medicor medicinska föreningen’s student magazine
VACCINE INEQUITY How vaccine development and distribution mirror and deepen global inequalities, with a spotlight on the Gaza Strip
THE SCIENCE BEHIND CRAVINGS
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TEDx RETURNS TO KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET
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THE DICE METHOD
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2021 | ISSUE 1
Prelude Dear Reader, After a two-year hiatus in the publication of Medicor, I am pleased and proud to present to you the first issue of 2021. As you may have gathered, our cover story discusses the Covid19 vaccinations that currently stand in the global spotlight. As editor-in-chief, I have – ironically enough – left this story largely unedited. The author takes a lens to how vaccine development, acquisition, and distribution intertwine with the abilities and agendas of different parts of the world. Whilst some regions and countries hold the end of the pandemic in sight, the crisis will likely continue for others. It is more important than ever to scrutinize where we stand on the ladder of global health and offer help where we can. In the spirit of keeping ideas and discussions alive, you are welcome to respond to or comment on the content of the magazine – do reach out to us!
Photo attributed to: Xinhe Xing
Unlike previous issues, you won’t find this one at your doorstep or scattered around campus. For the first time, we’re trying to go fully digital. It is a fitting time to try; while much of our lives moved online with the pandemic, so did Medicor. We hope to strike a balance between the charm of printing and the sustainability of going digital for future issues. If you are a long-standing reader of Medicor, you may notice that this issue looks a little different. For that, I have to thank our magazine designer Anny Truong, for her tireless efforts in making each story come alive. A special note to Timm Häneke as well, for offering both advice and experience to get us started. On behalf of the Medicor team, I hope you enjoy this issue!
Inika Prasad Editor-in-Chief
medicor Editor-in-Chief | Inika Prasad Associate Editors | Sumedha Jassal, Vinciane Allicar Editorial Team | Rebecka Klingberg, Chang Wei-Tse, Nadine Gelmar, Tom Enriko Kelt Layout Design | Anny Truong
Cover photo attributed to: Pixnio.com, adapted by Medicor Illustrative elements used in magazine atrributed to: Microsoft PowerPoint Social media icons attributed to: Iconfinder.com Band-aid illustrations attributed to: Canva.com
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medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
Medicor Magazine Founded 2006. Fifteenth year. Published by Medicinska Föreningen in Stockholm ISSN: 1653-9796 Responsible editor: Inika Prasad Address: Medicinska Föreningen i Stockholm Nobels Väg 10, Box 250, 171 77, Stockholm Contact Medicor: chefredaktor@medicor.nu www.medicinskaforeningen.se http://medicor.nu Freelance material: Medicor retains the right to edit incoming material and does not take responsibility for unsolicited texts or pictures, and printing mistakes. The contributor agrees that, through published and signed Medicor material, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of Medicor or Medicinska Föreningen.
Contents
SCIENCE 4 Music’s role in the pandemic 6 X, Y, and Autism 12 The Science behind Cravings 14 Humans & blood
GLOBAL FOCUS
18
12
18 Vaccine inequity
CAMPUS
50
26 TEDx returns to Karolinska Institutet 29 Medicinska Bokhandeln 32 Humans of KI - Malin Sandell 34 Blåslaget: No Style, Only Hits! 36 Student Health at KI 38 Research for students: SiF 42 MF’s Ombudspersons
CULTURE
52
42
44 Colors of Spring: Photo Competition 46 Your summer reading list 49 Queerolinska word search 50 Cooking at KI - Penne alla Vodka 52 The Dice Method
COMPETITION - find the band-aids!
54 Movie & Series recommendations
Keep an eye out for all the band-aids hidden throughout the magazine. They can be in different colors, sizes...and maybe even opacity. Who knows? If you can manage to
See page 56 for more information
find them, you could win a special prize!
about the competition!
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
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SCIENCE • MUSIC’S ROLE IN THE PANDEMIC
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medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
SCIENCE • MUSIC’S ROLE IN THE PANDEMIC
Music’s Role in the Pandemic – A Source of Escapism? AUTHOR: ISABELLA BLOMBERG
This past year and a half has been life changing for the vast majority of the global population. The prevailing pandemic has forced many people to live in confinement, isolated from the world around them due to lockdowns and strict
”
Music induces the release of high levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which give rise to a rewarding sensation
rewarding sensation. Activation of the reward system is also correlated to a decrease in brain activity associated with negative emotions. Survival-related stimuli have been strongly correlated with music and thus proved to be
rules on social distancing. This
biologically relevant when it comes
isolation has subjected us to an
to connections in the brain that are
increased risk of feeling anxious
However, during the current
involved with feeling of reward and
and lonely. This truly unique
pandemic, it might have had a
pleasure.3
situation has affected the general
more positive significance and
mental health negatively.1 What
impact on people’s mental health.
