom: while Roy could draw on years of practical experience, he could learn from his fellow students in other areas.
Communication as the Foundation
Organisational Studies eventually became one of his favourite courses. Not only because of the theories about how organisations function, but especially because of something that has been a recurring theme throughout Roy's career: communication.
Whether you work at a bank, an educational institution or a hospital, Roy believes communication remains the foundation of collaboration and successful organisational change.
Ethics was another course that left a lasting impression. During his studies, he explored issues surrounding AI and information systems. Who is behind such a system? What decisions are made during its development? And what are the implications for society?
“I found that really interesting,” he explains, before quickly adding that he cannot actually choose just one favourite course: “There was more than one, by the way.”
Top Marks for Teaching
Roy faces the same dilemma when asked about his favourite lecturer. Once again, he finds it impossible to choose just one.
He mentions Sander van Haperen, who, in his view, was particularly skilled at connecting students with professionals working in the field. Several supervisors who guided him during his studies and thesis also made a lasting impression.
And then there is Werner Brouwer. Although Roy only took one of his courses, his teaching style stood out. Even complex economic calculation models became accessible thanks to his clear explanations and sense of humour.
“I think he deserves top marks for the way he explains things.”
If Roy Were to Teach a Course Himself...
He doesn't need much time to think about that. He would teach a course on Cross-Cultural Management.
The subject has fascinated him ever since he encountered it during a previous degree programme. For Roy, it goes beyond cultural differences. It is about trying to understand the person sitting across from you.
In a hospital, that person might be a medical specialist, nurse or member of staff, each with their own knowledge and perspective. But the same applies to patients. Who are they? What is their background? And how do you make sure you truly understand one another?
“Ultimately, that's what it's all about,” Roy says. “Learning how to connect people.”
And That's Exactly What He Does Today
That statement sums up his current work remarkably well.
As a senior project manager, Roy works closely with medical specialists, nurses, coordinators, team leaders, IT professionals and external suppliers on a daily basis. He oversees projects, schedules and budgets, but above all, his role is to bring all these different worlds together.
And it is not just about connecting people. Technology needs to work as intended, and solutions must meet requirements relating to security, privacy and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), among other things.
His master's degree continues to help him in his work every day. When working with a laboratory, he draws on his knowledge of Epidemiology. Patient-Centered Care helps him keep the patient's perspective in mind. And Organisational Studies helps him better understand how different departments within a hospital work together.
“Ultimately, I do it for the patient, to help provide better healthcare.”
‘Definitely Go for It’
Roy has a clear piece of advice for anyone with a background in economics or business considering a degree in Healthcare Management: “Definitely go for it!”
However, he believes there is one important condition. You need to have an intrinsic motivation to contribute to healthcare. Only then, in his view, is making the transition the right decision.
For Roy, both his decision to pursue the degree and his choice of current career were deliberate. After years of experience working in different organisations, he wanted to put his knowledge and expertise to use in a different way.
“I made that choice consciously because I feel it is important, at this stage of my life, to use my knowledge and experience to make a contribution.”
The Healthcare Management programme gave him the opportunity to build on his existing knowledge while gaining insights into different disciplines within healthcare.
A Degree with Special Meaning
When Roy looks back on his time at ESHPM, his fondest memories are not limited to a particular course, lecturer or theory. One of his most treasured memories is his graduation ceremony.
His parents were there. His son was there. And Roy had also invited Freek, his former thesis supervisor from a previous degree programme, with whom he has remained in contact. Their presence made the occasion particularly special.
Years earlier, that same lecturer had taught Roy Cross-Cultural Management, a subject whose lessons he still applies to this day. It is also the very course he would choose to teach if he were given the opportunity to stand in front of a classroom at ESHPM.
Today, Roy continues to build on all these experiences in his work. Rather than leaving his previous career behind, he brings together his commercial background, knowledge of communication and experience in healthcare.
In Conversation with… You?
Do you also have fond memories of your time at SAG/iBMG/ESHPM that you would like to share with fellow alumni? Or have you followed an interesting or unexpected career path since graduating?
We would love to hear your story! Get in touch at alumni@eshpm.eur.nl.
