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
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.