When I was 14 years old it was clear that I had, and still have, trouble with writing things down. Despite good verbal and reasoning skills. After some tests I was told to have dysorthographia. A diagnosis of diabetes, a chronic disease, and learning disorder have a completely different impact on one’s life.
Although with both came restrictions, or at least societal reinforced restrictions.

The moment I was told to have dysorthographia I was told to never be able to write or publish things. It would be too difficult, I would not be able to deliver at a good enough level. Looking back on that I think only one thing: “*”!

In the past I’ve written for European Medical Journal, World Health Organisation and the International Diabetes Federation. Now British Medical Journal. The comment I got some ten years ago with the diagnosis of dysorthographia has thus not made sense.
In fact it stimulated me to try, and fail.
To write, and get feedback.
And most importantly, to do what I love. 

In life you may struggle but I for sure believe that struggle improves the quality of the end result. At least you know what you’re doing it for. My biggest stimulus for writing on diabetes and Patient empowerment is my very own experience. Due to my patient experience I have it a little easier to relate to patients. That mixed with professional and educational information on healthcare help to bridge both worlds. The world of the patient and the world of the health care professional.

Time to time patients ask what I actually do. Some think I study medicine and others think I am a physician. To be clear I do/study none of that. I study health sciences and I can only promote the amazing field of health sciences. Later more on that.

You don’t need a degree in medicine to share your point of view my sweetest co-patients! If you wish to accomplish something you’ll need passion and a plan. When you combine both you can do whatever you want. Even with the burden of a disease or learning disorder. It might take some more time but you’ll get there. Sooner or later.
Passion gives you the power to endure and push through the lesser moments in a learning process.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to people who helped me to reach my goals! Thanks Paul Buchanan for offering this beautiful opportunity and help me with the writing! ❤