(Dutch Episode) When Passion and Reality Collide - Quitting Physiotherapy with Arjan Elshof
Wed Feb 04 2026
Note: This episode was recoreded in Dutch and can be listened to in English and other languages on the Physiotutors App. The next episode will be in English again!
Summary
In this episode, we discuss the journey of Ajan Elshof, a former physiotherapist who transitioned to a care-intensive advisor role. We explore the reasons behind his departure from physiotherapy, including changing perspectives on care, the challenges of practice management, and the relationship between physiotherapists and insurers. Ajan shares insights on the future of physiotherapy, the importance of innovation, and the need for collaboration in the healthcare sector.
Chapters
00:00:00 Intro and the big question: why does a passionate physiotherapist leave the profession?
00:03:42 Why physiotherapy was chosen: sports background, injuries, and early motivation
00:05:13 Workload, balance, and no burnout
00:06:40 Sponsor: Premium membership
00:07:17 From patient care to management: views on efficient, hybrid care and the right care in the right place
00:10:24 Overtreatment vs insured sessions: ethics and clinic policy
00:12:06 Ambition, ownership, and scale of impact
00:14:27 The purchasing plan: from the first years to the concrete process
00:16:09 Why the purchasing failed and business lessons learned, market fit, agreements, transition period
00:19:17 Considered paths, education, research, own practice, and the choice for a health insurer to increase impact
00:22:29 Sponsor: WriteUpp practice management software
00:24:20 Low rates, productivity, and admin work: the health insurer's view
00:27:29 Relationship between health insurer and therapist: shared goal and trust
00:30:53 New role at Zilveren Kruis: tasks and the value of a physio background
00:33:23 Clinic vs office: differences in workday, focus, and downtime
00:36:20 How do we keep passionate professionals? Perspective, career paths, and regional primary care cooperation
00:37:43 Sponsor: Physiotutors online courses
00:39:18 Career outlook and conditions for a possible return
00:41:21 Advice to the next generation, including his own children, about physiotherapy
00:42:30 Closing message: working together toward sustainable, accessible, local care
00:44:15 Closing
Thanks to our Podcast Sponsor Writeupp! Level Up Your Learning And Streamline Your Practice. Sign up at the link below and enjoy 3 months free of WriteUpp's practice management software.
Sign Up at https://writeupp.com/physiotutors
Bonus Material
Download the referenced transcript including PubMed Links and a high-resolution infographic on this episode as part of your Physiotutors membership on the Physiotutors App.
Download the Free App now
Follow our Podcast on:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts
More
Note: This episode was recoreded in Dutch and can be listened to in English and other languages on the Physiotutors App. The next episode will be in English again! Summary In this episode, we discuss the journey of Ajan Elshof, a former physiotherapist who transitioned to a care-intensive advisor role. We explore the reasons behind his departure from physiotherapy, including changing perspectives on care, the challenges of practice management, and the relationship between physiotherapists and insurers. Ajan shares insights on the future of physiotherapy, the importance of innovation, and the need for collaboration in the healthcare sector. Chapters 00:00:00 Intro and the big question: why does a passionate physiotherapist leave the profession? 00:03:42 Why physiotherapy was chosen: sports background, injuries, and early motivation 00:05:13 Workload, balance, and no burnout 00:06:40 Sponsor: Premium membership 00:07:17 From patient care to management: views on efficient, hybrid care and the right care in the right place 00:10:24 Overtreatment vs insured sessions: ethics and clinic policy 00:12:06 Ambition, ownership, and scale of impact 00:14:27 The purchasing plan: from the first years to the concrete process 00:16:09 Why the purchasing failed and business lessons learned, market fit, agreements, transition period 00:19:17 Considered paths, education, research, own practice, and the choice for a health insurer to increase impact 00:22:29 Sponsor: WriteUpp practice management software 00:24:20 Low rates, productivity, and admin work: the health insurer's view 00:27:29 Relationship between health insurer and therapist: shared goal and trust 00:30:53 New role at Zilveren Kruis: tasks and the value of a physio background 00:33:23 Clinic vs office: differences in workday, focus, and downtime 00:36:20 How do we keep passionate professionals? Perspective, career paths, and regional primary care cooperation 00:37:43 Sponsor: Physiotutors online courses 00:39:18 Career outlook and conditions for a possible return 00:41:21 Advice to the next generation, including his own children, about physiotherapy 00:42:30 Closing message: working together toward sustainable, accessible, local care 00:44:15 Closing Thanks to our Podcast Sponsor Writeupp! Level Up Your Learning And Streamline Your Practice. Sign up at the link below and enjoy 3 months free of WriteUpp's practice management software. Sign Up at https://writeupp.com/physiotutors Bonus Material Download the referenced transcript including PubMed Links and a high-resolution infographic on this episode as part of your Physiotutors membership on the Physiotutors App. Download the Free App now Follow our Podcast on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts