Personal profile
Research interests
My research journey began with a strong foundation in qualitative methodologies during my PhD, where I focused on digital, postgraduate medical education. This early work equipped me with the skills to explore complex medical issues through a qualitative lens. Over the years, my research has expanded to include a diverse range of topics, leading to significant contributions in gynecology, such as the introduction of “Cesarean Scar Disorder” and the professionalization of gynecological ultrasound imaging.
Currently, my research interests are centered on several key areas:
- eHealth: I am actively involved in the development and evaluation of smartphone applications aimed at the early diagnosis and treatment of menstrual health issues. My work places a particular emphasis on adolescent menstrual health care, seeking to improve accessibility and outcomes for this vulnerable population.
- Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Imaging: Leveraging big data from eHealth applications, I utilize deep learning techniques to gain insights into gynecological complaints. This research also extends to advanced gynecological imaging, including 3D ultrasound, Doppler imaging, and microvascular flow (MV) analysis, to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
- Neuropathic Pain: My research in neuropelveology focuses on the standardization and evaluation of neuropathic pain syndromes, such as pelvic congestion and the use of parasympathetic and other nerve stimulators. Additionally, I investigate the impact of endometriosis on neuropathic pain, aiming to improve treatment protocols and patient outcomes.
- Surgical Innovation: I explore the cost-effectiveness and clinical outcomes of robotic surgery, particularly in the repair of cesarean scar defects and neurolysis surgery. My work adheres to the IDEAL framework, ensuring that new surgical techniques are rigorously evaluated for safety and efficacy.
This diverse portfolio of research is united by a commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology with clinical practice, ultimately aiming to enhance patient care and outcomes in gynecology.
Specialisation
With extensive clinical experience and accreditation in gynecology, I have built a solid foundation in managing complex cases within this field. My clinical expertise is underpinned by years of specialized training and practice, particularly in the areas of endometriosis, adenomyosis, neuropelveology, and complex benign gynecological surgery.
My current clinical expertise lies in the following areas:
- Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: As the deputy head of the Endometriosis Center, I am responsible for the comprehensive care of patients with complex endometriosis and adenomyosis. This includes advanced imaging and surgical interventions. Additionally, I manage the logistics, planning, and care evaluation for the regional endometriosis network “Endometriose Groot Amsterdam,” ensuring high standards of care across the region.
- Neuropelveology: As the head of the Amsterdam Neuropelveology Center, I lead diagnostic pathways for women suffering from chronic pelvic neuropathic pain. This specialized outpatient clinic provides targeted diagnostic and therapeutic options, addressing the unique challenges faced by women with these conditions.
- Tertiary Referral Cases for Complex Benign Surgery: I specialize in managing complex benign gynecological surgeries, with a particular focus on cesarean scar (niche) repair, uterine disorders such as fibroids, and rare ectopic pregnancies, including those located in niches and the interstitium. My expertise in these areas makes me a key referral point for challenging cases that require advanced surgical intervention.
My clinical practice is dedicated to delivering high-quality, specialized care to patients with some of the most challenging gynecological conditions, ensuring they receive the best possible outcomes.
