RSU medical students excel at summer placement in Swedish hospital

A recent article in the Swedish newspaper Mora Tidning (5 August 2024) has highlighted the positive experiences of three medical students from Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) who spent their summer working at Mora Hospital in central Sweden. The students, Daniel Halvarsson, Vera Gustavsson, and Oskar Pettersson, are enrolled in RSU's internationally recognised medical programme and have supplemented their studies with hands-on experience by working as nursing assistants in the Swedish hospital's surgical department.

The article sheds light on the students' reasons for choosing to work in Mora, with all three emphasising the importance of gaining practical experience before becoming fully qualified doctors. Vera noted that understanding the role of nursing staff is crucial for doctors who need to be able to delegate tasks effectively.

RSU medical students Vera Gustavsson, Oskar Pettersson, and Daniel Halvarsson standing in a patients' room at Mora Hospital where they are undergoing a summer placement. Photo: Sofie Axelsson, Mora Tidning

RSU's international medical programme, where courses are taught in English, has attracted students from around the globe although most students in their year are from Germany and Sweden.

‘Before I came to the University, I was nervous about studying in English, but it hasn’t been a problem. It is the studies in themselves that are challenging,’ says Oskar.

Although the curriculum is demanding, with daily classes and frequent exams, the students have praised the quality of education and the welcoming environment in Riga. ‘It’s a great university and a fantastic city to live in. It’s city life, but at the same time, everyone is so welcoming. Many people are happy when you tell them you’re an international medical student,’ says Daniel.

Daniel, originally from Mora, and his fellow students Vera and Oskar, who have ties to other parts of Sweden, expressed their satisfaction with the summer placement. The article also highlighted Mora Hospital's strong reputation among young doctors, ranking as one of the top hospitals in Sweden for medical training.

RSU medical student Vera entering a patient's room at Mora Hospital, Sweden. Photo: Sofie Axelsson, Mora Tidning

In the piece, the students spoke highly of the mentorship they received at Mora Hospital, where doctors took the time to explain both the procedures they performed and the reasoning behind them. The positive experiences in Mora have left the students open to returning in the future, with Vera stating she wouldn’t hesitate to come back next summer.

This coverage in Mora Tidning illustrates the growing international recognition of RSU and the quality of its medical students, who are making a positive impact even beyond Latvia's borders.

Close-up of Daniel hospital badge. Photo: Sofie Axelsson, Mora Tidning