They will develop the Faculty of Medicine and Health through collaboration and stability

Mia von Euler, dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health (MH Faculty), left her position at Örebro University in mid-March to assume the role of vice-chancellor at Sophiahemmet University. Professor Karin Blomberg has now been appointed as the new dean, and Professor Elina Mäki-Torkko as the new vice-dean.

Together, the new dean and vice-dean will continue to develop the faculty through increased innovation, strengthened collaboration, and the establishment of solid structures. By creating stable processes, they aim to enhance the faculty’s growth and lay the groundwork for the development of new ideas.

“If we have structure and stability in our processes, we also have the opportunity to think in new ways,” says Karin Blomberg.

The faculty conducts activities within the School of Medical Sciences and the School of Health Sciences. Together, they offer a wide range of study programmes, spanning from undergraduate to advanced and doctoral levels.

“In our roles, it's essential to see everyone and the bigger picture. It's also important to recognize that we have a complex organisation with both depth and breadth of activities,” says Elina Mäki-Torkko.

Challenges to face

A significant challenge facing the faculty is the lack of available clinical placements (VFU). This issue is prominently discussed in various forums across Sweden, both regionally and nationally. Staff shortages and decreased available care positions are among the factors contributing to the reduction in placements.

“This is indeed a critical factor. If we don’t secure placements, we’ll be forced to discontinue our programmes," says Karin Blomberg.

Another challenge is the declining number of applicants and the expectation that students complete their studies in a timely manner to earn a degree. These challenges are faced collectively by Sweden's universities and are being addressed at a national level. A lack of prior knowledge among students can hinder their ability to pursue their studies effectively.

“Of course, programmes must be of high quality, but it's also crucial for students to successfully complete them, even though not all students will finish a programme that leads to a licensed profession,” says Karin Blomberg.

With the changing educational landscape and the fact that programmes are not financially viable, universities need to collaborate on the variety of courses offered.

“You can collaborate on teacher expertise and share various learning activities between universities. It's about discovering new ways of working,” says Karin Blomberg.

The faculty’s research efforts

Research at Örebro University must not only be of high quality but also relevant in a changing world. To achieve this, solid structures and continuous monitoring of the world around us are necessary. Karin Blomberg and Elina Mäki-Torkko recognise the importance of research aligning with society, and the faculty is working strategically to strengthen Örebro University's national and international standing.

“It’s important to connect the activities and research to broader societal developments, both nationally and internationally,” says Elina Mäki-Torkko.

They want the faculty to work more innovatively and have the courage to explore new methods of working. By encouraging staff to collaborate across departmental and disciplinary lines, and to foster new thinking and innovative practices, they hope research will contribute to both academic excellence and societal benefit.