Gianina de Freijtas has become Aruba’s first Physician Assistant (PA) after successfully completing a specialized master’s program. She graduated on April 7 through an initiative launched two and a half years ago by the Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) in partnership with HAN University in the Netherlands.
De Freijtas, who now works full-time in the gynaecology department, credited the hospital and the university for the opportunity to advance her career while remaining on the island. She described the intensive process of balancing work with education, noting that classes often started at 3:00 a.m. to accommodate the time difference with the Netherlands.
Lenie Denteneer, manager of HOH Academy, stated that the PA role is designed to alleviate pressure on physicians by allowing professionals to work independently while assisting specialists. Denteneer highlighted that this addresses the global challenge of doctor shortages. Building on this success, HOH has already introduced PA tracks in cardiology and surgery, with plans to add urology and emergency care specialties.
Geert van den Brink, coordinator of the master’s program at HAN University, emphasized that PAs serve as a vital complement to medical teams. He noted that their integration ensures continuity of care, marking a significant step in modernizing Aruba’s healthcare sector.
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