Vision:Medfarm: Time for pedagogy

Unfortunately, the role of newly appointed teachers has been somewhat unclear and the number of specific activities has been low. This is not unique to us at Medfarm; the same has been observed at other disciplinary domains and many other higher education institutions. It has simply seemed difficult to define a role for distinguished university teachers. So how do we move forward?

We need a forum for distinguished university teachers

The starting point will be the collegial work of Vision:Medfarm. Here, we set the goal that Medfarm’s teaching personnel should be at the academic and professional forefront regarding pedagogy and didactics. To achieve this, the Disciplinary Domain will create “conditions for a strengthened role for distinguished university teachers and for enhanced collegial learning in pedagogical work”. In addition to this, we will develop guidelines and implement mentorship programmes.

In this process, it has become clear that we need a network or forum for distinguished university teachers, which could become the hub of our pedagogical and didactic efforts. Therefore, we propose a pedagogical academy, to inspire, promote pedagogy, serve as a resource, and simply make this crucial part of our work visible. The academy will act as a preparatory and advisory body with clear leadership. Today’s PRåM activities, with workshops and complementary professional development, will continue under the academy’s auspices, primarily by a resourced working committee.

New and improved premises at BMC

In parallel, the Disciplinary Domain has also completed Practicum, a new practical training environment at BMC, during the spring and summer. Here you find, among other things, a practice pharmacy, an entire training flat, and examination and treatment rooms. It is a fantastic meeting place for students across various licensing programmes, particularly for interprofessional learning. With Practicum now operational and the pedagogical academy underway, I am extremely optimistic about developments in learning.

Good teaching facilities, access to study spaces, and inviting environments where students like to spend time are also prerequisites for optimal learning. Here, too, much is happening, including renovations of corridors, group rooms and eating areas at BMC, which is very encouraging.

An eventful year ahead

This year, now coming to an end, has been incredibly eventful and I am confident that 2025 will be a year when even more pieces fall into place. The pedagogical academy will be launched, new pedagogical mentorship programmes will be created and Practicum will be running at full speed!

Finally, I would like to encourage you to apply to become a Distinguished University Teacher this spring and join the pedagogical academy. So far, 35 teachers have been appointed by Medfarm. Some have left, and others have joined, but more teachers are needed! Read more at Promotion and merit.

With that, I wish you all a snowy and relaxing First Advent!

Mathias Hallberg, Dean and Distinguished University Teacher