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The Economics of Happiness in Healthcare

A European Journey with Carolinas MGMA

Dr. Martijn Burger Photo We are thrilled to announce that Professor Dr. Martijn J. Burger, Academic Director of EHERO at Erasmus University Rotterdam and one of the world’s leading voices on the Economics of Happiness, will be joining Carolinas MGMA delegates this fall during our European Healthcare Leadership Exchange.

Dr. Burger will offer an exclusive briefing on how happiness economics intersects with healthcare systems—exploring how policy, workplace culture, and care models can foster greater well-being for both patients and providers. His global perspective, academic rigor, and applied research have influenced health and public sector strategies across Europe and beyond.

Trip Highlights

Exclusive session with NVVE (Amsterdam) on ethical healthcare and patient autonomy.
Meeting with Martijn Burger of the Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organisation (EHERO).
Private guided tour of Copenhagen’s Happiness Museum.
Briefing with Denmark’s Ministry of Health—a global model of successful health systems.
Curated cultural experiences, city tours, and private events.
5 CEUs for healthcare executives.

NEW! CEU Session

A broad understanding of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in the Netherlands

October 10th 2025 | 10AM – 12.30PM
NVVE | Amsterdam
2.5 CEUs just announced!

Join us for a presentation by Yvette Schuijt, legal counsel for NVVE, the Dutch Right to Die Society. Ms. Schuijt will, together with Iline Ceelen, discuss end-of-life options in the Netherlands, focusing on the legalization of voluntary assisted dying, the legal framework and trends in its practice. She will also cover advanced directives, particularly in dementia cases and address debates surrounding euthanasia for psychiatric disorders, tackling concerns about a “slippery slope” and misinformation. The presentation will highlight personal patient stories and explores the relationship between end-of-life autonomy and overall happiness. Don't miss this insightful talk!

CE Speakers

About Yvette Schuijt
Yvette Schuijt works a legal-counsel for NVVE, the Dutch Right to Die Society and is based in Amsterdam. With a strong background in medical law, she advises on legal and ethical issues related to voluntary assisted dying and patients' rights. Schuijt ensures legal support for those seeking end-of-life options under Dutch law and is very passionate about the right to die with dignity.

About Iline Ceelen
Iline is a multidisciplinary researcher who began her career as a midwife, driven by concerns about maternal mortality. She spent eight years working as a medical humanitarian with Doctors Without Borders, earning a master's in public health focused on sexual and reproductive health rights. After completing a Masters in Science of sociology at VU Amsterdam in 2022, she is now a PhD candidate at Radboud University researching Ritualization in Euthanasia. Her doctoral work explores how a good death is experienced by both the dying and those left behind, drawing from her personal reflections on mortality and encounters with death across different countries and cultures during her humanitarian work.

Trip Goals

This trip offers like-minded attendees an opportunity to learn and network together, two valuable pillars of our organization's mission. It's also a chance to explore Europe and observe healthcare delivery from a European and world point of view.