Koen Pardon

MSc, PhD - Psychologist

Science 
Koen Pardon (MA Clinical Psychology, Postgraduate Psychotherapy, PhD Psychology) has been a full-time professor of Health Communication and Palliative Care at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel since October 1, 2018. He initiated the “Palliative Care for People with Cancer” research program within the End-of-Life Care Alliance Research Group, a partnership between the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, in 2013. Together with his team, he has led innovations in palliative care, notably integrating early palliative care into oncological treatment. Key projects like the IPAC study have challenged traditional care models, fostering a significant paradigm shift towards more compassionate, patient-centered care. His academic contributions are evidenced by numerous peer-reviewed publications and leadership in securing significant research funding, including EU HORIZON projects. 

Communication 
Koen Pardon has significantly improved communication education at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. As an advocate for evidence-based teaching, he has developed an advanced communication curriculum in collaboration with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including academic leaders, students, medical professionals, and patients. This program, designed to improve doctor-patient interactions, is delivered in small group settings to maximize learning outcomes. Koen Pardon's commitment to improving communication skills in medical and pharmacy education is also shown by his writing of "Ik luister, voorschriften voor een gezonde arts-patiënt communicatie." This comprehensive book offers practical, evidence-based advice for better communication in healthcare. 

Ombudsperson 
In his role as the central ombudsperson at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Koen Pardon is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive academic environment. He deeply values fairness, transparency, and integrity, guiding his work within the university's educational processes. His efforts as an ombudsperson are a continuation of his dedication to the academic community, with the goal of ensuring equitable opportunities and outcomes for both students and faculty.