Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Antwerp Karel de Grote University College will launch Flanders’ first postgraduate program in pain management in September 2026, led by Julie De Bock, developed with MATA and the Belgian Pain Society.
As VRT News reported, Karel de Grote University College in Antwerp will start a new postgraduate course in specialised pain management next academic year. It is the first program in Flanders that focuses fully on training nurses and other healthcare workers in this field.
Program coordinator Julie De Bock says that pain is covered in basic nursing studies, but only in a limited way. He mentioned that the new postgraduate program will go much deeper and give professionals the knowledge they need to deal with pain as a complex problem that involves more than only medical factors.
“Pain is a very complex concept. Students learn about it in the Bachelor’s program in Nursing, but it remains limited.”
Training Coordinator Julie De Bock
What will KdG’s 2026 Postgraduate in pain management mean for healthcare in Flanders?
Officials mentioned that the new course will teach students about the science of pain, methods to assess it and different treatment options. Both medicine-based and non-medical approaches will be included, as well as care for children, older patients and people in palliative treatment.
The new postgraduate course in pain management is built around 4 modules. The program offers a multidisciplinary view on pain and is open to nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists and other healthcare workers. Each module is designed to link theory with practice. The university says the setup allows professionals from different fields to learn together and to improve cooperation in patient care.
“We see that pain often requires a multidisciplinary approach, so it is important to offer training to different types of healthcare providers,”
De Bock explains.
The course will start in September 2026. Karel de Grote University College developed the program together with MATA, the Multidisciplinary Algological Teams Antwerp. MATA is part of the Belgian Pain Society and includes pain nurses from nearly all hospitals in the province of Antwerp.
“In addition, a scientific committee of experts monitors quality, so that the training continues to meet the highest standards,”
Adds the coordinator.
Chronic pain has been a major health concern in Belgium and Europe for many years, with research showing that about 1 in 5 adults suffer from long-term pain that affects daily life and work. In 2019, the Belgian government increased its support for multidisciplinary pain centres, but experts continued to stress the need for more specialised training.
The Belgian Pain Society, founded in 1974, has promoted education and cooperation on this issue for decades. In 2000,
Comments
9 responses to “KdG Antwerp Launches Flanders’ First Pain Postgraduate with De Bock”
-
Flanders’ first postgraduate in pain management? Brilliant move, now our healthcare workers can truly dive into the “joys” of suffering—what a way to spice up a resume! 😂💼
-
Finally, a postgraduate in pain management, because clearly, the world was just waiting for more ways to dig into our misery. 🤷♂️ Who knew that managing pain could require more than just a strong cup of coffee and a good old British stiff upper lip? 😏
-
So, Flanders is finally getting a crash course in pain management—just what we needed, right? 🎉 Because who wouldn’t want to spend their evenings learning how to deal with everyone’s moaning, especially when there’s a pub around the corner! 🍻
-
So, finally, Flanders is getting a postgraduate in pain management—because who wouldn’t want to study the fine art of discomfort for a few more years? 🤔💼 I suppose it’s just what we needed to spice up the job market—after all, how else will we tackle the existential pain of working in an office? 😂
-
Just what we needed, another course on pain management—because clearly the existing “limited” training has been a real walk in the park, hasn’t it? 😏 I suppose they’re aiming for a PhD in making us feel better about feeling bad!
-
Finally, a postgraduate course in pain management—because clearly, we need to teach everyone how to feel even more of it. 🤦♂️ At this rate, they’ll need a separate module just for handling all the complaints!
-
Finally, a postgraduate on pain management – just what we need to solve our existential crises! 🎓 Who knew dealing with discomfort could be so… academic? 😏
-
Finally, a postgraduate in pain management – because clearly, we needed a fancy degree to understand that life can be a bit of a bummer sometimes. 🎓💔 Next up, a master’s in dealing with your in-laws?
-
So, Flanders is finally getting serious about pain management, eh? Guess they figured if you’re going to hurt, might as well have a degree for it! 😂🍷
Last News
Canada expects submarine decision ‘in 30 days,’ procurement chief says
However, this step would not result in a final contract award but would progress one of the two qualified suppliers into detailed negotiations with Ottawa.
“Right now we have two qualified
Debate Intensifies Over Iran’s Leadership Transition as Analysts Explore Future Scenarios
Tehran, Iran, June 13 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Iran leadership transition remains a subject of significant discussion among political analysts, diplomats, and regional observers as attention continues to focus on the future direction of the country’s political system. While no official transition process is currently underway, conversations regarding a potential Iran leadership transition have in
Prosecutorial Overreach in Argentina: An Escalating Human Rights Issue
A Comparative Analysis of Expansive Prosecutorial Practices and Their Impact on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Due Process
In recent years, Argentina has seen a concerning trend in criminal cases: prosecutors extending their authority beyond legal limits, creatively interpreting laws, and handling evidence carelessly, raising significant human rights issues. As an international human rights l
Canada’s Carney Sees ‘Timely’ Role for G7 in Any Iran Deal
However, Carney stressed that any credible agreement must involve “a broader cessation of hostilities, including in Lebanon.”
Martin, whose government has b
Middle East Conflict Intensifies: New Challenges for Families, Economies, and Communities
Gaza Strip, June 13 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Middle East conflict impact remains a major concern as ongoing instability continues affecting families, communities, and economies throughout the region. Humanitarian organizations, governments, and international institutions are closely monitoring developments as the Middle East conflict impact extends beyond immediate security concerns and influence
World News Summary: Violence Impedes Ebola Response, Aid in Darfur and Gaza, Nicaraguan Activist’s Death in Custody
Escalating Regional Security Tensions: Diplomacy and Military Actions Reshape the Middle East
Jerusalem, Israel, June 13 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Regional security tensions continue drawing international attention as diplomatic negotiations, military activity, and geopolitical developments shape the outlook for the Middle East. Governments, investors, and policy experts are closely monitoring events across the region as regional security tensions influence security planning, economic expe
Swedish Jets Intercept Russian Aircraft in Two Separate Incidents
The Swedish military indicated in a statement that on Friday there were two separate occurrences when Russian Su-24 and Su-34 fighter jets flew in the Baltic Sea area but did not enter Swedish airspace.
“Russia’s actions ar
Switzerland’s Population Cap Vote Threatens EU Free Movement
Swiss voters are approaching a national ballot on whether to restrict the permanent resident population below 10 million until 2050. If approved, this could force Switzerland to limit family reunification and asylum measures, affecting its free movem
Rising Regional Security Risks Amid Global Focus on Middle East Diplomacy
Jerusalem, Israel, June 13 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Regional security risks are drawing renewed international attention as governments across the Middle East closely monitor ongoing diplomatic developments involving major global and regional powers. Policymakers, security analysts, and investors continue evaluating how changing geopolitical conditions could influence stability, cooperation, and f
Leave a Reply