WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao has become the first country outside the Netherlands to officially recognize the profession of clinical technologist by adding it to its register of healthcare professionals, marking an important milestone for the island's healthcare sector.
The first person to benefit from the recognition is Rianne Tsai, a graduate of the University of Twente, who played a key role in securing official recognition of the profession on the island.
Tsai initiated the registration process after successfully establishing a 3D laboratory at the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), where advanced three-dimensional technology is used to support surgical planning. Although she had already contributed significantly to patient care through the innovative lab, she was unable to work officially as a clinical technologist because the profession was not yet recognized under Curaçao's healthcare regulations.
With the profession now formally included in Curaçao's healthcare register, Tsai is authorized to independently provide patient care and technical clinical support within the hospital. The recognition also paves the way for future clinical technologists to practice their profession on the island.
The move represents an important step in integrating advanced medical technology into Curaçao's healthcare system and expanding the range of specialized professionals available to support patient treatment and surgical care.
According to those involved, the official recognition is expected to strengthen innovation in healthcare and encourage the adoption of new technologies that can improve patient outcomes at Curaçao Medical Center and other healthcare institutions.