biomedicum

What Health Informatics students think about Karolinska Institutet

I’ve asked my friends what do they think about our programme. I wanted to check if their opinions are similar or totally different than mine. Luckily most of them answered the same as me to the most important question. About the others – I don’t know if we are friends anymore 😉

Sofie, Sweden, Pharmacist (6 years of experience)

Why do you choose KI?

I choose KI primarily because of this programme which is Health Informatics.

Why do you choose the Health Informatics programme?

I wanted to make a step into IT. I am interested in IT, so I considered starting a new programme and doing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science. BUT when I found this programme which combines my health background with a field in which I am interested – I decided HI would be a better idea for me 🙂

Favorite spot to study in Stockholm?

Library at KI campus Solna! I love sitting in an open area and discussing assignments with my friends.

What extra activities are you taking during your studies here?

I think it is essential to living an active life, so I usually attend yoga classes.

Favorite course so far?

I would say the SUPCOM (Supplementary course in computer and systems science) course where I’ve learned a lot. We had many modules like databases or programming. I enjoyed it!

What place in Stockholm would you recommend the most to visit?

Take a walk around Djurgården.

Coffee with kanelbullar (cinnamon bun) or kardemummabullar (cardamom buns)?

Kanelbullar!

Would you choose KI once again?

Yes, I would!

Jacky, China, Pharmacist (3 years of work experience)

Why do you choose KI?

Because KI has such a good reputation around Europe and it’s one of the best medical universities in the world. Also, the programme is related to IT.

Why do you choose the Health Informatics programme?

I think that technology will be our future when it comes to trying to solve healthcare problems. I also believe this programme has potential and will help me find an excellent job after my MSc.

Favorite spot to study in Stockholm?

Home 😉

What extra activities are you taking during your studies here?

Basketball, football, climbing

Favorite course so far?

Not at the moment. It’s hard to decide.

What do you think about Sweden after three months here?

It’s cold, but the snow was beautiful! Public transport is too expensive.

What place in Stockholm would you recommend the most to visit?

Kungsträdgården

Coffee with kanelbullar (cinnamon bun) or kardemummabullar (cardamom buns)?

Kardemummabullar

Would you choose KI once again?

Yes and no, because if I would get into Universities in the USA – I would instead go there.

Snow in Stockholm
Snow in Stockholm, credits: Anna Kroker

Karolina, Mexico, Dentist (3 years of working experience) and MSc in Global Health (3 years of working experience)

Why do you choose KI?

Mainly because of the Health Informatics Programme. I was interested in the international approach that KI has.

Why do you choose the Health Informatics programme?

I researched the programme and realized that it is a strong programme not only in Sweden but also in Europe. In my job experience, I realized the need for informatics within healthcare. I want to become that key team member in my future working teams – to know about medicine and IT.

Favorite spot to study in Stockholm?

Group rooms in the KI campus Solna Library.

What extra activities are you taking during your studies here?

It was one of the best decisions to join the gym, especially with the weather in Sweden.

Favorite course so far?

Computer applications in health care and biomedicine

Classes - computer applications in healthcare and biomedicine
Computer applications in healthcare and biomedicine, credits: Anna Kroker

What do you think about Sweden after three months here?

After five years for me 😉 It is the best place to start a career because of the work-life balance.

What place in Stockholm would you recommend the most to visit?

Restaurant – Greasy Spoon.

Coffee with kanelbullar (cinnamon bun) or kardemummabullar (cardamom buns)?

Kardemummabullar

Would you choose KI once again?

Of course!

Kambakhsh, Iran, Medical Doctor (20 years of experience)

Why do you choose KI?

I checked the international ranking before coming here, so I choose KI because of its reputation.

Why do you choose the Health Informatics programme?

I’m a medical doctor, but I am interested in computers and programming, so that was the main reason.

Favorite spot to study in Stockholm?

Home 🙂

What extra activities are you taking during your studies here?

I’m interested in skiing and Sweden is the best place for this sport!

Favorite course so far?

SUPCOM (Supplementary course in computer and systems science)

What do you think about Sweden after three months here?

