WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao-born medical specialist in training Thaís Mendeszoon-Tweed successfully defended her PhD thesis at Maastricht University in late March, marking a major milestone in her medical and academic career. Her research focused on improving care surrounding gastrointestinal surgeries, aiming to boost patient recovery and surgical success rates. 

In her dissertation, titled Improving Perioperative Care in Gastrointestinal Surgery, Mendeszoon-Tweed examined how adjustments in surgical techniques and medical management before, during, and after surgery affect the patient’s body. A key element of her research was the composition of the human body and how it influences healing. She began her PhD in 2018 at Zuyderland Medical Center in collaboration with the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+). 

Clinical Experience Alongside Research 

During her PhD trajectory, Mendeszoon-Tweed also worked as a non-training physician, first at Zuyderland and later, from 2022, at Maastricht UMC+. These roles allowed her to gain hands-on experience in surgical patient care, complementing her academic research with real-world clinical insights. 

She now combines her clinical duties with research into innovative healthcare solutions, including digital health and international medical initiatives. 

Curaçao Roots and Medical Journey 

Mendeszoon-Tweed began her medical studies at Maastricht University in 2012, where she earned her degree in medicine. She is the daughter of general practitioner Roy Tweed, and grew up as the only girl in a family of three children on Curaçao. 

Her dissertation defense took place at Maastricht University’s Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. The full dissertation is publicly available on the university’s website. 

Her achievement marks a proud moment for both Curaçao and the Caribbean medical community, highlighting the global impact of regional talent in the field of healthcare innovation.