Karin Pool

Speaker June 6, 2026: dr. K. (Karin) Pool, pulmonologist and palliative care specialist Rode Kruis Hospital Beverwijk, co-founder and board member of Roze in Wit
Title lecture: The courage and wins of self-disclosure

Abstract

For a long time, I didn’t feel it was necessary to share with patients that I am married to a woman and that I identify as queer. What mattered most to me was being a good and compassionate doctor. And honestly, we are taught to maintain professional distance, and in the early stages of your career you are mainly focused on developing yourself in your role as a medical specialist. There is a lot coming at you, and you carry a great deal of responsibility. By now, I understand that this responsibility goes beyond purely medical matters.

In 2018, we founded Roze in Wit. It started with being visible for early-career LGBTQ+ colleagues. It has since grown into a foundation that contributes to education, research, and policy. There are clear health disparities and barriers to care for LGBTQ+ individuals. In other words, there is still much to be gained through greater knowledge of diversity, health differences, inclusive communication, and improving safety. This applies across all four domains (physical, psychological, social, and existential) and to healthcare in all stages of life.

You only have a safe working and training environment when you truly see and acknowledge everyone. Moreover, you can only provide equitable care if you understand differences.

It was a vulnerable step to open up in this way, but it is one of the most meaningful things I have ever done. It has enriched me both professionally and personally. It has also strengthened my belief that we, as physicians, must use our position to stand up for justice and equality.