Care that looks beyond the illness

Care that looks beyond the illness – the holistic approach of Mauro Medical Specialists in practice

Cancer care is evolving. Whereas the focus used to be primarily on medical treatment, there is a growing awareness that true care goes beyond the disease itself. It’s about the person behind the diagnosis, about health in its entirety—physical, emotional, and mental. Mauro Medical Specialists plays a pioneering role in this regard. Internal medicine oncologist Tanja Oostergo is a strong advocate of this approach. With her years of experience in the hospital and her holistic view of health, she demonstrates what integrated care can mean in practice.

Tanja Oostergo (internal medicine oncologist)

More than just treatment

“What has always fascinated me about oncology,” she says, “is that the field is constantly evolving. But what drives me even more, perhaps, is the strength of people. Despite the sadness that cancer brings, I also see tremendous mental resilience. It’s special to be able to walk alongside someone facing cancer for a little while.”

After completing her training in Rotterdam and her fellowship at the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Tanja has been working as an internal medicine oncologist at the Diakonessenhuis in Utrecht since 2019. She brings that knowledge and experience to Mauro Medical Specialists.

Mauro's vision: people-centered and holistic

Mauro Medical Specialists does not perform medical treatments itself, but offers specialized advice and guidance—in addition to standard hospital care. “We don’t just look at the illness, but at the person as a whole,” she explains. “What does someone need to feel stronger, to gain more control, and to make choices that truly suit them?”

This approach aligns perfectly with the principles of integrative health: an international movement that combines conventional medicine with proven complementary therapies. These include nutrition, mindfulness, breathing techniques, lifestyle coaching, and acupuncture. Mauro does not (yet) offer these services himself, but he does help patients find reliable options and appropriate support.

Room for the whole story

What motivated her to join Mauro? “In the hospital, time with patients is often limited, even though a diagnosis like cancer raises so many questions. At Mauro, there is room for that. Time for explanations, for peace of mind, for the questions that often don’t come up until later. And it’s not just about medical information, but also about nutrition, exercise, sleep, emotions—about life itself.”

It is precisely in that space that something special happens. A different kind of conversation, in a warmer setting. “I look forward to supporting patients in a more personal way—not just as a doctor, but as a person—by focusing on what matters to them, whether that’s medical treatment or support in dealing with anxiety, fatigue, or other concerns.”

Experience and humanity

With her extensive experience in treating breast, prostate, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer, among other conditions, she brings not only medical expertise but also a coaching approach. “I like to work with people to explore what’s possible given their individual circumstances. Guidelines are important, but ultimately, every person is unique. What works for you? That’s what it’s all about.”

For her as well, that balance between body and mind is something she focuses on every day. “This work has changed me. I’ve become much more aware of how fragile life is. Happiness is often found in the little things: a walk in the woods with our dog, a good conversation, or a cup of coffee in the sun. That’s what I try to convey to my patients—and to live by myself.”

Working Together Toward a New Standard

Mauro Medical Specialists is working step by step to create a center where medical expertise and complementary care come together. In this initial phase, the focus is on providing advice, guidance, and sharing reliable information. But the goal is clear: to set a new standard for comprehensive cancer care in the Netherlands.

“To me, this feels like the healthcare of the future,” she concludes. “It’s not an either/or situation, but a both/and one. Conventional treatment combined with holistic support for the whole person. Mauro is a wonderful example of that.”