Sanquin bids farewell to 'blood brothers'

Sanquin bids farewell to two highly valued colleagues, Hans Vrielink and Martin Smid, who have dedicated decades to blood supply and transfusion medicine, both nationally and internationally. Their recent retirement marks the end of impressive careers within Sanquin for these 'blood brothers'. Both were recently honored with symposia in recognition of their contributions.

left: Hans Vrielink, right: Martin Smid

Hans Vrielink: A healthcare hero with a heart for people (and animals!)

On April 17th, Sanquin paid tribute to Hans Vrielink. Hans began his career at Sanquin in 1985 as a doctor with a PhD. For more than three decades, he played a key role in the development of apheresis technologies and transfusion medicine. His work has been invaluable to the quality and safety of blood components.

Hans has been committed to collecting granulocytes, essential for treating patients with serious infections and immune deficiencies. In doing so, he has always provided great support to patients. His involvement extended beyond human health, as he also contributed to the use of apheresis for immunoglobulin therapy in baby elephants to combat the deadly elephant herpes virus. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a key role in the collection of convalescent plasma. Hans was also a prominent figure internationally, including as President of the World Apheresis Association, where he promoted global collaboration and innovation in his field. A true 'healthcare hero'!

Martin Smid: pushing boundaries by sharing knowledge

A few weeks later, on May 16th, Sanquin bids farewell to Martin Smid. Martin began in 1996 as medical director at the Red Cross Blood Bank Twente-Achterhoek and subsequently held various positions within the merged Sanquin. From 2010, he became the driving force and full-time managing director of Sanquin Consulting Services (SCS). Through SCS, Martin dedicated himself to supporting blood supplies worldwide, particularly in low-income countries, guided by the motto "Pushing boundaries by sharing knowledge."

He travelled the world, bringing Sanquin experts with him to share knowledge and provide advice. His work had a direct impact, exemplified by the story of the child in Zambia saved by a local transfusion. Projects in Georgia (blood bank reorganization), Suriname (training), and Sri Lanka (establishment of stem cell transplants, which have now surpassed 100 transplants) demonstrate the broad scope of SCS. Martin cited the collaboration with the blood bank in Curaçao as a personal highlight. He summarized his drive: "Feeling responsible for the blood supply implies a duty to also share your knowledge with other countries. Because worldwide, the desire is universal: sufficient, safe, and affordable blood for patients in need." Although retiring, Martin will remain involved, supporting his successors and serving as treasurer at the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). He calls his work at SCS 'the best job at Sanquin'. We will also continue to hear from Hans regularly.

Shared passion: enabling blood to reach where it otherwise couldn't

Hans and Martin have both made an indispensable contribution in their own unique way to ensuring sufficient, safe, and affordable blood and blood products for patients worldwide. Hans excelled in the scientific and technological advancements underpinning safe blood components, while Martin focused on global implementation and knowledge transfer to ensure international safety and availability. Their shared passion and decades of dedication within the same field, where knowledge sharing was paramount, truly make them 'blood brothers'. Both have left a important mark on Sanquin and global transfusion medicine. As Martin says: "As soon as they hear that you are also from a blood supply, you immediately belong. We are all a kind of family."

Enjoying retirement

The departure of Hans Vrielink and Martin Smid means Sanquin is saying goodbye to two pillars. Their expertise, drive, and personal touch will be missed. We are deeply grateful for their contributions.

Sanquin wishes Hans and Martin all the best!