Tulp was born on 11 October 1593 into a prosperous, Protestant Amsterdam merchant family. He received his medical education at Leiden University where he matriculated in 1611 and obtained his degree in 1614, defending 24 propositions De Cholera Hiunida. Among his teachers were Reinier Bontius, Aelius Vorstiiis, and Pieter Paaw. After completing his studies, Tulp left for Amsterdam where he practiced surgeiy and general medicine. Because he was a very engaged and respected physician, his practice soon became enormous and time-consuming. Apart form his medical interests Tulp was intimately involved in the projects and affairs of the city of Amsterdam. In 1622 he was elected alderman and one of the 36 councillors of the city, a position to which he was elected four more times in later years. Read more about him