Karolien van den Brekel-Dijkstra

Karolien van den Brekel-Dijkstra is a prominent figure in the field of Positive Health and primary care. She currently serves as the Director of Positive Health International.35 Her professional background and expertise include:

Medical Career

Karolien is a general practitioner (huisarts) with a focus on prevention and Positive Health strategies.5 She has been providing strategic advice on prevention and Positive Health in primary care since 2010.5

Leadership Roles

• Director at Positive Health International (2022-present)5
• Certified Trainer at the Institute for Positive Health4

Academic Contributions

Karolien is involved in research at the Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Utrecht.7 She has also co-authored the "Handbook Positive Health in Primary Care: The Dutch Example," which provides practical guidance on implementing the Positive Health concept in primary care settings.1

Expertise and Advocacy

She is known for her work in promoting and implementing the concept of Positive Health, which aims to transform healthcare by focusing on overall well-being rather than just the absence of disease.2 Karolien actively participates in events and initiatives to promote Positive Health, such as the launch of related programs.6

International Collaboration

Karolien is involved in international efforts to spread the Positive Health approach. She has played a role in organizing exchanges and collaborations with other healthcare innovators, such as those involved in the Ashoka Systemic Change network.8

Through her various roles and contributions, Karolien van den Brekel-Dijkstra has established herself as a key figure in the development and promotion of Positive Health concepts, particularly within primary care settings.