Medal of honor NVIC for Jozef Kesecioglu
Early February, Jozef Kesecioglu, professor of Intensive Care and intensivist at UMC Utrecht, delivered the honorary lecture of the Dutch Intensive Care Association and received the corresponding Medal of Honor. Jozef has been of significant importance for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of UMC Utrecht. He also plays an important role nationally and in Europe as president of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine.
At UMC Utrecht, Jozef led a major reorganization in which four small, independent ICUs were merged into the current IC center on the top floor of UMC Utrecht. The design focuses on peace, privacy, views and daylight for the patient. The latter two contribute to a natural day and night rhythm, which helps IC patients in their recovery process. Ten years after opening, the IC center of the UMC Utrecht is still known as one of the most beautiful ICUs in the world.
Great contribution in Europe
Apart from UMC Utrecht, Jozef is best known for his great commitment to the European Association for Intensive Care (ESICM). As scientific chairman he was responsible for the congresses, where thousands of European intensivists are trained each year. He subsequently assumed the role of general chairman. The ESICM also became a household name outside Europe.
Preparing COVID-19 ICUs
Through Jozef's international contacts and the pooling of knowledge, the European ICUs were able to prepare for the first COVID-19 wave. Under his leadership, the ESICM also rapidly developed an online teaching package to prepare European doctors and nurses for working in a COVID-19 ICU. Many countries have gratefully benefited from these training courses.