Beyond the scientist: Judith Prins

3 February 2017

Judith Prins is professor of Medical Psychology, with a focus on psycho-oncology.

Judith Prins, professor of Medical Psychology, with a focus on psycho-oncology.

Where and when were you born?
In Veldhoven, in 1958, in a neighbourhood where all fathers worked in the Philips company in Eindhoven (mothers had to quit their job once a baby was born….. Times have changed)
Where do you live and with whom?
In Nijmegen, only five minutes by bike to the Radboudumc. Since two years I live alone. My daughter lives also in Nijmegen and visits me regularly because of our car-sharing project. During some weekends my son, who is a veterinary student in Gent, Belgium, joins me.
Who was your role model when you were a kid?
As a kid I had no role model, I think. As an adolescent I admired the few female politicians, like Irene Vorrink and later Hedy d’Ancona, who managed to have a position as minister in our government, very unusual in the seventies and eighties, when the administration was dominated by male politicians.
Why aren’t you doing the same thing now as your role model (or do you?)
The leadership characteristics and capacities of my female role models intrigued me. Personal issues fascinated me more than political ones, so I did not pursue a political career.
What is the thing in your (work or other) history that you are most proud of?
I am proud that I succeeded to combine a scientific career with my caring tasks at home and with volunteer work in the community, in a way that fully satisfied me.
What is it that you would like to achieve in work in the next 5 to 10 years?
As a professor of Medical Psychology it is my ambition that psychosocial care becomes available for all distressed patients with chronic conditions and for those patients who are in need of extra support, in the Radboudumc and other institutions. Now, we are still far from my ideal. eHealth can help to realise this, so I will continue and expand research that brings evidence to practice.
For what can we wake you up?
A sunrise in a national park in one of the continents of our beautiful world and hopefully see some indigenous animals.
What is your hobby and how good are you at it?
Running, walking with friends, gardening, reading novels, travelling. All just for fun, no special talents and no ambition to excel in one of these.
What is your biggest irritation?
Email, especially the high number each day, and the ‘Reply all’ button.
Who would you like to invite for dinner, if you had the chance?
Barack Obama, to learn more about this fascinating person. However, for a dinner with candlelight Richard Gere might be number one.

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