Related documents
Education/Academic qualification
Masterclass Online presentations , Felippe Nardi
Award Date: 19 Sept 2024
Level 2 Neuropelveologist, International Society of NeuroPelveology (ISNP)
Award Date: 30 Sept 2023
Level 1 Neuropelveologist, International Society of NeuroPelveology (ISNP)
Award Date: 21 May 2023
Basic Qualification in Education (BKO), VUmc
Award Date: 16 Aug 2021
Intuitive Console Surgeon, Intuitive Surgical
Award Date: 1 Jun 2020
PhD, Guiding the digital Educator, VU University: -
Award Date: 21 Jun 2019
Basic Course on Regulations and Organisation for clinical investigators (BROK), NFU
Award Date: 4 Mar 2018
Master, Master of Science in Medicin, AMC-UvA, Netherlands
Award Date: 1 Sept 2009
Bachelor, Undergraduate in Psychology , UvA
Award Date: 1 Sept 2002
Bachelor, Bachelor Theater Arts, Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten
Award Date: 1 Sept 2001
External positions
Oprichter, Stichting Women's Health
12 Oct 2023 → …
Member, Rare Bone Disease Center Amsterdam
2022 → …
Voorzitter, Adolescenten Netwerk Nederland
2021 → …
Voorzitter Cie Curriculum
Special Interest Group Robotic Surgery, ESGE
Member niche Taskforce, ESGE
Board member Digital Learning Environment platform, FMS
Founder & CEO, IDEACT VOF
Board member Dutch Myoma group, Mycena
President NVOG working group LOGO, NVOG
Board member working group LOGO, NVOG
… → 2021
Board member Working Group Gynaecological Endoscopy, NVOG
… → 2021
Board member Association of Residents in Gynaecology and Obstetrics (VAGO), NVOG
… → 2014
Keywords
- LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education
- RG Gynecology and obstetrics
- QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
-
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
-
SDG 4 Quality Education
-
SDG 5 Gender Equality
-
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
-
Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for the evaluation of fibrosis in patients with benign uterine disorders: a systematic review
Kol, S. Q., Wassenaar, N. P. M., de Leeuw, R. A. & Bipat, S., 5 Feb 2026, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Abdominal radiology (New York).Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Downloads (Pure) -
Reasons for adolescents (not) to participate in scientific research: factors to consider
Özcan, H., Wage, L. C., Dekker, J. J. M. L., Huirne, J. A. F., Burger, N. B. & De Leeuw, R. A., 6 Feb 2026, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
-
Therapeutic outcomes and patient-reported experiences for endometriosis in the canal of Nuck
van Duin, L., Kol, S., Cantineau, A., de Leeuw, R., Mijatovic, V. & van Loendersloot, L., 20 Feb 2026, In: European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology. 318, p. 114944 1 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
-
A Novel Semi-Quantified Method for Grading Sonographic Severity of Adenomyosis and its Relation With Clinical Symptoms: An Observational Study
Trommelen, L. M., Verbeek, C., van den Bosch, T., van Galen, K. P. M., Huirne, J. A. F. & de Leeuw, R. A., 25 Dec 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Journal of ultrasound in medicine.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open Access -
Assessment of recovery after childbirth; a cross-sectional study
Frijmersum, Z. Z., van der Meij, E., de Leeuw, R. A., Anema, J. R., Huirne, J. A. F. & Bakker, P. C. A. M., Nov 2025, In: European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology. 314, p. 114676 114676.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open AccessFile13 Downloads (Pure)
Activities
-
Medtronic advanced laparoscopy course - TLH
de Leeuw, R. (Participant)
13 Jun 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in workshop, seminar, course › Professional
-
GETUP 2025
de Leeuw, R. (Participant)
16 Apr 2025 → 19 Apr 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › organising
-
Scanvio
de Leeuw, R. (Visiting researcher)
3 Apr 2025Activity: Visiting an external institution › Visiting an external academic institution › Academic
-
Grant Writing Course VU
de Leeuw, R. (Participant)
11 Feb 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in workshop, seminar, course › Academic
-
EEL Robotic Endometriosis Surgery Masterclass
de Leeuw, R. (Participant)
5 Feb 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in workshop, seminar, course › Professional
Press/Media
-
-
Adenomyose van de baarmoeder: Wat is het en hoe wordt het behandeld?
01/08/2024
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Press / Media
-
Effecten van een keizersnee op de bekkenbodem
01/08/2024
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Press / Media
-
-
Impacts
-
-
Oppositie proefschrift: Submucous Fibroids (Ilse Keizer)
de Leeuw, R. A. (Participant)
Impact: impact_on_innovation