Life After DAFT: Our favorite doctor ups his game
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
A year ago we first profiled internist and sports medicine specialist Dr. RJ Pesigan, who moved to the Netherlands first to get an MBA, later worked via a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa and then ultimately the DAFT.
A lot has changed in just one year.
His DAFT business - Cornerstone Health - continues to help other Americans in the Netherlands navigate the Dutch medical system. And he’s added more strings to his bow: he’s a contract doctor for FIFA and for the Guam national soccer team, he conducts telehealth consultations for New York-based patients through Rocket Doctor, he’s part of the development of an app based continuing education program, Vinea, and he’s helping to develop an elite sports performance program and facility in the Philippines.
He’s also joined Expat Health Clinic as a consultant, seeing patients under the direction of the physician owner of the clinic. Although being on the BIG register* (Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg) - a requirement for physicians - is not allowed under DAFT, being a freelance consultant is. “This is probably closer to being what we would call a Physicians Assistant in the US,” says RJ.
Future steps
We can expect two big changes to RJ’s work life in the near future: once he gains EU permanent residency status, he will go off the DAFT and be able to apply to be listed on the BIG register.
For EU permanent residency he only needs to pass an A2 Dutch test. He’s blown well past that, now taking four Dutch lessons per week. In order to be admitted to the BIG register, he has to speak B2+. He thinks he’s pretty close to that level and will begin that application process once his residency application is approved.
It seems likely that RJ’s various practices and businesses will continue to flourish as his life in the Netherlands moves forward.
“We moved here for more family balance and peace and we’ve accomplished that. As a DAFTer, I tried to diversify and expand and now I’m at a great place professionally, but still have the work-life balance that eluded me in the US,” says RJ.
Editor’s note: We recommend RJ’s resources page on his Cornerstone Health site to all new immigrants. It’s full of very useful information!
Reach out to RJ:
Website: www.cornerstonehealth.pro
Instagram: @cornerstone_hlth
Facebook: @rj.212454
*BIG registration is an official, public Dutch database that proves a healthcare professional is legally licensed and qualified to practice in the Netherlands. BIG stands for Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg (Professions in Individual Healthcare). It protects patients, secures professional titles, and allows independent practice.
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