In Memoriam: Prof. dr. Jan Poelaert

On Wednesday 19th of June 2024, the Belgian anesthesiology and intensive care community have lost Professor dr. Jan Poelaert. His departure left many of us speechless with sadness. We lose a beautiful person and a characterful colleague.

He was an esteemed figure in the field of anesthesiology and intensive care medicine. Jan is leaving behind a legacy of exceptional contributions to medical research, clinical practice, and education in both anesthesiology and intensive care medicine. He played a pivotal role in shaping the future of TEE in the perioperative period and in critically ill patients.

Born on the 28th of September 1956 in Ghent, Belgium, Professor Jan Poelaert demonstrated an aptitude for medicine and graduates as Doctor of Medicine on the 6th of July, 1983 (Faculty of Medicine, University of Gent, Belgium). He became a certified Anesthetist on 12th of August 1988) and was Critical Care Physician- Belgian Society of Intensive Care Medicine since the 23th of October 1997. His PhD thesis was entitled “Transoesophageal Echocardiography in Critically Ill Patients. A Comprehensive Approach”. Jan was Clinical Director Cardiac Anesthesia and Postoperative Cardiac Surgical ICU at the University Hospital Ghent, Belgium (until September 30, 2007) and pursued his academic journey at the VUB where he was appointed Chairman of the department of Anesthesia.

Professor Poelaert’s influence extended far beyond the borders of Belgium. He was an influential figure in numerous international organizations and societies associated with Anesthesiology and Critical Care. The list of his international engagement as boardmember or reviewer is impressive: Editorial Board of the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia since 1993; Reviewer and Consultant of Anesthesia and Analgesia; Anesthesiology; British Journal of Anaesthesia; Chest; European Journal of Echocardiography; Intensive Care Medicine; Critical Care; Acta Clinica Belgica; and Acta Anaesthesiologica Belgica.

He was (Co)Promotor of 8 doctoral theses, published 135 Peer Reviewed + 24 Non-Peer Reviewed Publications, 23 book chapters and was editor of 3 books.

Jan was mainly active in intensive care but had a real passion for anesthesia. It was his opinion that anesthetists should be much more than “narcotizers”. He was a great supporter of anesthetists who dared to take on their duties as doctors with pride. Jan his inexhaustible energy was admirable and so was his credo “we shall succeed”.

Prof Poelaert was married to Martine Devos on the 3rd of July 1985. Their marriage was blessed with seven children and seven grandchildren. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Professor Poelaert’s family, friends, colleagues and all those whose lives he touched. May his legacy continue to inspire generations of medical professionals and may he rest in peace.