Exploring Ohio State’s Destination Medicine: A Journey Through Patient Experiences and Innovations

Dutch Patient Finds Lifesaving Care at Ohio State Despite Insurance Hurdles

Columbus, OH – For Annchien de Wal de Bruijn, a resident of the netherlands, a persistent headache led to a complex medical journey that ultimately brought her across the Atlantic to The Ohio State University James Cancer Center. Diagnosed with a benign but growing brain tumor in 2016, de Bruijn’s search for effective treatment led her to a specialized surgical team adn the support of Ohio State’s Destination Medicine program.

Years of dismissed symptoms finally culminated in a diagnosis, but an initial surgery in her home country proved insufficient. Referred to neurosurgeon Dr. Daniel Prevedello and head and neck surgeon Dr. Ricardo Carrau at the James, de Bruijn learned of a minimally-invasive procedure utilizing the nasal passages to access the skull base – a technique the doctors had pioneered.

The Destination Medicine team facilitated de Bruijn’s travel to the U.S. for surgery in both 2016 and 2019. De Bruijn notably credits Milly Valverde, the program’s director, with providing crucial emotional support, describing her as “like a mother” throughout the process.

The first surgery successfully reduced the tumor’s size and was covered by insurance.However,when the tumor regrew after a period of waiting for radiotherapy unavailable in the Netherlands at the time,de Bruijn faced a important challenge: her insurance wouldn’t cover a second operation.

Undeterred, and despite the financial burden, de Bruijn chose to return to ohio State. She placed her trust in Drs. Prevedello and Carrau, even though the procedure was now available in the Netherlands, believing their expertise offered the best outcome.

As of 2025, de Bruijn reports being stable. While she experiences some lasting effects – vision and hearing loss, and occasional fatigue – she expresses gratitude for her health and quality of life. she continues to work part-time as a pedicurist when able and enjoys the companionship of her dachshund, Olaf.

“I am privileged,” de Bruijn stated, acknowledging the support of her husband and the successful outcome of her treatment at Ohio State.

The case highlights the growing trend of medical tourism and the vital role programs like Destination Medicine play in connecting international patients with specialized care.

How does Ohio State’s Destination Medicine initiative personalize treatment plans for patients, notably in areas like cancer care?

What is Destination Medicine at Ohio state?

Ohio State University’s Destination Medicine initiative represents a bold vision for the future of healthcare, focusing on delivering highly specialized, innovative care to patients from across the globe. It’s more than just treating illness; it’s about pioneering new therapies, improving patient outcomes, and setting a new standard for medical excellence. This approach attracts patients seeking cutting-edge treatments unavailable elsewhere – hence the “destination” aspect. Key areas of focus include cancer, heart and vascular, neurological disorders, and transplant medicine.

Specialized Care Centers Driving Innovation

Ohio state’s Destination Medicine isn’t housed in a single location, but rather thrives within a network of specialized care centers. These centers are designed to provide complete, multidisciplinary care tailored to specific conditions.

The james Cancer Hospital and Richard J. solove Research Institute: A nationally recognized leader in cancer care, offering advanced therapies like immunotherapy, gene therapy, and robotic surgery.

The Heart and Vascular Center: Providing comprehensive care for all heart and vascular conditions, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries and heart transplants.

Neurological Institute: Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, including stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Utilizing advanced neuroimaging and minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Transplant Center: Offering a full spectrum of transplant services, including kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplants, with a strong emphasis on long-term patient support.

The Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Institute: Focused on research and clinical care for patients with severe heart and lung disease.

Patient Experiences: Stories of Hope and Healing

The impact of Destination Medicine is best illustrated through the experiences of patients who have benefited from its innovative approach.While maintaining patient privacy is paramount, publicly available testimonials and case studies highlight the transformative power of this initiative.

Such as, patients with previously untreatable cancers have experienced remission through participation in clinical trials at The James. Individuals with severe heart failure have regained quality of life thanks to advanced cardiac therapies offered at the Heart and Vascular Center. These stories underscore the hope and healing that Destination Medicine provides.

Cutting-Edge Technologies & Research Advancements

Ohio State’s commitment to research is central to its Destination Medicine strategy. Notable investments in technology and research are driving breakthroughs in several key areas:

Genomic Medicine: Utilizing genomic sequencing to personalize treatment plans based on an individual’s genetic makeup. This is particularly impactful in cancer care,allowing for targeted therapies that minimize side effects.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: Employing AI to analyze medical images, predict patient outcomes, and accelerate drug discovery.

Minimally Invasive Surgery: Utilizing robotic surgery and other minimally invasive techniques to reduce recovery times and improve patient outcomes.

Immunotherapy: Harnessing the power of the immune system to fight cancer and other diseases.Ohio State is a leader in developing novel immunotherapies.

3D Printing in Medicine: Creating customized prosthetics, implants, and even surgical models using 3D printing technology.

The Multidisciplinary Team Approach

A hallmark of Ohio State’s destination Medicine is its emphasis on multidisciplinary care. Patients benefit from the expertise of a team of specialists, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of a patient’s care are addressed, from medical treatment to emotional support. Regular “tumor boards” or similar collaborative meetings are held to discuss complex cases and develop individualized treatment plans.

Benefits of Choosing Ohio State for Destination Medicine

Selecting Ohio State for specialized medical care offers several distinct advantages:

Access to Leading Experts: Patients are treated by nationally and internationally recognized specialists.

Innovative Treatments: Access to the latest clinical trials and cutting-edge therapies.

Comprehensive Care: A multidisciplinary team approach ensures all aspects of care are addressed.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to advanced medical technology and facilities.

* Patient-centered Approach: A focus on providing compassionate, personalized care.