From the Hospital to Occupational Health: Mats on His Traineeship and Learning at Capability

“The best part of my work? That I can have a positive influence on someone’s recovery. That I can support an employee from a vulnerable situation to the moment they say: ‘I see possibilities again.’ That gives me fulfilment every time.” For Mats Boekel (34), trainee occupational physician, that is the essence of his profession.

After studying medicine in Groningen, he worked for five years as a hospital doctor, including in cardiology, internal medicine, the emergency department and radiotherapy. When he was not accepted for the radiotherapy training programme, he reflected on what gave him the most energy. The answer: guiding sick patients through their treatment. “I then looked at which specialism was closest to that, and that turned out to be occupational health. I already had some experience in that field during my internships, so the decision was quickly made. Looking back, it was the right step.”

A Solid Foundation at Capability

Through contacts, Mats came into touch with Capability and sister company Rienks Arbodienst, both part of the Prevermo Group. He started the Occupational Health Physician Traineeship, with Capability providing the kick-off. “The traineeship begins with an intensive period at Capability, where absence managers take you step by step through their work. You learn how the absence process works, what legislation and regulations involve, how to structure conversations and how to write reports for employers. That foundation has been hugely valuable for my further development.”

Those first months were important for Mats. “I really appreciated being taken under their wing. The absence managers at Capability relieve you of a lot and show you how to work in a structured and careful way. My medical knowledge gave me confidence in dealing with physical complaints, but mental health issues were new territory for me. I learned a great deal about that in a short time.”

The Advantage of Multiple Perspectives

The traineeship doesn’t only involve Capability but also Rienks Arbodienst, another organisation within Prevermo. “The big advantage is that you get to know different work cultures, client groups and approaches to absence. Capability, for example, focuses not only on large corporates and SMEs but also on organisations in the staffing industry. That brings different absence patterns and ways of communicating. This diversity means you learn much faster and are better able to provide tailored solutions.”

The traineeship is structured in phases: first observing and listening in, then practising conversations, problem analyses and assessments, and eventually running consultations independently and providing advice.

Every Situation Requires Tailor-Made Advice

Mats quickly discovered that no two recovery processes are the same. “Every recovery has its own pace and challenges. Sometimes more time is needed or a different approach works better. It is important to tailor your advice accordingly.”

At Capability he also learned how crucial careful reporting is, within GDPR rules. “This way, you provide clarity about employability without breaching privacy. It prevents misunderstandings and helps everyone move forward.”

The Power of Collaboration

For Mats, collaboration within the Prevermo Group is one of the strong points of the traineeship. “You have close contact with colleagues from several occupational health services and medical specialists. You reach out to one another, share knowledge and work together on the best solution. That collective strength makes the work both more enjoyable and more effective.”

Energy from Making an Impact

Whether it’s giving someone a push in the right direction or arranging an intervention, Mats gains energy when he sees someone regain perspective. “What I find most rewarding is that people I treat genuinely feel they are being heard. If I can support them, offer advice and arrange the right interventions, I hope to have a positive impact on their recovery.”

Looking Ahead

From September, Mats will begin the official four-year occupational physician training, part-time via SGBO in Nijmegen. “The traineeship at Capability was the perfect way for me to become familiar with occupational health and all its processes and practices. It has given me a solid professional foundation and shown me how vital collaboration and human attention are in this field.” He will continue his commitment within the Prevermo Group’s occupational health services.