Frida Ahlstrand from Uppsala selected in tough competion for summer school in Paris
Frida Ahlstrand (left) was one of only around 40 students from all over Europe who attended the VASCERN Summer School on cardiovascular diseases in Paris.
The Faculty of Medicine at Uppsala University is a partner of the VASCERN Summer School in Paris, which is a summer school on rare cardiovascular diseases. It was held for the first time this year, and Frida Ahlstrand from the Master’s Programme in Precision Medicine at Uppsala University succeeded in securing one of the places.
The course is conducted in a format known as blended mobility, which means that participants attend online lectures during the spring semester and then meet on campus in Paris for a week in September. At least 13 countries are involved in the programme. Students apply for the programme in competition with each other, and Frida was one of around 40 who managed to secure a spot.
What made you apply to the VASCERN summer school?
“In June 2023, I graduated from the Biomedicine programme at Uppsala University. During my bachelor’s, I was accepted to the Medfarm Summer Research School (SoFoSko) to conduct research in vascular biology in Peetra Magnusson’s research group at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology.”
“The research group studies cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) as a rare vascular disease, which gave me research experience in the field. Based on this, I applied to the VASCERN Summer School to meet other students and experts in the field, deepen my knowledge and share my experiences. I had also never been to Paris, so the opportunity to go there also made it appealing to apply.”
The second half of the course was on site for a week in Paris with students and experts from all over Europe.
What did the spring’s digital activities involve and how extensive were they?
“The entire course is equivalent to 3 credits and half is online teaching before the campus week in Paris. The online part involved part-time study for 17 weeks, which included digital meetings and recorded lectures as well as text material that mostly corresponded to or complemented the lectures.”
“The online course was divided into different blocks: Introduction to the VASCERN network and rare diseases, Vascular imaging, Preclinical and clinical studies, Drug development, Interpretation of genetic results and Psychological support.”
The summer school was held at the Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital.
How was summer school? Where did you live and what did you do?
“We were around 40 participants from many different countries. I stayed with five other participants near the Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, where the summer school was held. We attended interesting lectures focusing on specific diseases such as aortic diseases, neurovascular diseases and vascular anomalies. In the evenings, we enjoyed various activities together and visited sights such as Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. VASCERN also organised nice dinner events at traditional pubs and restaurants.”
How did combining VASCERN with your other studies work out?
“It worked very well as the online part mostly consisted of recorded lectures and text materials. This allowed me to study the materials when I had time off from my full-time studies. If you could not attend the mandatory digital meetings once a month, it was possible to view the recorded sessions afterwards. The on-site part also fitted in well with my studies.”
What was the biggest benefit of VASCERN?
“Developing a better understanding and broader knowledge of rare diseases, but also sharing experiences in a mixed group of medical students, physicians and researchers. I have also made many valuable contacts around Europe.”
How did all the practicalities of the scholarship and accommodation work?
“As Uppsala University is a VASCERN partner, I was able to apply for the Erasmus grant for blended mobility. I found the scholarship application relatively easy and whenever I had questions during the process, the Unit for International Mobility helped me.”
“VASCERN set up chat groups for the participants to connect with each other before the week in Paris. So, I booked the accommodation together with five other girls from different countries and it worked out really well. As the summer school does not organise accommodation for participants, you are free to choose how you want to stay. I would definitely recommend staying with other participants to get the most out of the exchange.”
Do you have any tips for students who want to apply?
“Highlight your experiences with rare diseases in your application if you already have them, but it is also possible to apply regardless of your background and level of knowledge. The most important thing is to justify why you want to be selected. At the summer school, we had many different types of participants, from medical programmes, biomedical programmes and the research side.”
Together with the other students, Frida visited different sights and made valuable contacts around Europe.
Why should you apply to VASCERN?
“I think you should apply to the VASCERN Summer School if you are interested in learning more about research on rare diseases, but also to get an insight into what collaboration on different levels looks like, both internationally and nationally. If you want to exchange knowledge with students and experts from all over Europe with a common medical interest, or if you want to be in Paris and experience a smooth exchange that does not extend over a whole semester, the VASCERN Summer School is perfect.”
“I have considered going on different types of exchanges during my studies but have not found anything that suited my schedule. So, it was very convenient that it was only for a week but still so rich in content and rewarding.
Louise Hernander and Frida Ahlstrand
“If you want to exchange knowledge with students and experts or if you want to be in Paris and experience a smooth exchange, the VASCERN Summer School is perfect,” says Frida Ahlstrand.