Tamara Platteel

Dr. Tamara Platteel is a dedicated general practitioner (GP) and assistant professor at the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), where she combines clinical work with research on infectious diseases, with a particular focus on urogenital infections. Her work is part of the Infection and Immunity research program, which aims to advance understanding and treatment of infections. With a strong academic and professional background, she has made significant contributions to both patient care and scientific research.

Education and Early Career

Tamara Platteel studied medicine at the UMCU, graduating in 2009. Early in her career, she developed a keen interest in infectious diseases, which led her to pursue further scientific research. In 2014, she obtained her PhD with a thesis titled Detection and Epidemiology of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases, focusing on the detection and epidemiology of bacteria that produce enzymes capable of breaking down antibiotics. This expertise laid the groundwork for her later work on antibiotic resistance.

In 2016, she earned a Master’s degree in Epidemiology, further honing her scientific skills and deepening her understanding of the epidemiology of infectious diseases. That same year, she completed her GP training and has since been practicing as a family physician, where her knowledge of infectious diseases directly benefits her patients.

Research and Scientific Contributions

Dr. Platteel plays an active role in research on infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on urogenital infections (particularly urinary tract infections; UTIs) and the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance. As part of the Infection and Immunity research group at UMCU, she collaborates with fellow researchers to gain new insights into combating infections. Her research on UTIs is of high importance due to the prevalence of these infections in primary care and the increasing resistance to standard treatments.

Additionally, she is a member of the regional coordination team of the GAIN (Gelders Antimicrobial resistance and Infection prevention Network), where she is actively involved in combating antibiotic resistance, a global health issue with far-reaching consequences for the future effectiveness of medical treatments.

Guideline Committees and Professional Involvement

Alongside her work as a researcher and GP, Dr. Platteel contributes to the development of national clinical guidelines. She is involved in various guideline committees, including those of the Dutch College of General Practitioners (NHG), the Dutch Urological Association (NVU), and the Dutch Society for Medical Microbiology (NVMM). These committees develop guidelines that support healthcare providers in their daily practice, particularly in optimizing care for patients with infectious diseases, such as UTIs. 

Balancing Practice and Science

Dr. Tamara Platteel works as a GP two days a week. Her direct involvement in primary care enables her to apply the knowledge gained through her research to real-world clinical practice. At the same time, her experience as a family doctor provides valuable insights for her scientific work, allowing her to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

With a background in epidemiology, microbiology, and general practice, she contributes to both the medical and scientific communities. Her work focuses on improving the management of infectious diseases and addressing antibiotic resistance, playing a role in the ongoing development of modern healthcare.

Keywords: General Practice & Nursing Science, primary care, Family Medicine, urogenital infections, urinary tract infections

Trefwoorden: Huisartsgeneeskunde & Verplegingswetenschap, urogenitale infecties, urineweginfecties