DirkJan Hijnen appointed as professor and head of department of Dermatology

Dermatologist DirkJan Hijnen has been appointed head of the Dermatology department and professor of Dermatology at Radboud university medical center / Radboud University. His work will focus on advancing the characterization of chronic inflammatory skin diseases. This research aims to enable more targeted treatments and provide a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms, disease progression, therapeutic effects, and the emergence of associated conditions. 

Diagnosing conditions such as eczema or psoriasis often relies on visual inspection by a trained dermatologist, occasionally supported by a skin biopsy. 'Sometimes the diagnosis is straightforward, but the conditions can also appear very similar', explains DirkJan Hijnen. 'To provide more effective treatment, we need to measure inflammatory substances in the blood or skin.'

Tape strips

Advancements in modern technology have made such measurements increasingly accessible. 'Where once a blood sample allowed for only a single measurement, we can now measure a thousand different substances from just a tiny amount of blood', Hijnen explains. 'This can be done with a simple a fingerprick. There are also adhesive patches that collect skin cell components for analysis. Patients can even use these tools at home, sending their samples for analysis remotely.'

The advantage for patients is significant: their condition is identified with greater precision, enabling more effective and personalized treatment. Hijnen aims to gather data from large patient groups and leverage advanced computational methods to uncover patterns. 'I plan to integrate measurements of inflammatory markers and genetic factors with clinical observations', Hijnen says. 'Are these markers predictive of disease progression or treatment response? Do patients with eczema often develop related conditions such as asthma or hay fever? By addressing these questions, we can achieve a deeper understanding of these diseases.'

Closer to home

Hijnen’s research extends beyond his expertise in common conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. He is also committed to studying rarer skin diseases, including cutaneous lupus erythematosus, lichen planus, and neutrophilic dermatoses. He emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. 'Research should not remain confined to the lab; it must be translated into concrete improvements in patient care', Hijnen states. As department head, he plans to prioritize this translational approach.

Sustainability and innovation are key priorities for Hijnen. 'In dermatology, it’s crucial to see patients in person for diagnosis and treatment', he explains. 'However, follow-up appointments and certain measurements can often be conducted closer to home, reducing the need for travel and ensuring healthcare remains accessible.'

Hijnen also highlights the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming dermatological care. 'For example, patients treated for skin cancer typically return for a check-up after three months. With a well-designed app, we could monitor for signs of recurrence and only schedule a hospital visit if the app detects an issue', he suggests. 'By adopting such smart solutions, we can effectively address the growing demand for dermatological care in the future.'

Career

DirkJan Hijnen graduated in Medical Biology from the University of Amsterdam. He then completed his medical degree at Utrecht University, where he also took an elective course in Malawi. Hijnen earned his PhD at Utrecht University in 2007 on the role of T-cells in allergic inflammatory diseases, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School in Boston. After his dermatology training in Utrecht, he worked as a dermatologist and physician-researcher at Diakonessenhuis Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, and Erasmus MC.

In addition, Hijnen is the president of the Dutch Society for Dermatology and previously served as president of the Dutch Society for Experimental Dermatology. He also holds board positions internationally with various organizations, including the EADV European Task Force for Atopic Dermatitis, the International Eczema Council, and the International Society of Atopic Dermatitis. His appointment as professor (for a period of five years) and department head took effect on January 1, 2025.

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