Hello dear colleagues at Clinical Science,

My name is Svein Joar Auglænd Johnsen, and I specialize in internal medicine and rheumatology. Currently, I work at Department K2 as the coordinator for medical disciplines in Vestlandslegen, with my workplace located in Stavanger.

In my current role as the coordinator for medical disciplines in Vestlandslegen, I collaborate closely with the coordinator for surgical disciplines and the instructors within specific sub-specialties. Together, we have developed a proposal for a new study program for the 4th to 6th years, aiming to integrate medical and surgical disciplines as effectively as possible. This involves teaching both gastroenterology and gastro-surgery in the same week, along with interdisciplinary instruction on specific topics such as surgery for inflammatory bowel disease.

This fall, we conducted an introductory week and teaching program for a pilot group of students for the first time. This was based on existing instruction at UiB and in collaboration with responsible instructors in various fields. Now, we are facing the evaluation and improvement of this program, while also preparing to welcome a larger group of students next fall.

What makes my position inspiring is the groundbreaking work in regional medical education. This concept is novel both in Norway and comparable neighboring countries. The collaboration between Stavanger University Hospital and UiB has the potential to increase the capacity for medical education in Norway. Working in a team with experienced professionals across disciplines towards this goal is inspiring. It is also an honor to be involved in the education of ambitious medical students, with the hope that they will become colleagues and successors over time.

My goal is to contribute to the University of Bergen, in collaboration with Vestlandslegen, educating competent doctors well-prepared for the challenges they will face as LIS-1. I hope that my dedication will result in the successful completion of students’ education and that they find a specialization they enjoy. Furthermore, I hope to be part of building a campus that delivers high-quality education, research, and innovation. Collaboration across disciplines will also lay the foundation for new and exciting projects. I have several projects of my own in the planning stage, and I hope they will start soon, while I look forward to developing into a professorially competent individual.