Dr. Patrycja Puiman is a highly skilled consultant pediatrician specializing in child abuse pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine. She leads the child abuse team at the Sophia Children’s Hospital, part of the Erasmus Medical Center, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing the hospital's multidisciplinary approach to identifying and responding to cases of child abuse. Dr. Puiman is actively involved in several key initiatives, including the 'Erasmus MC Child Sexual Assault Center,' the 'Rotterdam Center for Domestic Violence and Child Abuse,' and the national 'Dutch Expertise Center for Child Abuse.'

Her primary research focus lies in the early and accurate recognition of child abuse. Dr. Puiman spearheaded the Dutch consortium on child abuse screening, leading to the development of a new Screening instrument for Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN). This groundbreaking work was followed by the multicenter study, “Implementation of SCAN in the Netherlands,” which explored the practical application of the screening tool across various healthcare settings.

In addition to her work in the Netherlands, Dr. Puiman collaborates with European colleagues to enhance the recognition of child maltreatment in emergency departments. She is currently engaged in initiatives aimed at implementing strategies across Europe to improve the detection and management of child abuse, ensuring that vulnerable children receive the care and protection they need.

Through her leadership in both clinical practice and research, Dr. Puiman has made significant contributions to the field of child abuse pediatrics, improving the recognition and response to child maltreatment both in the Netherlands and internationally.