One woman, One Mission: Inez Jans Honored for Transforming Kidney Care
Gelderse Vallei Hospital is celebrating a remarkable milestone as dietitian Inez Jans receives the prestigious Maria ter Welle Prize, a national recognition awarded by the Kidney Foundation and Willem Kolff Foundation. This accolade honors her decades-long dedication to improving the lives of kidney patients through innovative nutrition and care solutions.
A Lifelong Commitment to Kidney Health
Table of Contents
- A Lifelong Commitment to Kidney Health
- Innovations That Make a Difference
- A team Effort
- Key Contributions at a Glance
- A Legacy of Inspiration
- A Legacy of Excellence in Kidney Care
- A Multifaceted Impact on Healthcare
- A Trailblazer in Research and Education
- Key Contributions at a Glance
- A Call to Action: Celebrating Excellence in Healthcare
- Recognition and Inspiration
- Looking Ahead
Since joining Gelderse Vallei Hospital in 1982,Inez Jans has become a cornerstone of kidney care.Her work has not only transformed patient outcomes but also inspired countless healthcare professionals. “I think it is special that along with the basics of dietetics, guiding patients with kidney diseases, I have been able to do so many different things,” Jans shared. “That makes it fun and varied. It gives energy and is very educational.”
Her approach is rooted in scientific rigor and practical solutions, ensuring that every initiative directly enhances the quality of life for kidney patients. From mentoring students to spearheading groundbreaking research, Jans has left an indelible mark on the field.
Innovations That Make a Difference
Jans’ contributions extend far beyond conventional dietetics. She has pioneered several initiatives that have revolutionized kidney care:
- Menus in Pictures: Recognizing the challenges faced by patients with language barriers or literacy issues, Jans introduced visual menus. This simple yet effective tool allows patients to easily select meals from the Zorg met Goede Voeding system, significantly improving nutritional intake among dialysis patients.
- The Beverage Guide (DrankenWijzer): Developed in collaboration with Prof. marianne Geleijnse and Wageningen University & research, this guide provides a clear overview of phosphate content in soft drinks and alcohol-free beers. Updated in 2022, it now includes 23 new non-alcoholic beverages, helping patients make informed dietary choices.
- Multilingual Information Videos: Jans’ team created accessible videos explaining nutrition and exercise for kidney patients. Available in Dutch, Arabic, Turkish, and Polish, these resources bridge cultural and linguistic gaps in healthcare.
- Niacinamide research: A recent study published in the Journal of Renal Nutrition highlights the effectiveness of niacinamide in managing phosphate levels, a critical aspect of kidney care.
- Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis: Jans implemented advanced technology to measure fluid balance and body composition, offering precise insights for personalized patient care.
A team Effort
While Jans’ achievements are unusual, she emphasizes the collaborative nature of her work. “I find it extremely honorable to receive this award. But I would like to emphasize that it was almost always teamwork, in different compositions, mono- and multi-disciplinary,” she said.
Key Contributions at a Glance
| initiative | Impact |
|————————————|—————————————————————————|
| Menus in Pictures | Improved nutritional intake for dialysis patients |
| Beverage Guide (DrankenWijzer) | Empowered patients to make informed dietary choices |
| Multilingual Information Videos | bridged language barriers in patient education |
| Niacinamide Research | Advanced treatment options for phosphate management |
| Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis | Enhanced precision in fluid balance and body composition measurements |
A Legacy of Inspiration
Inez jans’ work is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in healthcare.Her initiatives have not only improved patient outcomes but also set a benchmark for future advancements in kidney care.
For those seeking guidance on kidney-amiable diets, Jans’ work underscores the importance of consulting a renal dietitian. These specialists, like Jans, play a pivotal role in tailoring nutrition plans to individual needs, ensuring better health and quality of life for kidney patients.
As we celebrate Inez Jans’ remarkable achievements, her story serves as a reminder that even the smallest innovations can have a profound impact on healthcare. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide the next generation of dietitians and healthcare professionals.
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For more information on kidney-friendly diets, visit the Kidney Foundation.Inez Jans Honored with Maria ter Welle Prize for remarkable Contributions to kidney Care
In a well-deserved moment of recognition,Inez jans,a renowned dietitian and healthcare professional,has been awarded the prestigious Maria ter Welle Prize for her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of kidney patients. This accolade celebrates her decades-long dedication to advancing science, patient care, and education in the field of nephrology.
“Inez Jans is the embodiment of expertise and care,” says a colleague. “She has made enormous contributions to science, patient care, and education. There is hardly a dietician in the Netherlands who does not no her.”