Studies have shown that listening
measures have been taken by
Music, subjective to the one
to music reduces anxiety and
individuals to subside the distress
listening, might have let people
improves mental state4, which has
caused by this pandemic? Has
escape reality, and feel better
been of great importance during
there been a way to escape?
about the situation.
the past year and a half. Music has
One tool that numerous people
Music stimulates a range of
escapism, where the redirection of
have used to escape their
emotional responses that give rise
the mind has been favourable in
depressing reality is listening to
to the sensations of “chills”. “Chills”
the case of well-being, thus
music during their times of long
can be described as a euphoric
showing that the power of music
isolation and exile. This behavior
response. Brain imaging shows
has had an undeniably positive
can be described as escapism. The
that these ”chills” give rise to a
effect.
word escapism is defined as a
feeling of being rewarded. This
“tendency to seek distraction and
feeling is similar to that which
Do you want to escape your reality
relief from unpleasant realities,
arises due to biological stimuli such
or feel less anxious? Well, then this
especially by seeking
as sex and food or those that are
is an encouragement to listen to
entertainment”.2 In the field of
artificially stimulated by drugs.
your favourite song. Even if it is just
been a source of meaningful
Photo attributed to: www.unsplash.com
psychology, the word escapism can
for a moment, to see if your mood
have a negative connotation, since
Music induces the release of high
changes. Maybe it will elicit a
it is often correlated to escaping
levels of neurotransmitters, such as
feeling of reward that might just
responsibilities and avoiding reality.
dopamine, which give rise to a
boost your mood.
References and further reading can be found at medicor.nu/read-more-2021-1
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
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SCIENCE • MALE & FEMALE AUTISM
X, Y, and Autism AUTHOR: V. F.
The ABC of ASD Today, as much as 1% of the population
causes of autism. On top of this, sex and
carries the diagnosis of autism or autistic
gender differences in the manifestation of
spectrum disorder (ASD), which is
the disorder further complicate the matter.
described by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as “a
Genetics plays a major role in the
neurodevelopmental syndrome
development of ASD, but the impact of
characterized by difficulties with social
environmental factors cannot be
reciprocity, social communication,
understated. Even if some ASD-specific
flexibility, and sensory processing”.
alleles have already been identified, the
Moreover, individuals with ASD have
exact genotypic profile is still to be
varying language skills, with the two
mapped. The only fact that is clear so far,
extremities being completely absent
is that the mode of inheritance is not
speech and fluent language. This is where
Mendelian, with identical mutations
the term ”spectrum” comes into play:
potentially being associated with highly
autism is a continuum of developmental
varying phenotypes. De novo mutations
and cognitive states often accompanied by
further play a significant role in the
comorbidities such as epilepsy and other
development of the disorder along with the
physical and psychiatric abnormalities.
identified inherited mutations.
Cognitive development may also vary
6
dramatically, with all the possible
Generally, the age of diagnosis for ASD is
conditions from profound intellectual
relatively high since, at the time of writing,
disability to above-average intelligence.
the diagnosis is still set on a purely
Thus, in the same way that no two
behavioral basis. On average, autistic
snowflakes are identical, no two patients
people receive their diagnosis after the
with ASD will show exactly the same
age of 3 or 4. This is, however, not always
phenotype. The extreme clinical
the case. As will be discussed later, one of
heterogeneity of the disorder is probably
the big challenges with female autism lies
one of the primary obstacles in
in the comparatively higher age of
understanding the pathophysiology and
diagnosis than for males.
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
SCIENCE • MALE & FEMALE AUTISM
The Y chromosome Drawing attributed to: Nadia Fedosova Adapted by: Inika Prasad
ASD is considered to be more prevalent among males compared to females, with the ratio being ca. 4.5:1 according to different sources. The cause for this difference is still quite poorly understood. Notwithstanding, several theories have been proposed, with the most common ones being the potential involvement of the X-chromosome in the etiology of the disorder, and the effects of hormonal influences and epigenetic modifications in
repetitive behavior, interests or activities”.
utero.
What could be interesting on a side note is that atypical language development,
The typical “male-like” or the most neutral
historically associated with the diagnosis
phenotype that probably directly comes to
of ASD, has recently been removed from
one’s mind in association with the concept
the criteria. Since the language skills vary
of ASD is the classical dyad: “difficulties in
so greatly between patients, it is now
social communication and restricted and
referred to as a co-occurring condition.
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SCIENCE • MALE & FEMALE AUTISM
What sets us apart So, one may wonder what makes autism
When it comes to phenotypic and
in girls and women special. Another
behavioral representation, studies
question that arises is if ASD has a true
comparing male and female phenotypes
male prevalence or if bias in diagnostic
have revealed a number of typical
criteria artificially shift the ratio. Moreover,
differences. Generally, females usually
should female autism be classified as a
tend to have more comorbid neurological
separate condition?
abnormalities, less RRBI (“restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or
Many questions around this topic still
activities”), together with an overall higher
remain unaddressed and the findings are
level of intellectual impairment. At the
extremely complex and quite inconsistent.
same time, females exhibit better
The complex interplay between sex/
expressive behaviours despite similar
gender differences and autism and the
social difficulties and different
male bias in the prevalence of the disorder
manifestations of friendship-related
has stimulated many research projects in
behaviors. There are a number of studies
recent years, ranging from clinical and
suggesting additional characteristic
neurobiological to etiological studies.
features that may be more associated with the female phenotype, such as
In light of the fact that ASD already is
pathological demand avoidance.
highly heterogeneous when it comes to
Generally, females require a greater
genetic patterns, it might be difficult to
genetic load and more co-occurring
distinguish a female-specific genetic
conditions in order to reach the threshold
characteristic in patients with ASD.
for diagnosis compared to males, often
Moreover, de novo mutations have been
referred to as the “female protective
proposed to have a more substantial role
effect”. This is also when one of the main
in autism compared to inherited ones. An
problems with female autism becomes
interesting phenomenon is the association
significant: the diagnosis-setting is more
of paternal age with increased risk of de
complicated and therefore usually occurs
novo mutations correlating with the
later compared to males, with a high risk
increased risk of autism only in females,
of the disorder going completely
but not in males.
unrecognized.
