Introducing the new co-chair of RSNN: Rick Vreman

Can you introduce yourself?

As a trained pharmacist and health economist I have always been interested in the force field between individual patient interests, healthcare policies and economics. Working  across disciplines is a recurring theme in my career. For example, during my position as assistant professor at Utrecht University, I also worked as policy advisor for the National Health Care Institute (ZIN). Even though I really enjoyed working on the intersection of academia and the public sector, I felt I was missing other perspectives, such as the industry’s. 

This realization led me to take up a role at Roche where I currently work on navigating and improving the Dutch regulatory and access ecosystem. 

What interests you about RSNN?

What I like about the RSNN is the opportunity to work together with stakeholders from different disciplines within the Dutch healthcare system. The regulatory aspects of medicine development are too complex to be fully understood and assessed by a single party. This is why RSNN’s ability to bring together the right stakeholders is amazing, to bridge knowledge gaps and to gain mutual understanding. 

Having open conversation is essential, acknowledging that sensitive topics exist, but being able to talk about them nonetheless. RSNN provides a safe space to do so, which appeals to me personally, and as a representative of Roche. Besides, the open dialogue, I value that the RSNN puts a lot of effort into following up on meetings to deliver concrete outputs that can generate impact such as advisory reports and scientific publications.

What will be your primary focus as a RSNN co-chair?

My conviction is that the best ideas and advances come from discussions across groups of stakeholders and disciplines. To improve together, we must understand better how our actions affect others. I hope to be able to use my background within health policy, access and regulation to further enrich the perspective of the stakeholders within the RSNN network and advance the medicine regulatory system. Moreover, I would like to propagate RSNN’s philosophy of open conversation and knowledge sharing for the benefit of all.

What are you looking forward to this year regarding the RSNN?

This year is the RSNN 10-year anniversary, and several great events are planned. For example, the annual workshop on 18 November, where we will celebrate 10 years of RSNN.  Moreover, the RSNN Special Interest Group on Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) is planning expert meetings and we already had an expert meeting on the future of clinical studies in the Netherlands. I encourage people interested in regulatory science to follow the RSNN LinkedIn page or subscribe to the newsletter for the latest information on upcoming events.