Short biography
Dirk Devroey is a Belgian general practitioner, professor, and academic. He is known for his strong ties to his native region and his years of commitment to primary care in Belgium.
Dirk grew up in Jezus-Eik (Overijse), where he completed his entire schooling, from primary to secondary education. He then moved to Brussels to study medicine at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). Immediately after graduating in 1991, he established himself as a GP in his home town of Overijse, a practice he continues to combine with his other roles to this day.
Academic Career and Research
His scientific career began to take shape during his ten-year tenure at the Scientific Institute of Public Health (now Sciensano). There, he conducted research into alcohol abuse, hepatitis, fall prevention, HIV, and strokes. In 2004, he obtained his PhD at the VUB with a thesis on cardiovascular prevention. One year after his doctorate (2005), he was appointed professor of family medicine, becoming chair of the department of family medicine the following year. Devroey played a key role in the training of new doctors. In 2006, he became chairman of the educational board of the ICHO (Interuniversity Center for GP Training), where he served as chairman of the executive committee from 2010 to 2020. His research focuses on cardiovascular prevention and integrated care. For his projects, he managed to secure funding from renowned institutions such as the WHO, the EU, the KCE, and Innoviris.
Policy and Politics
In addition to his academic work, Dirk Devroey is closely involved in medical and local policy. Between 2014 and 2018, he advised Minister Maggie De Block at her cabinet. He is also a member of the High Council of Medical Specialists and General Practitioners. In Overijse, he served as an alderman between 2019 and 2023, managing the portfolios of Education, Health, and Childcare. From 2020 to 2024, he served as dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at the VUB.
Social Role
He is well-known to the general public for his clear medical communication, including his role as the resident physician on the Radio 2 program 'De Madammen' and as a board member of SKEPP, where he monitors the scientific foundation of medicine.