Kim Houlind

Kim Houlind is a Professor and Research Leader at the Institute for Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Faculty of Health Sciences. As of May 1, 2024, he serves as the Head of the Department of Regional Health Research, leading a network of 400 researchers across 50 groups in 12 hospitals and three regions. His work bridges clinical practice and academic research, focusing on improving healthcare through regional collaboration.

His educational background includes a medical degree and PhD from Aarhus University, specialist training in cardiopulmonary and vascular surgery in Denmark, and a one-year fellowship in Melbourne, Australia. He previously served as Chief Physician at the Vascular Surgery Department, Kolding Hospital, for 7.5 years.

Kim Houlind's research focuses on vascular surgery, particularly in determining optimal treatments to preserve limbs and avoid amputation. His work in the international BASIL-2 study, published in The Lancet, has had significant clinical impact. His broader interests include cardiac surgery, surgical education, and strengthening regional health research capacity.

The trend in his recent publications centers on high-impact clinical trials in vascular interventions, emphasizing outcomes research and evidence-based surgical practices. His work often involves multi-center, international collaborations aimed at generating actionable knowledge for healthcare systems.

• Lead author, BASIL-2 study (published in The Lancet, 2023)
• Chairman, Danish Society of Vascular Surgery
• Head Course Leader, Vascular Surgery Specialty Training

Kim Houlind has supervised 10 PhD students and has been instrumental in coordinating research and education in vascular surgery. He has not received specific scientific awards mentioned in the text, but his leadership roles and publication in top-tier journals reflect significant recognition. He is actively involved in shaping future healthcare through academic and structural reforms in the Danish health system.

He leads the Institute for Regional Health Research, which fosters collaboration across regional hospitals and integrates research with clinical practice and municipal care. His leadership emphasizes the academic growth of non-university hospitals and their role in addressing common, high-burden diseases.