Dr. Collie Oudkerk: Legacy of Service

With profound sadness, the Board of Health and Educational Relief Organization (H.E.R.O.) announces the sudden passing of our esteemed colleague Dr. Collie Oudkerk, co-founder, former president, and treasurer of H.E.R.O. Dr. Oudkerk was the embodiment of compassion and the epitome of selflessness. His commitment and selfless contributions to the H.E.R.O. medical missions over the years have been invaluable. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

Dr. Collie Oudkerk was an Attending physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Brookdale Hospital for over two decades. Through his unwavering dedication as a brilliant and skillful emergency room physician, he saved countless lives. He was well-loved by his colleagues and the staff at Brookdale. Almost 25 years ago, together with a longtime colleague and fellow Guyanese physician, Dr. Wayne Sampson, he co-founded Health and Education Relief for Guyana (H.E.R.G.), which was later renamed H.E.R.O.

Dr. Oudkerk immigrated to the United States from Guyana. He graduated from Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, where he excelled in the sciences. Being equally intrigued by the study of business and finance, he opted first to pursue a bachelor’s degree in economics, which he obtained from Hamilton College in 1988. After a year on Wall Street, his earlier dream of becoming a physician prevailed and he enrolled at Howard University Medical School, graduating as a Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Oudkerk completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine at Brooklyn Hospital Center. In the very busy corridors of Brookdale’s emergency room, Dr. Oudkerk was known not just for his unparalleled medical expertise but for the warmth and kindness he extended to every patient. His colleagues remember him not only as a brilliant physician but as a friend whose support was unwavering. Dr. Oudkerk’s ability to find humor and solace amidst the chaos of emergency medicine was a rare gift.

In addition to his practice, teaching, and mentorship in the field of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Oudkerk was a humanitarian. He dedicated his life to caring for the very sick in underserved areas, and he did it effortlessly and with much zeal. As one of the founding members of H.E.R.O., he led and participated in volunteer medical relief missions to Guyana twice a year for almost 25 years, bringing free, quality health care and preventive medical services to thousands of underserved patients. He especially loved serving the people of Linden, Guyana. His most recent H.E.R.O. mission in Guyana, where he served dozens of sick patients in Linden, was just two days prior to his passing.

“The practice of medicine is the work of my life and I look forward each day to being able to make a positive difference in the lives of others.” said Dr. Oudkerk.

Dr. Oudkerk devoted himself to ensuring that H.E.R.O. lived up to the mission to provide access to needed medication, supplies, and quality care for those in need. He was a humanitarian who always remained humble and never sought out praise for all the good work he did for others. “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile” Albert Einstein. Dr. Oudkerk lived his life with humility and care. Through his actions, he touched countless lives. He was a true legend!

As we remember Dr. Oudkerk, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on the world. His laughter, his dedication, his brilliance, his kindness, and his unwavering spirit will be deeply missed. He was the quintessential physician and a dear friend to us all. The void left by his passing is immense, but his legacy endures in the lives he saved. He has left an indelible mark on H.E.R.O. and on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues. In this time of grief, we will honor Dr. Oudkerk by striving to embody the same selflessness and compassion he so effortlessly demonstrated. As H.E.R.O. board members and volunteers, we will carry forward his spirit of giving and his commitment to service, ensuring that his legacy of love and care continues to shine brightly in all our endeavors.