Mark Helfand

Mark Helfand is a Professor of Medicine and Professor of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). He holds dual appointments in the School of Medicine and the Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology. Dr. Helfand is a practicing hospital physician at the Portland VA Medical Center and directs the VA Evidence Synthesis Program Coordinating Center. He is a leader in research synthesis methods, evidence-based practice, and health experiences research.

Education:

• B.S. (1979), Stanford University
• A.B. (1979, Honors/Distinction), Stanford University
• M.P.H. (1984), University of Illinois Medical School
• M.D. (1984), University of Illinois (Abraham Lincoln School of Medicine)
• M.S. (1990), Stanford University

Research Interests: Dr. Helfand focuses on improving healthcare decision-making through rigorous research synthesis, advancing methodologies for evidence-based medicine, and understanding patient experiences. His work includes peer review practices, journal editing, and translating complex evidence into actionable guidelines for clinicians and policymakers. He pioneered initiatives like the Drug Effectiveness Review Project and has contributed to major frameworks such as the GRADE system for evidence grading.

Awards:

• Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers (2021)
• Elected Member, Society for Research Synthesis Methods (2011)
• Award for Distinguished Service, Society for Medical Decision Making (2010)

Labs/Teams: He leads the VA Evidence Synthesis Program Coordinating Center and contributes to the Health Experience Research Network (HERN) and the Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center.