I am a medical doctor who graduated from KU Leuven (Belgium) in 2018. That same year, I moved to Brazil, where my (then) girlfriend —now wife— was living. We now reside in São Paulo, where I am pursuing a PhD in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of São Paulo (USP).
Since 2021, I have served as a guideline methodologist with the Working Group for the Development of Primary Care Guidelines in Belgium (WOREL). During my medical studies, I did not initially envision a career in academia or guideline development; I had imagined a future in clinical practice, inspired by meaningful patient interactions and the rewarding multidisciplinary collaboration I experienced during my internship in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.
When I arrived in Brazil, I faced a significant challenge: the national licensing exam (Revalida) was suspended at the time. This situation pushed me to think creatively and step outside my comfort zone. I worked as an ergonomic specialist at ArcelorMittal, took on freelance medical translation work, and eventually started a PhD at USP. Around this time, I also started working at WOREL and discovered the fascinating world of clinical guideline development, which has since become a true passion.
In 2021, when the Revalida exam was reinstated, I successfully validated my medical degree and obtained my Brazilian license —a major personal and professional milestone. In parallel with my work in guideline development, I maintain a strong interest in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine and Sports Medicine, as well as in Surgery, Rheumatology, Orthopedics, Traumatology, and General Practice.
Outside of my professional life, I am an avid sports enthusiast, particularly in field hockey and off-road triathlon —both of which I consider vital for my well-being. I am fortunate to share my life with my wonderful wife, Isabela, and our three-year-old son, Louis. Family is at the heart of everything I do, and we love to travel together, often between Belgium and Brazil, blending the best of both cultures into our daily lives.
Simon Van Cauwenbergh DOI form