[From the Vault] In the Netherlands: a day in a GP practice (Part 2)

Sep 3

Why are Dutch GPs called “huisarts” — house doctors? In Part Two of her visit to a Nijmegen clinic, Dr. Tara Kiran talks with Dr. Suzanne Ligthart about the Dutch tradition of home visits. She then meets Kris Arts, a practice assistant, and learns how these highly trained team members serve as the doctor’s right hand — expertly triaging patients, coordinating follow-up, and keeping the clinic running smoothly. Dr. Kiran ends the episode with reflections on what Canada might learn from the Dutch approach to primary care. Stay tuned for Part 3 where Tara takes listeners behind-the-scenes to explore the Dutch after-hours care system.

Mainpro+ Credits

Family doctors in Canada can now earn Mainpro+ credits by listening to Primary Focus Podcast episodes published after May 1, 2026.

This self-learning Group Learning program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Ontario Chapter for up to 30 Mainpro+ credits, with 1 credit available per eligible episode. To claim your credit, listen to the episode, review the show notes and complete the self-learning survey. Your certificate will be emailed to you. Find more information at OurCare.ca/podcast

Resources

If you missed Part One of the documentary series on the Netherlands, click here to catch up.

See a gallery of Dr. Kiran’s photos from her trip to the Netherlands.

Hear Dr. Kiran speaking about her trip on CBC’s White Coat, Black Art

Read Dr. Kiran’s 4-part series for the Canadian Health Network on her trip

Read an article about Tara’s host, Dr. Tim Olde Hartman: A Giant Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Subscribe to our Substack newsletterto get bonus content.

Do you have an idea for an episode? Email primary.focus@unityhealth.to