David Brutsaert

Researcher at HOGENT | Consultant at WHO/Europe | MSc Global Health

Ghent, Flemish Region, Belgium

About

My passion for improving health of the public derives from my early interest in the impact of physical activity on health, which initially led me towards pursuing a master degree in Medicine and Sports Medicine. This journey has taught me to appreciate the complexity of health and healthcare, but also confronted me with a significant sense of powerlessness towards patients and more importantly - people. Hence, together with a number of other considerable reasons, I pursued an advanced master in Global Health which turned out to be a stunningly-enriching two years. Now being trained in essential knowledge and skills within global public health policy and research, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to join the WHO European Region Office as a consultant.

Experience

  • Consultant Country Support at WHO Regional Office for Europe
    Nov 2025 - Present · 9 mos

  • Scientific Researcher SUPRB at HOGENT
    Sep 2025 - Present · 11 mos

    Conducting research projects at SUPRB research centre (Substance Use and Psychosocial Risk Behaviours), with a focus on social alcohol research and related public health initiatives.

  • WHO Regional Office for Europe (København, Capital Region, Denmark)
    • Technical Officer
      Aug 2023 - Aug 2025 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    • Consultant Country Support and Information
      Oct 2021 - Aug 2023 · 1 yr 11 mos

    • Project Intern
      Apr 2021 - Sep 2021 · 6 mos

  • Public Policy Intern at Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment
    Oct 2020 - Mar 2021 · 6 mos