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Gillette Children’s has announced the appointment of Coen Wijdicks, PhD, MBA, as its first Vice President of Research. In this role, Wijdicks (pronounced Koh-ehn Va-dix) will work with Jennifer Laine, MD, Medical Director of Research, to lead the research department, focusing on evidence-based clinical advancements and aligning research efforts with the organization’s mission.
“I am honored to join Gillette Children’s and work alongside this team,” Wijdicks said. “I look forward to contributing to Gillette’s research initiatives to improve outcomes for children and families.”
“I am honored to join Gillette Children’s and work alongside this team,” Wijdicks said. “I look forward to contributing to Gillette’s research initiatives to improve outcomes for children and families.”
Wijdicks brings experience from academia and the medical device industry. Most recently, he served as Senior Director of Global Research at Arthrex, Inc., where he oversaw clinical research, biomechanical testing, biomaterials research, and biomedical engineering.
He holds an executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology, a PhD in biomedical science from the University of Oslo, a master’s degree in anatomy and cell biology from Rush University and a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Colorado State University. He has authored over 170 peer-reviewed publications, holds five patents, and has received awards including the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Excellence in Research Award.
Originally from the Netherlands, Wijdicks has lived and worked in Germany and the United States. He and his wife are returning to Minnesota, where they have lived previously.
“I look forward to working with Wijdicks to further advance research efforts at Gillette,” Laine said. “We appreciate David Lynch’s contributions as interim director in setting the foundation for future growth and innovation.”
