title: Making medical and research strategic choices: a case study from Antwerp University Hospital.
abstract: In the early 2000s, Antwerp University Hospital witnessed drastic changes to its circumstances: large general hospitals in the area were marged and the university hospital was privatized and separated from the University of Antwerp, which is primarily a teaching university. In light of these developments, Antwerp University Hospital adopted a strategy of transforming itself into a more specialized centre of expertise. Three fields of specialization were selected by the management as centres of excellence, based on clinical and scientific indicators. In a renewed synergy with the university, a clinical research centre was established to direct joint translational research. The core facilities for translational research were also selected in limited numbers based on strengths and opportunities. After six years, the centre had demonstrated that small, more specialized institutions can also be successful.
authors.forename: Johnny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van der Straeten
mesh_terms: D001530:Belgium; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical