In the world of healthcare, where precision meets compassion, few professionals embody the balance as seamlessly as Dr Henk Jacobs. Specialising in physical rehabilitation and emergency medicine, Dr Jacobs has carved a unique path in Bloemfontein’s medical landscape. His journey is one shaped by faith, discipline, and a commitment to people.
Dr Jacobs’ medical career began with a childhood dream after taking a first aid course in standard 4 (grade 6). “Ever since, I wanted to become a doctor,” he says. “My parents encouraged me to follow this dream!” That early spark led him to the University of the Free State, where he studied medicine and entered private practice in 2011. Dr Jacobs gained experience in casualty units and medical practices, establishing Dr HM Jacobs Inc. in 2012 and Bloemmed in 2021, building a reputation for excellence in rehabilitation and emergency care.
For Dr Jacobs, a blend of purpose and perspective is what drives him. “Seeing progress and having a passion for people creates the ‘why’ for what I have to do. God’s grace and love can be seen daily in hospitals and medical practices if you look closely, and this is the core of my humanity.” His work is not just a profession – it’s a calling.
Bloemfontein’s business landscape has taught Dr Jacobs invaluable lessons. “Surrounding yourself with the right people creates opportunity. People can bring you closer to God’s wisdom and purpose, or they can destroy God’s plan in your life.” He emphasises resilience, noting that “all things, good or bad, pass eventually with time,” and highlights the importance of “diligence and discipline… consistency is better than a short sprint”.
For Dr Jacobs, success isn’t just professional accolades. “Personally, success is a slow morning, time to do what you really want to do that day. To wake up and realise it is up to you, and not the pressure of life.” Professionally, affirmation from a mentor, colleague, or even positive feedback from a patient “says a lot”.
When Dr Jacobs speaks of his greatest influences, he says: “I have met good colleagues, difficult families, and beautiful surroundings, but none of this compares to the wisdom of Proverbs in the Bible.”
To young men entering medicine, Dr Jacobs offers counsel steeped in faith. Recalling a sermon by Bill Wilson, he shares: “ ‘God will open doors for you, but you have to have some character when you step through that door.’ This still echoes with me daily.” He urges them to “build yourself up, surround yourself with people that have a positive outlook”.
While juggling business and family is an ongoing challenge, “my wife and daughters are first priority, but my work has no time-based priorities,” Dr Jacobs says. He also believes that delegation is key. “Trusting my awesome staff with administrative tasks creates opportunity for them and gives me time to balance this work and world I want to create.”
Community is crucial for Dr Jacobs. “I cannot function without the community of colleagues, friends, and allied professionals,” he explains. “I have a core value that believes in the good in people – without others, I cannot go far.”
Away from hospitals and boardrooms, Dr Jacobs cherishes fatherhood. “I enjoy being a dad to my beautiful girls and take them to dance class every week!”
Dr Henk Jacobs is a reminder that behind every successful professional is a man who values the moments that truly matter.
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