A Legacy of Excellence in Kidney Care
Inez Jans’ career is a testament to her passion for improving healthcare outcomes. As an active member of national partnerships like the Dietitians Kidney Diseases Netherlands (DNN) and the Alliance for nutrition in Healthcare, she has played a pivotal role in developing guidelines, protocols, and educational materials that have shaped the field.
Her contributions extend far beyond her primary role.Jans holds several key positions, including:
- Member of the dialysis research team at Gelderse vallei Hospital.
- Chair of the quality working group and active contributor to the Guidelines working group within the DNN.
- Referent for the dutch Kidney Foundation’s website,www.nieren.nl.
- Member of the policy advisory council of the Network Council, formerly known as Nefrovisie, the quality institute for nephrology.
A Multifaceted Impact on Healthcare
Jans’ influence is not confined to clinical settings. She is also deeply involved in academia and research.as a student supervisor for research students in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research, she mentors the next generation of dietitians. Additionally,she is a member of the Nutritional Assessment Platform (NAP),where she has contributed to writing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for nutritional assessments.
Her expertise is further reflected in her authorship of dietary treatment protocols for conditions such as chronic kidney damage, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, kidney stones, and gout. These guidelines have become essential resources for healthcare professionals across the Netherlands.
A Trailblazer in Research and Education
Jans’ commitment to advancing knowledge is evident in her extensive publications, which can be found on her ResearchGate profile. Her work has not only improved patient care but also set new standards for nutritional therapy in kidney disease.
Key Contributions at a Glance
| Role | Organization/Initiative | impact |
|————————————|————————————————-|—————————————————————————-|
| Dialysis Research Team Member | Gelderse Vallei Hospital | Advancing dialysis treatment protocols |
| Chair, Quality Working Group | Dietitians Kidney Diseases Netherlands (DNN) | Developing guidelines for kidney disease management |
| Referent | www.nieren.nl | Providing expert insights on kidney health |
| Student Supervisor | Wageningen University & Research | Mentoring future dietitians and researchers |
| Author of Dietary Protocols | Various | Standardizing treatment for kidney-related conditions |
A Call to Action: Celebrating Excellence in Healthcare
Inez Jans’ recognition with the Maria ter Welle Prize is a reminder of the profound impact that dedicated healthcare professionals can have on patient outcomes. Her work serves as an inspiration to others in the field, highlighting the importance of collaboration, innovation, and education in advancing healthcare.
To learn more about her contributions, explore her publications on ResearchGate or visit the Dutch Kidney Foundation’s website, www.nieren.nl, for valuable resources on kidney health.
Jans’ story is a testament to the power of perseverance and expertise in transforming lives. As she continues to shape the future of kidney care, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.
Nally,her research contributions,such as the groundbreaking study on niacinamide for phosphate management,have been published in esteemed journals like the *Journal of Renal Nutrition*.
Her innovative initiatives, such as the *Menus in Pictures* and the *beverage Guide (DrankenWijzer)*, have not only improved patient care but also set new standards for accessibility and patient education in kidney care. These tools have been widely adopted and praised for their practicality and effectiveness in addressing the unique challenges faced by kidney patients.
Recognition and Inspiration
The maria ter Welle Prize is a fitting tribute to Inez Jans’ lifelong dedication to kidney care. Named after Maria ter Welle,a pioneer in Dutch dietetics,the award honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field.Jans’ receipt of this prize underscores her role as a trailblazer and a source of inspiration for healthcare professionals worldwide.
“This award is not just for me,” Jans humbly remarked. “It is a recognition of the collective efforts of my colleagues, students, and the entire healthcare community. Together, we have made strides in improving the lives of kidney patients, and I am proud to be part of this journey.”
Looking Ahead
As Inez Jans continues her work,her legacy serves as a beacon for innovation,collaboration,and compassion in healthcare. Her achievements remind us that even the smallest changes can have a profound impact on patient outcomes. For aspiring dietitians and healthcare professionals, Jans’ story is a powerful example of how dedication, creativity, and teamwork can transform lives.
For those interested in learning more about kidney-friendly diets or seeking guidance, Jans’ work highlights the importance of consulting a renal dietitian. These specialists play a crucial role in tailoring nutrition plans to individual needs, ensuring better health and quality of life for kidney patients.
To explore resources on kidney health and nutrition, visit the [Dutch Kidney Foundation](http://www.nieren.nl/) or the [Kidney Foundation UK](https://www.kidney.org.uk/healthy-eating-for-people-with-chronic-kidney-disease-ckd).
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Inez Jans’ story is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in healthcare. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations of dietitians and healthcare professionals, ensuring that kidney patients receive the best possible care.