”
The only fact that is clear so far is that the mode of inheritance is not Mendelian, with identical mutations potentially being associated with highly varying phenotypes
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medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
SCIENCE • MALE & FEMALE AUTISM
It should be noted that modern studies
Thus, the results of these studies can not
comparing the phenotypic differences
be considered completely reliable and to
between the sexes with ASD use the same
what extent the aforementioned
diagnostic criteria and generally do not
differences may be a product of the male
take into account the social gender
bias seen in ASD remains to be
differences. Therefore, they may lack
determined.
sensitivity for the female ASD phenotype.
Diagnosing and understanding female autism Drawing attributed to: Nadia Fedosova Adapted by: Inika Prasad
What could also be considered special with female autism is that even within this group, there are subgroups with highly varying traits. Female patients with classical male-like traits usually develop a cognitive delays which allow for a relatively early diagnosis and therefore early interventions. However, the main diagnostic challenge lies in the subgroup of the higher
problem per se. It is not that women are
functioning female patients with atypical,
prone to be under-recognized, but rather
compensated, or camouflaged
that their need for a clinical diagnosis is
characteristics. These patients are more
less pronounced compared to males, or
likely to be misrecognized, and tend to
that this need arises at a later
have a much older age of diagnosis om
developmental stage. This could simply
comparison to those with more male-like
indicate that females with ASD generally
traits. Taking this fact into account, some
tend to be more socially adaptable than
studies suggest that the actual
males and manage without professional
male:female ratio in the prevalence of ASD
intervention for a longer time.
is lower than previously thought, within the interval of 2–5:1. Thus, even among the
This is where the dilemma arises: to
female population, ASD is a common,
diagnose or not to diagnose? Where is the
albeit under-recognized, problem.
line between autistic and non-autistic in this case? On one hand, a later diagnosis
This can also be seen from a different
can decrease the timeframe for getting
perspective. Some studies present the
effective intervention while the early
view that the comparatively older age of
identification of ASD may help to mitigate
diagnosis in females is not the main
the risks associated with the disorder, for
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SCIENCE • MALE & FEMALE AUTISM
example by identifying the patient's special
something known as social mimicry. For
needs and providing appropriate
the majority, health professionals had not
interventions. At the same time, the lack of
noticed that their symptoms might be
a diagnosis may help one escape stigma
caused by ASD, as these symptoms had
and promote a feeling of security and
been masked by other co-occuring mental
identity and thus improve the overall
conditions, such as anxiety, depression,
quality of life.
and eating disorders. “Four to five years of depression and
”
Some studies present the view that the comparatively older age of diagnosis in females is not the main problem per se
anxiety treatment…years of talking therapy…and not once did anyone suggest I had anything other than depression”, as one of the participants recall in the study by Mandy et al. While timely identification and intervention
The late diagnosis is, in any case, a
of female ASD is important, one should
serious concern for the wellbeing of high-
also remember not to pathologize or
functioning women with ASD. Many late-
stigmatize the women who, even
diagnosed high-functioning female
possessing high-risk autistic traits, are
patients report acting “normal” throughout
able to manage on their own and/or do not
their life, and having to camouflage the
meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis or
autistic traits in social situations,
functional impairment.
The conclusions So, what can be concluded from the
sexes in the future, so maybe we will then
existing studies is that the phenomenon of
indeed once and for all draw a line
the late diagnosis of female autism can be
between the male and female
explained both by the specific features of
phenotypes?
the female ASD phenotype and also the modern male-based diagnostic system.
Yet, one of the most important and obvious takeaways would be that autism is a
10
Many questions about female autism and
continuous spectrum, rather than a binary
autism in general remain unanswered.
condition and that the line between
While these issues and gender bias
pathology and norm can be extremely thin,
remain relevant, it is possible that different
especially when it comes to female autistic
diagnostic criteria may arise for the two
traits.
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
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medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
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SCIENCE • FOOD CRAVINGS
The Science behind Cravings AUTHOR: MENOSHA SIVA
With the upcoming summery days,
(think along the lines of potato chips,
my mind is constantly filled with
fries, buttered popcorn), chocolate,
trying to find the best way possible to
and fatty fast food such as burgers or
do something fun – be it learning to
pizza. This idea was based on the
ride a bike at the ripe age of 21 or
”wisdom of the body” – a theory that
experiencing the cool, refreshing
the body knows what nutrients are
water of the Nordic lakes by fine-
deficient and pushes us to crave
tuning my cannonball skills.
foods that are rich in said nutrients.
