MINT is a postgraduate educational institute situated in Maastricht, the Netherlands. The institute was founded in 1998 and provides postgraduate courses for various (para)medical disciplines. MINT is embedded in NUTRIM School for Nutrition, Toxicology and Metabolism, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.

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Goal
MINT wants to attribute to the enlargement of the professional knowledge and the understanding of nutritional depletion and metabolic aberrations in relation to disease. In addition, the institute wants to promote the correct implementation of available and novel therapeutic strategies in this field.

Target group
The target group of MINT consists of the medical and paramedical profession and scientific researchers. The composition of a target group varies between courses.

Why MINT?

Growing demand
MINT organizes high quality courses about clinical subjects not yet covered by others, but for which the target group addresses a clear demand. The interest for nutritional therapy and modulation of metabolism is growing among the (para)medical profession, patients and the media. This is related to important developments in the scientific field:

• New insights in the cause and the treatment of chronic diseases shifting from the primary medical problem only to a more holistic approach.
• A new view on nutrients, especially with respect to therapeutic characteristics.
• A merging between nutrition and medicine.
• More attention for an integrated approach of chronic diseases.

Broad support
MINT activities are organized by a combination of prominent professors from the scientific field and (para)medical opinion leaders from the target group.

MINT to measure
New course activities and documentation (flow charts, tutorials, brochures) are developed after requests from the field or according to important social developments in the scientific field.

Course characteristics

The residential courses are target group specific and based on the Problem Based Learning model. The duration varies from 2 to 3 days. Workshops, modules and symposia are problem oriented. Central in the MINT formula stands an excellent worked-out casuistry, in which the basic problem is optimally expressed. This problem is further dealt with by means of discussion sessions, self-study, short 'state of the arts' by prominent professors, practicals and role-playing.

The effectiveness of all MINT activities are carefully evaluated by means of questionnaires and publications in relevant trade papers or scientific journals.

Spearheads
Based on the total process of knowledge - understanding - implementation MINT has formulated the 3 spearheads:

• Professional deepening according to the latest scientific insights. This spearhead is accomplished by the development of courses in close consultation with the MINT advisory board.
• Development and evaluation of information and communication technology (ICT) in the Problem Based Learning model, especially focusing on the periods before and after the residential courses. This is accomplished by collaboration with the Maastricht University.
• Combination of medical and management subjects in close consultation with participants from all layers of the working field.

Organization

MINT Institute

Mrs Prof. Annemie Schols (PhD) is the director of MINT, coordinating the planning and content of the courses. She is also the director of the research institute NUTRIM of the Maastricht University. Ms Roelinka Broekhuizen (PhD) is program coordinator of MINT. The courses are developed in consultation with the MINT advisory board and a (course specific) program committee. The advisory board is formed by professors with unique expertise on the area of the course subjects, affinity with the MINT formula, and insight in the relevant target groups. The program leaders of a course are at least one representative from the target group in combination with a field expert. MINT teachers are scientists as well as (para)medical specialists.

Executives
Prof. Dr. J.G.A.J. Hautvast, Professor Emeritus Human Nutrition
Prof. Dr. Ir. Saris, Scientific Professor Human Nutrition, Maastricht University, Maastricht

Advisory Board
Prof. dr. H.S.A. Heymans, Professor of Pediatrics, Amsterdam
Prof. dr. J.A. Romijn, Professor of Endocrinology, Leiden
Prof. dr. H.P. Sauerwein, Professor of Energy Metabolism, Amsterdam
Prof. dr. P.B. Soeters, Professor Emeritus of Surgery
Prof. dr. E.F.M. Wouters, Professor of Pulmonology, Maastricht 
Prof. dr. J.M.G.A. Schols, Foundation Vivre, Maastricht and Professor of Nursing Home Medicine, Maastricht University

Course location
Vaalsbroek Castle, Vaals, in the south of the Netherlands has been chosen as the location since it is ideally suited for short retreats, far away from daily practice. Some courses in collaboration with other organizations as well as short courses (one day or less) may take place at other locations.

Costs
The costs of the residential courses include overnight stay in Vaalsbroek Castle (or any other location), course documentation, meals and a social program. Costs vary per course depending on duration, location and possibly sponsors.

MINT website
The internet is an important media for both the (para)medical and the scientific field. On this website interesting links and up-to-date information on our courses can be found. In addition, online registration for MINT courses is possible, as well as participating in discussions or asking questions on the forum.
For any questions, suggestions and remarks, please send a message to H.R Gosker (). He is responsible for the maintenance of this website.

More Information?

MINT secretary:
Fabienne Defauwes
PO Box 5800
6202 AZ Maastricht
The Netherlands
tel: +31-43-3875108
fax: +31-43-3875051
email: