When a lung condition affects your ability to breathe and function normally, know that you can turn to Curaçao Medical Center ‘s Pulmonology Department for expert diagnosis, treatment, education and rehabilitative services.
We have a team of pulmonary specialists—physicians with advanced knowledge and skill in diagnosing and treating pulmonary (lung) conditions and diseases—along with respiratory therapists, nurses and others with expertise in lung care who are here to help you.
We also work closely with EMC Rotterdam for complex pulmonary hypertension patients. Tailored care is provided on a case-by- case basis and in occasional cases a transfer to Rotterdam is suggested.
Treatments & Conditions
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and chronic bronchitis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Environmental or occupational lung diseases such as asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Lung infections
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Sarcoidosis
- Symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough
Pulmonology Programs & Services
- Diagnostic:
- Pulmonary function testing
- Asthma challenge testing
- Cardiopulmonary exercise testing
- Bronchoscopy
- Treatment:
- Mobilization and pulmonary rehabilitation to increase breathing capacity Pulmonary hygiene and suctioning
- Nutrition/dietary counseling
- Medication
- Thoracic Surgery
Specialists Pulmonolgy
Dr. Tamara Blonk - Pulmonologist
During her specialization in Pulmonology Dr. Blonk did an internship at the Royal Brompton Hospital, London, on the subject of non-CF bronchiectasis and recurrent infections.
Dr. Blonk’s has expertise in pulmonary infectious diseases such as Tubeculose, bronchiectasis, and sleep apnea syndrome / OSAS. She has Worked in several hospitals in the Netherlands, including the Jeroen Bosch Hospital (den Bosch), Amstelland hospital (Amstelveen) and at North-West Hospital Group (Alkmaar / den Helder).
In 2018, together with her husband, son and cat, Dr. Blonk decided to go back to her grandfather’s roots on Curaçao to learn more about the culture and to be closer to her family. Her additional responsibilities at CMC include Tuberculosis (TB) treatment coordinator in collaboration with GGD to help prevent infections.
Dr. Blonk finds it important to provide the best possible quality of care to the people of Curacao. To do this she organizes and teaches in nursing continued education and works closely with academic hospitals in the Netherlands and regularly attends refresher courses to keep abreast of new developments. Dr. Blonk’s goal is to continue informing and brining awareness to patients on the different syndromes and treatments.
Dr. Peter van Tilburg - Pulmonologist
Dr. Peter van Tilburg is a pulmonologist at Curaçao Medical Center, where he has been part of the team since January 2025. He specializes in respiratory medicine, with a particular focus on thoracic oncology and advanced pulmonary procedures such as EBUS and EUS.
Dr. van Tilburg completed his medical training and specialist education in Respiratory Medicine at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Through his training and clinical experience, he developed broad expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory conditions, while also gaining specialized experience in the care of patients with lung and other chest-related cancers.
His areas of expertise include thoracic oncology and pulmonary interventions, including EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) and EUS (endoscopic ultrasound), which can be used to examine structures in and around the lungs and chest and assist in diagnosing conditions.
Dr. van Tilburg is committed to providing personal, high-quality care and uses his medical expertise to support the respiratory health of his patients.
Dr. Peter Kunst - Pulmonologist
Dr. Peter Kunst is a pulmonologist at Curaçao Medical Center, where he has been part of the team since 2026. He has extensive experience in respiratory medicine, with a particular focus on oncology and interventional bronchoscopy.
Dr. Kunst completed his specialist training in Respiratory Medicine at the Academic Medical Center (AMC) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. During his training and career, he gained extensive knowledge and experience across various areas of respiratory medicine. This allows him to provide care for patients with a wide range of lung and respiratory conditions.
His particular areas of focus include the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer and interventional bronchoscopy, using advanced techniques to examine and treat conditions affecting the airways and lungs.
Dr. Kunst is committed to providing personal, high-quality care and uses his knowledge and experience to support the respiratory health of his patients to the best of his ability.