Neurohistory.nl

Groen RJM, Kloet A, Koehler PJ (red.). De ontwikkeling van de neurochirurgie in Nederland. Utrecht, Matrijs, 2023 (in Dutch)

This publication on the development of neurosurgery in the Netherlands describes the history of this new specialism. Through the study of archives thought to have been lost, much more has come to light about the significance of Oljenick and his early colleagues. Intrigues, personal ambitions, political agendas, local and regional interests, and fortuitous circumstances lay at the heart of the establishment of the eleven neurosurgical clinics at that time. Surprising original insights and scientific contributions are also discussed. Some of the early pioneers appear to deserve more respect than they have received, whilst others may lose some of their lustre.

The connection with neurology was essential for the development of neurosurgery in our country. With the establishment in 1952 of its own scientific association, the Dutch Association of Neurosurgeons (NVvN), neurosurgery in our country eventually flourished as an independent specialism.