After working for the Scientific Institute of Public Health (now Sciensano) for 10 years, he obtained his PhD in Medical Sciences (PhD) in 2004.

He subsequently became a professor of general medicine and chairman of the Department of General Practice and Chronic Care.

Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at the VUB

Dirk has been dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at the VUB between 2020 and 2024.

In 2019 he was during one year vice dean and director of student affairs.

Before Dirk became dean, he was chairman of the Department of General Practice and Chronic Care (HUIS).

Dirk is also chairman of the PRIM (Primary Care) research group.