However, there seems to be one
However, this theory has been
incessant, nagging feeling in the
abandoned due to the overwhelming
back of my mind – cravings. The
amount of research disproving it. For
scorching sun somehow makes me
example, one study revealed that
crave ice creams, watermelons,
obese adults put on a low-carb diet
colas and other sugary and delicious
for two years reported having
snacks. Naturally, that got me
significantly decreased cravings for
thinking, what is the reason I yearn
carbohydrates and sugar.
for hot chocolate during the winter,
Furthermore, experts clarify that we
and cocktails during the summer? In
tend to lose our appetites and veer
fact, why do I have random urges to
away from our daily diets when we
eat chocolates regardless of the
have a severe nutrition deficiency.
season? So then, why do we crave certain
12
I was glad to find out that I am not
foods? Well, people tend to crave
alone in my seemingly unexplainable
food that generally has a high calorie
cravings. Many people around the
content, leading experts to believe
world tend to crave and indulge in
there may be evolutionary
their “guilty pleasure” foods.
connections. Thousands of years
Statistically, 68% of men and a
ago, food was much scarcer and
whopping 97% of women have
hard to obtain. People had to hunt or
experienced cravings at one point in
cultivate their own food. Famine was
their lives. Globally, the most
rampant – almost as rampant as fast
common cravings include salty foods
food chains in this day and age.
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
SCIENCE • FOOD CRAVINGS
Therefore, it seems reasonable to
On a similar note, two other
conclude that we are genetically
hormones play a crucial role in
predispositioned to want high calorie
triggering cravings: ghrelin and
items and store the excess precious
peptide YY. Ghrelin is famously
calories as fat to be used later on.
known as the ‘hunger hormone’ as it stimulates the urge to intake food.
”
Statistically, 68% of men and a whopping 97% of women have experienced cravings at one point of their lives
Peptide YY, on the other hand, reduces appetite. For those night owls out there, you might want to learn about a recent study in the Journal of Sleep and Biological Rhythms that found a correlation between sleep deprivation and a change in the hormone levels indicative of obesity. This suggests that our actions, directly or indirectly,
There is another biological factor
can also be a culprit in inducing our
playing its hand in our urges to reach
cravings.
for the seemingly sinful snacks. Humans and many other mammals
Nevertheless, getting enough sleep
are driven by hormones. Our
is not the only thing you can do to
emotions, bodily rhythms, and even
keep your cravings at bay. Eating
growth is highly regulated by these
more protein, meal planning,
hormones; a deviation from normal
managing stress, and eating before
levels will translate into a profound
grocery shopping can all help to
effect within our body. Upon scarfing
deter you from caving in to your
down a hearty meal, the hormone
pesky cravings. While the theory of
leptin is secreted by fat cells and
”the wisdom of the body” has been
signals to our brain that we are full.
debunked, mindful eating combined
However, have you ever eaten a
with a healthy diet may help to deal
large meal, only to find out you
with cravings. John Hopkins’
miraculously have some room left for
Bariatrics department even has an
dessert? This is because seeing,
online questionnaire that can help
smelling, or hearing about dessert
one distinguish between hunger and
can trigger your brain’s reward
cravings, while providing tips on
centre (which includes the ventral
mindful eating.
Photo attributed to: www.unsplash.com
tegmental area, the nucleus accumbens, and the prefrontal
However, if you’re craving non-food
cortex) while simultaneously
substances, you may want to check
releasing dopamine. Therefore, just
if you suffer from pica, a compulsive
by the thought of a soft, oozy, warm
eating disorder commonly found in
chocolate cake, your mouth starts to
pregnant women and pre-
salivate as you crave that rush of
adolescents where people crave and
dopamine. By that point, it’s a battle
consume non-food items. In this
of leptin versus dopamine, and it’s
case, please reach out to a medical
not a fair game.
professional.
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
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SCIENCE • HUMANS & BLOOD
Humans & blood AUTHOR: MIKAIL YILMAZ
14
Blood is necessary for humans. Without it, we
The science of blood
In humans, blood is composed
would be cold, pale, and of course, dead.
Blood is essential to life –
of 55% plasma (water +
Blood is a vital fluid in our bodies where it
almost all animals have it.
protein), 40% red blood cells
circulates in a complex network of arteries
Even insects have an
(RBC), and the remaining 5%
and veins. The significance of blood in the
analogous liquid called
is platelets and white blood
human mind can be appreciated by the marks
hemolymph. The blood’s main
cells. The characteristic red
it has left in our culture: contracts were
role is to help distribute
color of blood is attributed to
sealed with blood; consumption of blood is
nutrients and oxygen to every
the RBCs, which are discoid
forbidden in Judaism because it’s considered
cell in our body so they have
cells that contain the iron-
to be sacred; “bloody” is a common
the energy needed to survive.
based protein hemoglobin as
intensifying word in British English; warriors
In contrast, single-celled
the oxygen-binder. All
drank the blood of their enemies; many
organisms (e.g. bacteria, and
vertebrates have red blood,
traditional folk remedies include blood as an
fungi) and animals with high
from sharks to birds. In
ingredient; there are stories of vampires with
surface/volume ratio and slow
contrast, crustaceans, spiders,
an endless taste for blood; and for more than
metabolism (e.g. sponges,
and octopuses have blue
2,000 years, bloodletting was the dominating
corals, and jellyfish) can rely
blood because their blood
treatment in the doctor’s arsenal of remedies.
