Liesbeth Siderius aspires to optimize care for children with rare and disabling conditions. Trained in pediatrics and genetics she has experience working in hospital (secondary) pediatrics, clinical (academic) genetics, and preventive (primary) child health care in the Netherlands.

She has been a volunteer for patient organizations working with and for them. Acknowledging the mere existence of patient organizations and their importance needs permanent advocacy.

With the establishment of a rare disease working group of the European Academy of Pediatrics the importance of rare conditions in pediatrics was endorsed. Thanks to collaborations, networks, presentations at congresses, and membership of the European Expert Commission on rare diseases, a broad view of child health care in Europe and beyond has been developed. 

Today, digital tools can be provided to empower people to look after their health, stimulate prevention and enable communication with healthcare providers. Experience within the advanced Dutch digital network might help to develop a global interoperable child health network that leaves no one behind.