A new Medicine Programme at Uppsala University

The mission

When I took on the role of Programme Committee Chair for the Medicine Programme at Uppsala University in July 2018, my most important mission was to create a new 6-year Medicine Programme, directly leading to medical licence, unlike the old 5.5-year programme. The timeline was tight, with a planned start in the autumn semester of 2021.

The new programme needed to accommodate the ever-increasing body of knowledge in medicine, diagnostics, and treatment, as well as include new areas such as e-health. It also had to adapt to changes in the healthcare system, where more care is delivered in out-patient settings rather than in-patient care. We realised early on that the education needed to undergo significant changes while preserving well-functioning components.

Implementation

The work to design the programme and the application to UKÄ (Swedish Higher Education Authority) involved teachers, students, educational developers, and administrators. The university’s collegial working approach demonstrated its best side, with great commitment from all involved and a shared vision of the goal. Additionally, the good collaboration with Region Uppsala and other regions was crucial for the programme’s implementation.

One risk always lurking beneath the surface, especially when working at an old and prestigious university, is the “not invented here syndrome”. Therefore, we actively drew inspiration from other universities and countries. Examples include the design of long clinical placements, the introduction of progress testing, teaching and assessment in professional conduct, and the “Sustainable Student – Sustainable Physician” initiative.

In the middle of the work, the Covid pandemic struck, creating many challenges and negative consequences for students and teachers. At the same time, the crisis stimulated creativity, forced new working methods, and strengthened cooperation among Sweden’s seven medical programmes. We quickly integrated digital tools into teaching. Increased national collaboration has, among other things, led to the development of a list of core clinical skills – Entrustable Professional Activities (EPA) – that a newly graduated Swedish doctor should master, which all programmes are now working towards.

The future

After four years in the programme, students’ evaluations and academic results show that the education is functioning well, though there are still areas for improvement. Therefore, it is reassuring to know, as it is now time for me and other long-serving colleagues to pass the baton, that there are dedicated and competent individuals taking over and continuing the work of constantly developing and improving the Medicine Programme in Uppsala.

Bertil Lindahl, Professor at the Department of Medical Sciences and Uppsala Clinical Research Centre (UCR)