on passive diffusion of
contains the copper-based
However, the greatest impact of human’s
nutrients and oxygen from
protein hemocyanin as the
fascination with blood has been the
water to their body. Thus,
oxygen-binder. Moreover, the
discoveries of the blood’s biological
these animals don’t need
breakdown of RBCs gives rise
properties, which have benefited millions of
blood. Similarly, one part of the
to the colors in bile, urine, and
human lives.
human body is in direct contact
stool. A similar color transition
with the air and can get oxygen
can be seen in contusions
by passive diffusion without the
(commonly known as bruises):
need for blood – the cornea of
first red, then blue, then green,
the eye.
then yellow, and lastly brown.
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
SCIENCE • HUMANS & BLOOD
AnemiA, B, & O
discovered the blood groups in
transfusion. A serious
A shortage of RBCs or
ABO-system and Rh-system.
consequence of incompatible
hemoglobin is called anemia
With this knowledge,
blood groups is that a person
and is a common condition,
transfusion became an
with Rh+ pregnant with a Rh-
especially amongst people
accessible treatment.
fetus will lead to an immune
who menstruate. There are
reaction against the unborn
many causes of anemia, but
The idea is that an individual
child. However, there are
one of the most interesting
without a certain sugar
treatments for this.
ones is called sickle cell
molecule on their RBC cannot
anemia. This anemia is caused
take blood from someone with
Studies of ethnic distribution of
by a genetic mutation that
that particular sugar molecule:
blood groups in the world have
renders the RBCs “sickle-
people with blood type O
found that native Americans
shaped” which reduces the life
cannot receive blood with
almost exclusively have O-
span of RBCs from the usual 4
types A, B, or AB; despite the
blood type. One explanation
months to a mere 2 weeks.
reverse being true. Those with
for this is that the whole native
Interestingly, this condition is a formidable defense against malaria. As a consequence of an evolutionary adaptation, it is common for people living in zones of widespread malaria (e.g. Africa) to have sickle cell anemia. On a similar note, one of the world’s most common enzymatic mutations is G6PDdeficiency – affecting 400
American population started off of 8-10 families with high-
”
One problematic blood group that does not have any sugar molecules connected to the ABO-system is the Bombay blood group
million people mostly around
frequency of O-blood type and wandered to Alaska around 14,000 years ago. O-blood type is also common in Malaria-spread areas in Africa, and has protective properties against malaria. In comparison, the most common blood type in Europe is A, and the most common in Asia is B.
the Mediterranean sea – which causes hemolysis during
the blood group A cannot
One problematic blood group
infections and thereby protects
receive B or AB, with a similar
that does not have any sugar
against malaria.
set-up for blood group B.
molecules connected to the
However, the blood group AB
ABO-system is the Bombay
Historically, as physicians
can receive all other group. In
blood group, which can only
realized the importance of
the same fashion, those with
receive blood from other
blood as a life force, they have
Rh- cannot receive Rh+,
people of the same blood
tried to transfuse blood from
despite the inverse being able
group. This blood group is rare
lambs and calves to humans.
to receive Rh-. This means that
and mostly found in the Indian
These attempts had dire ends
blood group O- is the universal
subcontinent. The purpose of
(one physician recalls: “his
donor and AB+ is a universal
blood groups is not fully
urine became black as soot
receiver. There are, in fact,
known, but it’s suggested that
and then he died”). Therefore,
hundreds of different blood-
different endemic infectious
transfusion was often
grouping systems, but the two
diseases can be a reason (e.g.
prohibited, even between
aforementioned systems are
malaria). A recent study found
humans. Then in 1901, Nobel
most dangerous if not
A-blood type was linked to
prize winner Karl Landsteiner
considered in blood
worse COVID-19 infections.
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
15
SCIENCE • HUMANS & BLOOD
What blood can tell us
Blood might even be a more
the patient (in Swedish: BAS-
In the clinic, a patient’s blood
significant diagnostic tool than
test). As such, O- blood is
gives a variety of useful
we’ve thought before, as new
given as it is highly compatible
information about bodily
research shows that
with most blood types; this can
functions. Thus, blood is
Alzheimer’s disease can be
be life-saving. Blood is also
almost always analyzed in a
potentially identified in a blood
used for research. However,
hospital, e.g., to measure
analysis. Some cancers can be
the source of that bag of blood
blood glucose level.
detected through blood
is blood donations. During the
analysis as well. In the future,
Covid-19 pandemic, donations
we might have the technology
have tapered off.
to detect a myriad of diseases using blood alone.
One bag of blood is used every minute in Sweden. So don’t
In an emergency situation,
forget to donate some of that
there might not be enough time
red life force running in your
to make a blood group test of
veins. The blood donor gets benefits such as checkup for anemia, checkup for common blood-borne viruses (HIV, hepatitis) and you get to know your blood group!
