Wilco Achterberg

Wilco Achterberg serves as Professor of Institutional Care and Geriatric Medicine at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC). He maintains a dual role as a geriatric medicine specialist at Topaz in Leiden and surrounding areas. His academic appointments include membership in the University Network for the Care Sector South Holland at LUMC.

Professor Achterberg's research focuses on geriatric medicine, institutional care systems, and the specialized needs of elderly patients within nursing home environments. His work examines professional identity formation in medical education related to geriatric care, relocation processes within and between nursing facilities, and rehabilitation protocols following health crises like COVID-19.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on practical interventions to improve elderly care quality, with particular attention to stress reduction during nursing home transitions and the development of effective rehabilitation frameworks. Achterberg's research methodology frequently employs qualitative approaches to capture the nuanced experiences of residents, families, and healthcare staff during care transitions.

Professor Achterberg holds leadership positions in critical national healthcare initiatives, including as co-chair of the Federation of Medical Specialists' guideline working group on Rehabilitation after COVID-19. His work bridges academic research with practical implementation in Dutch healthcare settings.