Dr. Kristine Ensrud is a distinguished scholar and leading authority in clinical epidemiology with a focus on aging populations and women's health. She currently serves as Professor of Epidemiology & Community Health and Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, holding dual appointments that reflect her interdisciplinary expertise across public health and clinical practice. Additionally, she maintains a significant research role as an Affiliate Investigator for the VA Health Services Research and Development Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, where she contributes to advancing evidence-based healthcare delivery for veteran populations. Dr. Ensrud is a board-certified internist with clinical expertise that informs her rigorous scientific investigations, and she holds both MD and MPH degrees from her professional training.
Dr. Ensrud's scholarly contributions have profoundly advanced our understanding of osteoporosis, bone health, and aging through meticulous epidemiological studies that have generated over 665 publications in her distinguished career. Her landmark research on bone density changes and fracture risk in aging women has established critical clinical thresholds that inform current screening guidelines and treatment protocols worldwide. Her methodologically rigorous longitudinal studies have illuminated the complex interplay between hormonal changes, bone metabolism, and fracture risk, transforming clinical practice and preventive care for millions of women. The translational impact of her work extends to clinical guidelines that now incorporate her evidence-based findings on osteoporosis management and fracture prevention strategies.
Beyond her research achievements, Dr. Ensrud has been instrumental in shaping the field of women's health epidemiology through her leadership in major national research consortia and her mentorship of the next generation of clinical researchers. She serves as a trusted advisor to federal agencies on bone health research priorities and regularly contributes to policy discussions regarding optimal care for aging populations. Her ongoing research continues to explore innovative approaches to understanding the biological mechanisms underlying age-related bone loss and developing personalized prevention strategies. As an active investigator with the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, she remains committed to translating epidemiological findings into tangible improvements in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes for diverse populations.