Tips: You can donate blood in Odenplan (Blodcentralen, Norrtullsgatan 6), which has a great view over Stockholm, offers free food and a choosable gift after blood donation! Interesting facts about blood: • Research has shown that mosquitoes prefer blood type O. • Our blood contains around 0.2 milligrams of gold. • Irrational fear of blood is called hemophobia. • The culture of bloodletting was taken over by barbers who hung a bloody towel outside their stores, which have over time transformed into the familiar Barber’s pole.
16
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
SCIENCE • HUMANS & BLOOD
”
One bag of blood is used every minute in Sweden
Photo attributed to: www.unsplash.com
– TOBIAS STRÖM, FOUNDER OF REGNBÅGSBLOD
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
17
GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
Photo attributed to: www.pixnio.com, adapted by Medicor
Vaccine inequity
AUTHOR: JULIA TERPINSKA
As vaccination systems against SARS-Cov-2 are rolling out in developed countries, the differences between the access to equitable healthcare around the world become more striking than ever. With the ambitious plans of the EU Commission to vaccinate 70% of the EU adult population by summer 20211, and the hopes of containing the spread in the US by fall 20212, developed countries hold the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in sight. Yet, questions about systemic privilege and vaccine inequity have blatantly started to be unveiled once more. The devastating example spotlights the humanitarian crisis and medical apartheid in the Gaza Strip, a part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory under the control of the State of Israel.
18
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
Vaccine appetite: endowing lessons learned from previous epidemics
interesting mechanisms are antibody coupling and T-cell responses, which cause inflammation and worsen disease onset during reinfection in a
The COVID-19 pandemic largely deviates from
process called vaccine-associated disease
other modern-day pandemics by the effect it has
enhancement (VADE).4 Moreover, coronavirus
had on different sectors of life. However, the most
spike protein was found responsible for the initial
prominent has been its scope. As it strongly
infection process and identified as a molecular
affected enterprises on the global market,
target. Accounting for these and other processes,
developed countries saw their usual response of
SARS-Cov-2 vaccine safety and efficacy could be
turning a blind eye impeded. In contrast, the crisis
more easily optimized, which subsequently
twisted into a global display of power and
accelerated SARS-Cov-2 vaccine development.5
privilege. Although coronavirus vaccine research has The speed of crisis mitigation and mobilization
grown with knowledge on previous epidemics, it
within the developed regions has been truly
lacked an additional factor that would bring
astounding. Since the initial months of the
profits. Since COVID-19 has a high mortality, rate
pandemic, the administrations of the developed
is more contagious, and took its toll on a massive
countries have reversed the shrinking trend in
number of people, its overall exerted impact has
vaccine development. A loss of interest in vaccine
been larger. However, it became the most
research investment persisted for years before
momentous due to the effect it had on the global
the COVID-19 outbreak due to high research
market, as well as socio-political attitudes,
costs, relatively low prices of vaccines, and a
healthcare systems, and education within the
decrease in demand within a few years of
developed countries. States with prolific
3
appearing on market. The European Union and
infrastructure experienced a direct need for crisis
the United States poured billions of dollars into
mitigation, and successfully prompted productive
the research and development of SARS-Cov-2
SARS-Cov-2 vaccine development.6
vaccines, luring large pharmaceutical companies and small research groups alike to endeavor on
This presents a subtler aspect of vaccine inequity,
the path of vaccine exploration and related
where such countries and enterprises, building on
fundamental research. They adjusted legal
the best available science and their knowledge
frameworks and secured virtual doses from the
capital, hold the power to direct resources and
most promising suppliers, prompting SARS-Cov-2
overcome large public health issues. On the other
vaccine research to be lower in risk and more
hand, states with shortfalls in healthcare and
profitable for the vaccine industry. Coupled with
research infrastructure have an impaired potential
existing immunological knowledge from the
to implement structural solutions – such as
previous epidemics, vaccine development was
vaccine development – which often leads to more
faster than ever before.
severe public health outcomes. It is curious to notice that COVID-19 is not the only pandemic
Several epidemic crises before COVID-19,
crisis we are living in at the moment, with the
markedly SARS and MERS outbreaks, saw a
example of the ongoing HIV/AIDS pandemic, but
slower response from the market and states.
its mitigation has been faster due to its socio-
However, they also sparked curiosity around
economic scope, as well as microbiological
coronavirus vaccine research and revealed
differences.7
pertinent molecular mechanisms. Particularly
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
19
GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
Vaccines are ready - but that doesn’t mean you will get one
mirroring his vaccine syringe to a rocket.11 Although Israel did not actively partake in vaccine research as Russia, China, the EU and the US
Following vaccine development and
did, it was largely successful at vaccine
manufacturing, the access to the vaccines in the
diplomacy. Due to the available resources and
market has been largely compromised by
rapid response, it was able to pay top prices for
economic positions as well as infrastructural
the doses and acquire them in bulk as early as
factors, which led to stark vaccine inequities and
December 2020.
legal auth
access to
remains d
earned critique from WHO Director-General 8
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Currently, while Israel launches vaccinations for Israeli youth, a debate sparks on the legal and
The issue is exacerbated by the strength of the
moral accountability of Israel’s vaccination
capitalistic market, where profit plays a central
program. Its epidemic relief success is
role. Developed countries claimed the entitlement
internationally bound to translate to a similar
to the first servings of the vaccine and were able
outcome in its occupied territories, as stated in
to gobble up twice or thrice the number of doses
the Fourth Geneva Convention.12 Yet, to this day,
needed to cover their population, due to their
the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt) has
9
prior investments or financial grounding.
managed to vaccinate a mere 8% of its
Concurrently, low-income, fragile states, often in
population.13 The Palestinian Authority has
the Global South, cannot offer substantial prices
received only 2000 doses of Moderna vaccine
and, thus, compete individually for the vaccines in
from the Israeli officials, according to the UN
the market.
