An international news conference was held on November 29, 2016 at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford and via Skype link with Swedish partners as the National Center for Rural Health Professions and College of Medicine formed an educational partnership with University of Skövde, Sweden. The partnership is focused on inter-professional exchanges and allows for exchange of faculty members, students, residents/fellows and academic materials as well as joint research activities and educational programs. Students from College of Medicine will learn more about the Swedish health care system by partnering with the University and health care professionals in the County of Skaraborg, Sweden. Health Professions students and faculty from University of Skövde, will learn more about the U.S. health care system by partnering with College of Medicine.
“The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford and the National Center for Rural Health Professions are excited to form an educational partnership with University of Skövde, Sweden. The partnership allows for inter-professional exchange of faculty members, students, residents/fellows as well as the creation of joint research endeavors and educational programs. With Rockford’s proud Swedish heritage, we are happy to add Sweden to our long standing international partnership agreements including Princess Naradhiwas University (PNU) in Thailand, Maastricht University in the Netherlands, the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, and Christian Medical College in India.” Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green, Dean, University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford.
“This is a great win for both our communities. I applaud College of Medicine and University of Skövde for the outstanding collaboration they have already demonstrated. This is a great result of the overall partnership in place between our respective regions and countries.” Linnea Bengtsson, International Business Developer, City of Lidköping & County of Skaraborg.
”The City of Skövde and County of Skaraborg are excited to partner with Rockford. As Deputy Mayor of Skövde, I am honored to be part of this educational partnership ceremony and what is good for our University, is good for our city and county.” Marie Ekman, Deputy Mayor, Skövde.
“The National Center for Rural Health Professions is proud support the development and success of the partnership with the University of Skövde. This partnership is especially meaningful for us considering the strong Swedish heritage that is part of the fabric of the Rockford. We are very much looking forward to this mutually beneficial learning collaborative where students and faculty can engage in meaningful research and training activities around Inter-professional education, patient centered care; geriatric medicine and health care; primary health care delivery in rural areas; mental health assessment and treatment; and community-based health intervention and many more areas.” Hana Hinkle, Associate Dir., National Center for Rural Health Professions.
“International partnerships like these are crucial for the growth of our students and faculty, and we are excited to partner with College of Medicine. I had the pleasure to visit College of Medicine at Rockford last year and I am so grateful for the extremely warm hospitality my co-worker and I received, and we look forward return the favor to your students coming to us in Skövde and Skaraborg.” Catharina Gillsjö, PhD, Senior Lecturer in Nursing, University of Skövde.
