He began his career in 1981 with a degree in Nursing. He then worked for over twenty years in various positions at the (precursors) of Adrz and Emergis. He obtained the titles of Nurse Specialist from Hogeschool Utrecht and a master's degree in Nursing from University of Cardiff.
In 2002 Olaf started teaching Nursing at HZ and since 2004 he has been affiliated with the Department of Nursing and Midwifery of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Antwerp. Olaf completed his doctoral research on innovation in healthcare at the University of Antwerp in 2012. Until 2023, he worked at both the HZ and University of Antwerp.
Olaf has an explicit expertise in education and research, at the bachelor, master and PHD level, on creating a healthy region. In addition to his work at HZ, he is currently a visiting professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Antwerp.
Projects

Binding van studenten aan de regio Zeeland
In the project Binding of students to the region Zeeland, the educational institutions HZ…

CASCADE
The care model to be developed will be supported with e-health and professionalisation for all…

TICC
Additional objectives focus on allowing people to live at home longer, improving patient…

Gezond in Zeeland
Cycling along the coast or across the vast fields of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Walking along the beach or…

Gezonde kansen in Goes
HZ Students, commissioned by the municipality of Goes, will approach families to help them improve…

MONUMENT
Dementia is a growing social problem. The WHO considers dementia the first priority. Its high cost…

Zeeuwsbrede screening
The results give schools and policymakers the right information to start targeted work. The Zeeland…

Zeeuwse Praktijkroute Ouderenzorg (ZPO)
HZ University of Applied Sciences is involved with the associate professorship Healthy Region as an…

Green cores
Research shows that people who are connected to their own environment and especially to nature have…

Inflow of elderly (75+) in the emergency room
Study of factors affecting the likelihood of an elderly person entering the emergency room. The…

Inflow of adults (18-67 years) toward the sGGZ
A study that examines factors that influence the likelihood of a person entering the sGGZ. The…

Prevention Agreement Middelburg
The municipality of Middelburg has turned the National Prevention Agreement into a local plan. This…

ENSURE
In Ensure, HZ University of Applied Sciences and other knowledge institutions are investigating…

AAND8
This learning workshop brings together expertise in HR and expertise on the ideas of positive…