Mariedamm and Stockholm multicultural conference

On May 17-21, 2025, the ELPA Member from Sweden hosted a remarkable multicultural health conference that brought together professionals, patients, and advocates across Europe and the Middle East to explore the intersections of culture, healthcare systems, and patient experience. Spearheaded by the organiser, ELPA Board member and leader of the Multicultural Working Group, Tove Frisch, the weeklong event blended deep professional insight with authentic Swedish culture, offering attendees a rich and diverse learning experience. Set in the tranquil landscapes of Mariedamm and the urban heart of Stockholm, the conference aimed to introduce participants to the Swedish way of life, which profoundly influences healthcare access, patient expectations, and treatment outcomes. From typical Swedish cuisine to discussions on rural versus urban healthcare disparities, the event emphasised the cultural backdrop behind Sweden’s patient care model. Highlights included impactful lectures by Anna and Leyla Ruuska, who shed light on healthcare delivery challenges in rural Sweden, and Kari Bunӕs of Norway, who shared compelling stories about access to care in remote, storm-prone regions. The sessions illuminated how geography, politics, and infrastructure shape healthcare realities in different countries. One of the most compelling presentations came from Erik Bӕcklund, whose breakthrough in dental repair led to a larger movement toward preventive care and multidisciplinary cooperation in Sweden. His innovative clinic in Askersund exemplifies patient-centred care, where collaboration and empathy are core principles. With delegates from eight countries, discussions were rich with diverse viewpoints. Sessions explored everything from medicine and politics to family networks and religious attitudes toward illness. Meals became cultural events—ranging from a rustic Nordic dinner in the countryside to a vibrant Israeli-Turkish feast at home—deepening connections and understanding among attendees. Meetings with organisations such as Fokus Patient and PBC Sverige reinforced the importance of collaboration across borders and diseases. These engagements opened new doors for future partnerships focused on co-morbidity research, patient advocacy, and systemic reform.