Increased Opportunities for International Clinical Exchanges for Employees

— We can learn a great deal from how limited resources are used efficiently, and their strong commitment and sense of hope are truly impressive. There are already collaborative projects in the form of high‑quality clinical research studies, and through formal agreements we hope to launch and support even more valuable initiatives, with hospitals and universities working together. Research brings opportunities for both staff and patients, says Diana Swolin‑Eide, Head of Research, Education, Development and Innovation (FOUU), Professor at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

In recent years, Sahlgrenska International Care, together with the Education Unit, has worked intensively to create more opportunities for international exchanges — in close collaboration with the Sahlgrenska Academy. The partnership with Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa, is now being expanded through a tripartite agreement between the hospitals and universities.

— We see great potential in expanding the collaboration in both research and education. The partnership builds on ongoing, prominent research and already established contacts between our researchers and institutions. The Faculty of Medicine at Stellenbosch University offers several programs comparable to our own, which creates strong conditions for further developing our educational collaboration, says Jenny Nyström, Dean of the Sahlgrenska Academy. 
Earlier in March, a delegation from Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the Sahlgrenska Academy traveled to Cape Town to discuss broadening the existing collaboration with Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University.

— Further strengthening collaboration on educational matters, clinical rotations, and bilateral exchanges for various professions and staff members is a high priority for both Tygerberg Hospital and Sahlgrenska University Hospital. After this joint visit, we also see several promising opportunities to deepen collaboration between the University of Gothenburg and Stellenbosch University in these areas, says Joakim Björås, Head of Education at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

During meetings between hospital leadership, university leadership, and healthcare personnel, new ideas emerged for expanding the collaboration, based on each organization’s local needs and challenges. The aim is to focus on knowledge exchange within selected areas considered crucial for the sustainable development of healthcare systems — and to help guide hospitals into the future.

— International collaborations are essential for Tygerberg Hospital to ensure continued development and to avoid falling behind in the rapid progress of AI and modern healthcare, emphasized hospital director Matodzi Mukosi and Chief Operating Officer Melvin Moodley from Tygerberg Hospital.

So far, clinical exchanges have primarily been available to resident physicians, but now more professions — including nurses — can participate. As the nursing role is evolving, Vuyokazi Dubase, Chief Nursing Officer at Tygerberg Hospital, expressed interest in a collaborative leadership training program for nurses.

— Our differences give us new perspectives, but it’s the challenges we share that bring us together. A present, engaged leadership and a clear nursing perspective at every level are crucial — and that is exactly why international exchange is so valuable, says Jessica Schiött, Chief Nursing Officer at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

Facts: Collaboration with South Africa

Resident physicians at Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital have for several years been able to apply for funding from Sahlgrenska International Care to complete a clinical rotation at the respective hospital as part of their training. Several employees have also independently completed exchanges in areas such as gynecology, obstetrics, and plastic surgery. 
Stellenbosch University and the University of Gothenburg have had a university‑wide partnership agreement since 2001. Joint research is conducted across several departments at the academy, and between 2019 and 2025, the institutions co‑authored 100 unique publications. Stellenbosch University is also a global partner in the university alliance EUTOPIA.

In March 2026, a tripartite agreement was signed after Sahlgrenska Academy’s International Office and Sahlgrenska International Care worked to formalize ongoing activities and create stronger conditions for enhanced collaboration with Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University. Over time, this may include increased mobility in both directions for specialist physician training (fellowships) or other professions, affiliates (medical experts not directly employed by a specific hospital but formally connected through cooperation agreements), and guest lectures. Strategic discussions are now continuing to define joint initiatives in practical terms.

There is also an established collaboration between the Department of Surgery at Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the Department of Surgery at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. Currently, it is limited to an exchange program for experienced trauma surgeons who have the opportunity to work at the Trauma Center at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Johannesburg. The aim is for physicians to broaden their knowledge of trauma — particularly knife and gunshot injuries — in high‑volume centers, while contributing to the units through their own research and academic expertise.