For Dr Henk Jacobs, success in medicine extends beyond treating patients. Through leadership in emergency healthcare and the growth of Curomed, Jacobs is focused on building an integrated medical network that prioritises quality care, collaboration, and community impact in Bloemfontein.
Jacobs is far from the typical general practitioner. Beyond consulting with patients, Jacobs has established a significant footprint within the healthcare industry, managing the doctors at Netcare Universitas Hospital urgent care unit and at Netcare Pelonomi Hospital’s emergency unit.
Jacobs works at two hospitals — a 19-bed facility at Stirling Hospital, and at @Specialist a 10-bed facility, the rehabilitation doctor for admitted patients.
His journey in medicine and private healthcare was inspired by colleagues who wanted to enter the private medical sector but lacked the resources and opportunities to do so. “I was inspired by colleagues trying to start in private medicine but having no means or place to start,” he explained. “I met great people and started growing Curomed with them, each person bringing their own expertise, vision, and plans to shape our business model, finances, and clinical care.”
Today, Jacobs balances the demanding responsibilities of healthcare leadership with family life.
His day typically begins with breakfast and school drop-off s before moving into multidisciplinary team meetings, ward rounds, patient consultations, business meetings, and administrative duties. Despite the intensity of his schedule, he still prioritises time with family and friends.
Looking back on his career, Jacobs said several defining moments shaped both his professional and personal outlook. One of the most significant was being exposed to a psychological approach to handling stress and challenges early in adulthood.
“Being confronted early in my adult life with a psychological approach to my career and personal life changed the way I view problems and chronic stressors around me.”
For Jacobs, success is deeply rooted in relationships and growth. Personally, he values quality time with family and friends, while professionally, he finds fulfilment in seeing both his business and patients thrive. “To see our business grow from infant stages into something meaningful is rewarding. Clinically, seeing a patient who was struggling to reintegrate back into society is equally fulfilling.”
Giving back to the community also remains central to his work. Through Curomed, Jacobs hopes to create an integrated healthcare network in Bloemfontein where patient care remains the top priority. Although he admits to struggling to find a single mentor throughout his career. He said his colleagues and close friends have greatly influenced his perspective on leadership, business, and people.
His advice to young men entering the professional world is rooted in growth and self-awareness. “Find your circle and sit at tables where people talk about ideas and growth, not negativity. Read a lot, learn about your own personality, understand your weaknesses, and find your own niche. Be entrepreneurial, evolve as much as possible, and never stop learning.”
Outside of medicine and business, Jacobs believes balance comes from what he calls the “four Fs” – family, friends, food, and fun. “All of these create opportunities to exchange ideas, grow, and unpack life, whether it’s physically, mentally, or spiritually. Those four things helped me realise what the real priorities in life should be.”
Get in touch: www.bloemmed.co.za
Compiled by Clement Matroos
