Debby Wensink

Debby Wensink is a researcher in the Department of Internal Medicine at Erasmus MC, Faculty of Medicine. Her work is centered on erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by severe photosensitivity.

Her research interests include the clinical features, psychosocial impact, quality of life, liver complications, and circadian disruptions in EPP patients. She has extensively studied the use and efficacy of afamelanotide, a synthetic melanocortin analogue, in managing phototoxicity in these patients. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges dermatology, internal medicine, and patient-centered outcomes.

The recent publications indicate a strong trend in clinical and translational research, utilizing case-control methodologies to assess both physiological and psychological dimensions of EPP. Her work emphasizes real-world patient experiences and clinical applicability.

She completed her doctoral thesis in 2023 titled Living with erythropoietic protoporphyria: Bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, highlighting her commitment to integrating research findings into clinical care. While no formal awards or grants are listed, her publications have garnered citations and attention in both academic and public domains.

She is actively involved in a research team led by senior clinicians and scientists at Erasmus MC, contributing to a growing body of knowledge on rare metabolic diseases and their systemic effects.