General practitioner Sjaak van Dorst from Oss found a new calling after his retirement: he became a street doctor. Every week he holds a free consultation hour for homeless people. And that is why Sjaak is in the running for the title of Brabander of the Year.
View all nominees and vote on our special voting page.
Every Tuesday morning, Sjaak opens the door of his consultation room. Literal. Because anyone can come in here without an appointment. “Homeless people often do not think a day ahead. They do not make plans. Their biggest concern is where they will sleep that evening and whether they will have food. Making an appointment and keeping it is therefore very difficult. That is why we do it differently here.”
When Sjaak was asked to become a street doctor after his retirement, he didn’t have to think about it for long. “Everyone deserves good care. Everyone, no matter who or what you are.”
Almost everything Sjaak has in his practice has been given to him or is second-hand. “I would call it retro,” he says, laughing. “These are old things from home and from my former practice.” He proudly shows off a cupboard full of bandages, gauze and disinfectant. “I received all this from friendly colleagues. And I can pass it on.”
“When I hear that things are going well, I think that is the best gift.”
Homeless people can visit Sjaak’s consultation hours for free. They often do not have health insurance. By helping them, Sjaak hopes to prevent bigger problems. “If you do not treat someone with pneumonia and let them continue for too long, they will probably end up in intensive care. That is very expensive. You can avoid a lot of misery with a few simple actions.”
Sjaak rarely receives a thank you. “I have never had a bouquet of flowers and I don’t need to. When I hear that things are going well, I think that is the best gift.”
Winner announcement
On Christmas Day you will see on Omroep Brabant in a special TV broadcast and online who can call themselves the Brabander of the Year 2025.