Annika Östling, district doctor in Region Jämtland Härjedalen, has been elected to the board of the Swedish Medical Association. The announcement was made at the General Assembly of the Medical Association held in Stockholm on 8 – 9 November.
Annika, who is currently the chairperson of the Jämtland County Medical Association, has been union active for many years. She expressed her excitement about the new role, stating, “It is an honorable assignment to be able to represent Sweden’s doctors and I look forward to contributing with my experiences from primary care and my perspective on the conditions for providing care in smaller towns.”
According to Annika, there is a significant difference in how care is conducted between big cities and sparsely populated counties, and political decisions can have very different effects in different parts of the country. She hopes to bring attention to these disparities and work towards improving healthcare across the board.
The Swedish Medical Association’s board members are elected on a rolling two-year mandate, with half the board being re-elected every year. This year, five members were re-elected for another term, and two new members, including Annika Östling, were elected to the board.
The board, led by chairman Sofia Rydgren Stale, includes members from various parts of Sweden, emphasizing the importance of representation from different regions. Annika Östling’s election to the board reflects the recognition of her experience and dedication to the medical field.
As a member of the board, Annika Östling aims to advocate for better healthcare resources and policies, with a specific focus on the needs of smaller towns and regions. Her appointment brings valuable perspective and expertise to the Swedish Medical Association, and she is eager to contribute to the organization’s mission.
Overall, Annika Östling’s election to the board of the Swedish Medical Association marks an important step in ensuring that the diverse needs of healthcare providers and patients across Sweden are represented and addressed.