OCHA report for June 2021.14 With 369 thousand individuals in a 2 million population vaccinated
Additionally, SARS-Cov-2 vaccine development
with the first dose by June 10th, the Gaza Strip
and acquisition turned into a diplomatic and
remains hundreds of thousands of vaccines
political asset. Alongside the developed countries,
short.15 Moreover, although the general infection
Chinese and Russian administrations sprinted
rate remains low, its COVID-19 cases had risen
towards vaccine research and Russia proudly
by 58% from March to April 2021 before the
named its first SARS-Cov-2 vaccine in the world
coronavirus testing was impeded by Israeli
– SputnikV. Now they proceed to strengthen their
violence escalation in May 2021.16,17 This
global influence by distributing vaccines to
demonstrates how within the same legal authority
countries in the Global South in bilateral deals,
(concerning pandemic mitigation), the access to
often in exchange for other benefits. It prompts
vaccines remains divided between religions and
these countries to increase their dependence on
ethnicities.
external bodies and consent to more compromises, which forces them to pay a higher
Palestinian Authority and Hamas-run Gazan
price and deepens vaccine inequity.10
governance were hindered from swift vaccine purchase due to fragile position in the market
However, drastic differences in vaccine inequity
(which further deteriorated upon the border
do not only span across the Global North and
blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt in 200718).
South; they are even more striking a few
Instead, oPt had to rely on global governance to
kilometers apart. Israel, having vaccinated more
obtain the doses. The issue of inequitable
than 63% of its population by June 2021, ranks
vaccine distribution stimulated WHO, CEPI, Gavi,
as the world leader in COVID-19 mitigation. Its
and UNICEF to cooperate in the establishment of
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu centered the
a COVID-19 vaccination program for low-income
promise of an effective vaccination program
countries, called COVAX. Up to date, it secured
during his reelection campaign; he kicked off the
enough doses to cover 20% of low-income
Israeli vaccine rollout by paraphrasing Neil
countries’ population.19
Armstrong’s first words on the moon and
20
”
Within the
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
between
and ethni
GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
e same
Capital and quality step in, licenses keep them safe – and shrink vaccine availability
hority the
Although COVAX managed to gather some of the
technologies in one package and enable easier
essential funds, it experienced large issues with
access to vaccine manufacturing in low- and
the supply chain. The manufacturing step, under
middle-income countries.22
to strengthen pharma participation in pool patenting. Covid-19 Technology Access Pool was established at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to integrate several patents and
o vaccines
the current legal regulations, is milk and honey for
divided religions
the pharmaceutical companies; and it presents
Currently, several vaccine companies are
itself in the form of patents. Large market demand
committing to ship doses to COVAX for more
for SARS-Cov-2 vaccines allows the few
equitable distribution.23 Scaling up of vaccine
enterprises to steer the vaccine prices.
production is essential when we think about the
icities
threat of potential, more dangerous, and vaccineCurrently, a limited number of manufacturers are
immune SARS-Cov-2 variants, as well as basic
licensed by pharmaceutical companies to
human decency.
produce SARS-Cov-2 vaccines. Irrespective of vaccine research being partially funded from state
Unfavorably, more bottlenecks are starting to
resources, the intellectual property rights over the
emerge in the COVAX system, including export
developed vaccines, as well as confidential know-
controls, syringe shortages, and a deficit of skilled
how information, are owned by the
vaccine workers.24 Moreover, with other
pharmaceutical companies. By keeping their
manufacturers remaining passive in the initial
procedures secret, the leading vaccine parties
stage of COVAX vaccine rollout, AstraZeneca
protect their heavy investments and knowledge
supplies from Serum Institute of India powered
capital, which allows them to reduce competition
the COVAX system by up to 90%.25
and collect the highest profits. However, it also results in a much lower throughput of vaccine
Such a one-party-oriented supply was also
production.
condemned to failure. It transpired alongside the infection surge and emergence of massive
Different regulatory maneuvers ensure company
farmers’ protests in India, which were grounded in
control over a certain vaccine and a handful of
the extreme events of climate change.26 In March,
others that enable an increase in manufacturing.
the Indian manufacturer was forced to reroute the
Paid or voluntary licenses are examples of
resources meant for other countries to counteract
variations where the main enterprise has a choice
rapidly spreading infections on Indian streets,
over which companies would produce its vaccine.
effectuating delayed COVAX supplies from
At the beginning of vaccine distribution, it was
AstraZeneca.27 With the developed countries
only AstraZeneca that decided to disclose the
hoarding doses and the manufacturing chain
vaccine protocol in such a way to large third
disrupted, the Occupied Palestinian Territory
parties, i.e., Serum Institute of India, and thus,
managed to receive the first COVAX doses only
scale-up production.
