C.M. (Kees) Heijblom, MD is a physician, healthcare leader, and advocate for quality and person-centered care with more than four decades of experience supporting the evolution of integrated healthcare systems. Throughout his career, Kees has been guided by a strong commitment to compassionate care, continuous improvement, and creating environments where the needs and dignity of individuals remain at the center of decision making.
Kees spent two decades as a nursing home physician before joining the Board of Directors of Rivas Zorggroep, where he served from 2003 to 2020 with primary responsibility for care and quality. Rivas is a regionally integrated healthcare organization in the Netherlands encompassing hospital care, nursing homes, and community nursing services. Under his leadership, and through a shared organizational commitment, Planetree became the guiding vision for care at Rivas beginning in 2005, helping embed person-centered principles throughout the organization.
As a healthcare executive, Kees supported the advancement of quality, collaboration, and integrated care across a complex healthcare system. He believes sustainable improvement occurs when organizations combine strong clinical practice with attention to relationships, communication, and the lived experiences of patients, families, and caregivers.
Since retiring from his executive role in 2020, Kees continues to contribute through various advisory and governance positions, including serving on supervisory boards and supporting community initiatives. His ongoing involvement reflects his commitment to responsible leadership, safe environments, and the well-being of others.
Kees studied Medicine at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and completed general practitioner training in Groningen. Known for his thoughtful, calm, and compassionate leadership style, he brings a reflective approach to healthcare improvement grounded in quality, optimism, and genuine care for people.
As a member of the Planetree Global Certification Network, Kees draws on his extensive leadership experience and deep understanding of person-centered care to support organizations in creating cultures where people are valued, respected, and connected.
