Prof. Joost Wiersinga, is a clinician–researcher at Amsterdam UMC and board member of the AI&I Infectious diseases program. Prof. Wiersinga was trained in Amsterdam and further shaped by experiences at the Mayo Clinic and the NIH, he has combined his work in the Division of Infectious Diseases with teaching and research at the Center for Infection and Molecular Medicine (CIMM), focusing on sepsis, pneumonia and other severe bacterial infections, as well as the gut microbiota. Joost now takes on a new challenge as Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at Amsterdam UMC.
Reflecting on his new role, Prof. Wiersinga emphasizes both the rapid progress and the changing nature of internal medicine. Prof. Wiersinga: ‘It is a wonderful time to be an internist. Internal medicine is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Diseases that once carried a poor prognosis or limited treatment options can now often be cured or effectively controlled, including hepatitis C, chronic myeloid leukemia, and hereditary angioedema.’
It is a wonderful time to be an internist.
He also points to the broader shift in how care is delivered: ‘The specialty is rapidly evolving towards increasingly personalized, preventive, and data-driven care, driven by technological advances, changing patient expectations, and a growing understanding of disease mechanisms. It is a great honor to play a leading role in the continued development of this outstanding department with its rich history.’
Combining leadership, infectious diseases, and research
Despite the demands of his new position, Wiersinga is committed to continuing his scientific work. Prof. Wiersinga: ‘I love research, and I am determined to continue pursuing it alongside my new role.’
He explains that the strength of the team around him makes this possible: ‘Fortunately, I am surrounded by an exceptionally talented team of postdoctoral researchers and early-career scientists, who help mentor our PhD students and drive our research program.’ His research will continue to concentrate on sepsis, with particular emphasis on its pathogenesis, biomarkers, severe tropical infectious diseases such as melioidosis, and the role of the microbiome in infection.
Priorities for the Department of Internal Medicine
Following the merger of the Internal Medicine departments of the former AMC and VUmc locations, the department is now in a post-integration phase. Prof. Wiersinga sees several key priorities for the coming years: ‘Key priorities include delivering high-quality and continuous patient care, maintaining a healthy and sustainable operation, and further strengthening our tertiary referral services and regional care network.’
Beyond organizational goals, he stresses the importance of people and culture: ‘For me, fostering talent and creating an enjoyable and supportive working environment are key ingredients for long-term success. At the heart of all this is scientific research, we are, after all, an academic institution dedicated to advancing knowledge.’
We warmly congratulate Prof. Wiersinga on his appointment as Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at Amsterdam UMC and look forward to continued collaboration with him within AI&I.
Text: Esmée Vesseur and Joost Wiersinga