Antoine Christiaens was a Belgian 2025-26 Fulbright Visiting Scholar in Medical Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Christiaens is a researcher in pharmacoepidemiology. He holds a medical degree (2014), an advanced master’s in geriatric medicine (2022), and a PhD in Medical Sciences (2022) from UCLouvain. His research focuses on applying advanced causal inference methods to observational data to improve personalized, patient-centered care for older adults with chronic conditions. He has completed postdoctoral research visits at Sorbonne University and the University of Oxford. He has received several awards, including from the Belgian Royal Academy of Medicine, the Fondation de France, or de Cooman Foundation.
Q:”Can you briefly describe your grant project?”
My project aims at investigating the association between GLT deprescribing and new-onset geriatric syndromes (falls, dementia, and weight loss) in a cohort of adults aged 65 years or older with T2D, treated with GLTs included from the Veterans Affairs primary care outpatient data. A difference-in-differences analysis will assess causal links, providing insights to inform safer, personalized T2D care while minimizing risks and improving outcomes.
Q:”How did you hear about the Fulbright Program? What motivated you to apply, and what do you remember from the selection process?”
I learned about the Fulbright Program through my university. I was motivated by the opportunity to spend time in a leading research team in my field, to exchange ideas and develop high-level international collaborations.
Q:”What have you accomplished during your time in the USA? What can you tell us about the initial outcomes of your program?”
During my time in the USA, I mainly focused on launching the research project, including defining the analytical strategy and establishing the collaboration framework. Beyond the scientific aspects, one of the most important outcomes has been the strong human and professional connection developed with the host team and my host, whom I greatly appreciated.
Q:”Can you describe a typical day in your life in the USA?”
A typical day was largely dedicated to research work, as I wanted to maximize the professional impact of my stay. I also made a point of exercising every day and regularly exploring new places, which helped me maintain balance and stay motivated throughout the experience.
Q:”Has the United States been what you expected? In what ways has life in the USA surprised you, either for its similarities to or differences from your own culture?”
The United States largely met my expectations, and I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth, generosity, and openness of the people I met. This welcoming attitude made the experience particularly enjoyable and rewarding.
Q:”What has been your favorite “discovery” in the USA?”
My favorite discovery in the USA has been the exceptional and incredibly diverse proximity to nature, from the Pacific Ocean to the forests of the Sierra Nevada and the canyons. The richness and beauty of these landscapes were truly striking.
Q:”What has it been like to bring family members with you to the USA? What has the experience been like for them?”
My family did not join me for the entire stay, but they spent two weeks in the USA traveling in nature. My children loved the experience, which was both memorable and eye-opening for them in discovering a new culture.
Q:”What will you do after your Fulbright grant? In what ways has your experience in the USA this year impacted your plans for the future?”
After my Fulbright grant, I will continue pursuing an academic career. My experience in the USA has been instrumental in strengthening my path toward scientific independence and in supporting my long-term goal of obtaining a permanent research position. I have recently obtained a permanent academic position as FNRS Research Associate and Professor at UCLouvain, starting in October 2026. I truly believe that my Fulbright experience contributed significantly to this achievement and played an important role in the selection process.
Q:”What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying to the Fulbright Program?”
I would encourage applicants not to be afraid to think big and to keep an open mind. Taking the time to truly immerse oneself in the culture and to connect with colleagues beyond work makes the experience even more enriching.
Articles are written by Fulbright grantees and do not reflect the opinions of the Fulbright Commission, the grantees’ host institutions, or the U.S. Department of State.