Tanja Fens

Tanja Fens, PhD, is a Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Groningen, affiliated with both the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Medical Sciences. She serves as a project leader for the Pharmacy Game international initiative and is a member of the faculty council. Her expertise spans pharmacoeconomics, health policy, regulatory affairs, and pharmacy education. Dr. Fens focuses on translating research into practical applications, such as reducing pharmaceutical residues in water and improving medication safety through educational interventions.

Education:
Dr. Fens holds a PhD in Pharmacy from the University of Groningen, with a thesis titled 'Perspectives on medication safety and use: pharmacoeconomics, public policy & practice and pharmacists education'. Her academic background emphasizes bridging theoretical research with real-world healthcare challenges.

Research Interests and Contributions:
Her work addresses critical issues such as cost-effectiveness analyses of pharmaceuticals (e.g., empagliflozin for chronic kidney disease), the environmental impact of pharmaceutical residues in water, and optimizing anticoagulant therapies for atrial fibrillation patients. She also develops educational tools like the Pharmacy Game, enhancing students' knowledge of sustainable practices and ethical considerations in healthcare.

Professional Roles and Activities:
Dr. Fens collaborates internationally through the Pharmacy Game project and contributes to ancillary roles as a Consultant at Health Ecore B.V. and a Guest Researcher at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). She has published extensively on topics ranging from medication safety to healthcare policy, with a focus on integrating pharmacoeconomic analyses into clinical decision-making.

Grants and Collaborations:
While specific grants are not detailed, her research projects reflect collaborative efforts with institutions worldwide, including studies on influenza vaccines, COPD pharmacotherapy, and hypertension interventions. These projects highlight her commitment to interdisciplinary research with global health implications.