Vibeke Elisabeth HjortdalView profile
Clinical Professor
Vibeke Elisabeth Hjortdal serves as Clinical Professor at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, under the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, she specializes in congenital heart diseases and has established herself as a leading expert in this specialized field of cardiac medicine. Her academic journey includes earning both a PhD and Doctor of Medical Sciences from Aarhus University, forming the foundation for her extensive research contributions. Professor Hjortdal's research focuses on the pathophysiology of congenital heart diseases, with particular emphasis on the inter-relationship between cardiac and pulmonary function at rest and during exercise, long-term outcomes, lymphatic function in univentricular hearts, and neurodevelopmental outcomes from fetus to adult. Her work employs a translational approach, bridging clinically relevant questions with basic science, clinical projects, and epidemiological studies. This comprehensive methodology has resulted in over 300 peer-reviewed publications and more than 10 textbook chapters, establishing her as a renowned authority in pediatric and congenital cardiac care. Analysis of her recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong focus on interdisciplinary approaches to congenital heart disease, spanning cardiology, pulmonology, psychology, and lymphology. Her work increasingly addresses the holistic care of patients, examining not only surgical and physiological aspects but also mental health outcomes, developmental considerations, and quality of life issues. The research demonstrates a clear trajectory toward integrated care models that consider the full spectrum of patient needs throughout their lifespan. Knighted by the Queen of Denmark Member of the Order of the Dannebrog Professor Hjortdal has dedicated significant effort to mentoring the next generation of medical researchers, having supervised numerous DMSc, PhD, and research year students throughout her career. Her teaching commitment extends beyond formal supervision to include more than 50 invited lectures worldwide. Additionally, since 2009, she has engaged in humanitarian work with Chain of Hope (London), where she serves on the Strategic Planning Board, and Gift of Life (New York), performing life-saving surgeries for children with congenital heart diseases in developing countries across the globe. Her international collaborations span numerous countries, reflecting the global impact of her work.









