DEBATE. In the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagblade, Pernilla Hultberg, coordinator of supplementary training for doctors, nurses, dentists at the Sahlgrenska Academy, discusses wheather the fast track is incompatible with higher education, quality and patient safety.
Recently, a record number of people with higher medical education have come to Sweden, but it may take time before they will be able to work in the Swedish healthcare system. The Employment Service has been commissioned by the government to create a fast track, which also includes a cooperation with the universities. Universities will provide constitutional courses, proficiency, preparation courses, extended instruction and validation of prior learning.
As an alternative to fast track Pernilla Hultberg advocates early and clear information to new arrivals, early identification of professional and educational experience and the opportunity to begin studies in Swedish from day one. She also thinks that the distinct tasks of different agencies is not the optimal starting point for the cooperation that is needed to create a coherent track to a medical license.