It’s too silent. Compared to my country, Iran – I would say the relationship between the people is different. Here in Sweden, there is more distance between people.

What place in Stockholm would you recommend the most to visit?

Beaches around Stockholm ex. Solviksbadet.

Coffee with kanelbullar (cinnamon bun) or kardemummabullar (cardamom buns)?

Kanelbullar

Would you choose KI once again?

I would prefer to choose SU because I’m more interested in IT. But if I would like to study medicine once again, I would definitely choose KI!

Susana, Portugal, Family doctor (6 years of experience)

Why do you choose KI?

I like Sweden! Also, I wanted to pursue this MSc Programme.

Why do you choose the Health Informatics programme?

Because I’ve wanted to learn more about technology and find ways to connect it to what I know about health.

Favorite spot to study in Stockholm?

Library at Solna campus

What extra activities are you taking during your studies here?

I like playing table tennis and badminton in the KI gym. Also, I am a board game enthusiast, so I’m checking all board game pubs/bars/restaurants nearby!

playing chess
Playing chess with Susana, credits: Anna Kroker

Favorite course so far?

Health informatics needs, objectives and limitations

What do you think about Sweden after three months here?

Sweden has a lot of opportunities. Public transportation is excellent, but expensive (they give discounts to students). I got to see snow!

What place in Stockholm would you recommend the most to visit?

Hagaparken

Coffee with kanelbullar (cinnamon bun) or kardemummabullar (cardamom buns)?

Kanelbullar

Would you choose KI once again?

Yes, absolutely, because of the friends I made and the experience I gained here.

Thu Dinh, Nurse (4 years of working experience)

Why do you choose KI?

Because of programme I was interested in, also because of its reputation. It’s one of the few Universities which offers this programme.

Why do you choose the Health Informatics programme?

I like everything related to Informatics, so I wanted to combine it with my background. Also, I wanted to change my job as a nurse 😉

Favorite spot to study in Stockholm?

Home or library at KI. Especially the little “houses” where you can feel cozy.

What extra activities are you taking during your studies here?

I like going to Escape Rooms. My favorite one is Fox in the Box.

Favorite course so far?

Health informatics needs, objectives and limitations, I also liked SUPCOM (Supplementary course in computer and systems science)

What do you think about Sweden after three months here?

People are polite and trendy here. They are very healthy, motivating me to try to live more healthily.

What place in Stockholm would you recommend the most to visit?

Gamla Stan

Coffee with kanelbullar (cinnamon bun) or kardemummabullar (cardamom buns)?

Kardemummabullar

Would you choose KI once again?

Yes, I think the environment at this university is safe, and I feel comfortable here.

My perspective

After interviewing my friends, I realized we have similar opinions about KI and our Programme here. For me, choosing Sweden was one of my best decisions ever. I agree with statements about KI and the programme, but I also agree with Kamabakhsh about choosing a programme at SU. But no need to worry – next year, we can choose between KI and SU when writing our master thesis. I liked SUPCOM and am into Cybersecurity, so I would probably select SU for my master’s thesis. I am happy because I met friends and learned many new things during these months. I would choose KI once again because of the possibilities which I can have after finishing my Master’s here and also because of the environment.

biomedicum at KI
Biomedicum, KI, credits: Anna Kroker

The most important question was…

I don’t understand why people were choosing kardemummabullar. It was such an obvious choice – kanelbullar in my heart. I can admit sometimes it is hard to choose because pastries are delicious here! It’s only one way to figure out which you would like better – visit Stockholm!

coffee and buns
Coffee time, credits: Anna Kroker

PS. I agree with opinion about public transport prices – they are insane, even with student discounts! That’s why I am living a healthy lifestyle and got myself a bike 😉

Anna Kroker - Health Informatics

Anna Kroker - Health Informatics

My name is Anna and I'm 24 years old. I am from Poland. I am studying the Master's Programme in Health Informatics at Karolinska Institutet. I have always been interested in Scandinavian culture; fika time is one of my favourites! I like to bake, edit videos, and play basketball or chess in my free time. I'm also a Stephen King enthusiast. A fun fact about me is I don't have space for more books in my room!

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