on March 17th, 2021.28
Yet, it still fell short in scope, with other
On the other hand, Israel ensured a firm head
manufacturers preferring to license smaller
start through an agreement with Pfizer with
companies, and seeking investment in the
competitive funds and solid infrastructure. While
Photo attributed to: www.unsplash.com
20
extension of their own production lines. As a
Israel prevails as a model in a successful
rationale, concerns were raised over the quality of
vaccination sprint for the general public, it stands
vaccines from the third parties and potential
as a country-wide model on pandemic mitigation
counterfeit.21 Nevertheless, it resulted in a
for Pfizer.
bottleneck of vaccine production and a WHO call
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
21
GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
”
The issue exacerbates with the strength of the capitalistic market, where profit plays a central role
Rolling up the sleeves – infrastructure at hand
reported by the International Medical Corps.32 Another threat to infection spreads is also posed by large clusters in refugee camps and a
Medical data in a highly functioning healthcare
population density within the Strip that is 32 times
system contribute an enormous asset in
higher than that of Israel.33 It is further
negotiations, adding another dimension to
exacerbated by hampered water, sanitation, and
vaccine diplomacy. For years, Israel has been
hygiene (WASH) systems.34
operating a detailed medical database on, among others: age, sex, co-existing medical conditions,
All these factors, induced by the blockade,
and side effects of the vaccinations, which
contributed to an immense risk of untamable
encompassed the whole of its relatively small
infection surge and large dependence of Gazan
population. Such information is invaluable both
healthcare on international medical and
for the optimization of vaccines in the present
humanitarian aid. During the COVID-19
sprint, as well as for a place in the evolving world
pandemic, as of June 1st, 2021, the region
of Big Data, which tempted Pfizer to center Israel
received 196 500 doses of the vaccine from
29
in its vaccine distribution. Moreover, the
COVAX, country-specific donations, and bilateral
digitalized system allowed Israel to optimize its
deals.35 However, they still cannot accommodate
vaccination rollout and prioritize the most
for more complex systemic issues attributable to
vulnerable groups.30
the blockade, such as import restrictions and a deficit of resources.36 Therefore, it positioned
Good healthcare supports vaccine distribution;
Israel and the Gaza Strip at significantly different
differences between healthcare quality contribute
levels of preparedness attributable to the
to vaccine inequity. Infrastructure preparedness
healthcare system and infrastructure prior to the
may consist of vaccination centers, access to
COVID-19 outbreak.
personal protective equipment, skilled staff, and a
22
comprehensive, digitized medical platform – all of
Counterintuitively, the same rigorous blockade
which balance the utility of vaccine supply and
allowed for early detection and isolation of
become essential for smooth pandemic
infected individuals before they crossed the
management. The Gazan Ministry of Health
border. All travelers must pass through land
struggled with the supply of basic health services
controls, since the region is surrounded by
due to the 2007 blockade, which led to insufficient
military forces, and there is no airport or seaport.
medical equipment and electricity access that
With the help of humanitarian aid, several
powers it.31 The blockade strained Gazan
quarantine centers were established, and the sick
infrastructure even before the COVID-19
could be directly referred there. Therefore, up
outbreak – 1.5 million Gazans do not have
until May 2021, the spread was significantly lower
adequate access to healthcare provision, as
than in other regions of the world.37
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
Knocking down infrastructure; boosting vaccine inequities However, the situation worsened on account of the eviction of Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah, open fire by Hamas, and subsequent attacks from the Israeli military in May 2021.38 At the most severe moment, 113 thousand Palestinians were internally displaced, and presently, this number remains at 9 thousand internally displaced people.39 Early detection and prevention was also impeded by 70% when the main lab testing center was bombed.40 The growing number of residents experiencing physical trauma and requiring immediate treatment placed tremendous stress on the Strip’s healthcare system. Simultaneously, 9 (out of 30) hospitals, 19 (out of 147) primary healthcare centers, and key hospital accessways were damaged by the Israeli airstrikes.41 This posed an immense threat to the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19. The hospitals and clinics also served as vaccination centers, and with sustained damage, their vaccination capacity plunged.42 It represents a situation, in which the drastic inequities in both vaccine supply and related infrastructure are worsened by direct military violence. It had implications in aggravated vaccination rollout, which further deepened inequities in vaccination programs between the Israeli and Gazan regions.
”
Since the initial months of the pandemic, the administrations
Photo attributed to: www.unsplash.com
of the developed countries have reversed the shrinking trend in vaccine development
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
23
GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
”
Now, more than ever, efforts from all socio-economic bodies need to be amplified to prevent and eradicate the occurrence of stark vaccine inequities
What is to come?
systems.43 At that time, the SARS-Cov-2 virus risks mutating to more dangerous variants and
Vaccine inequity has many faces, some of them
further straining global public health. It also exerts
more obvious than others. Prominently, they
a strong impact on social and economic
entail differences in the production and supply
inequities, such as compromised education
chains – from vaccine research and development,
during school closures. UNESCO predicts 23.8
through manufacturing and diplomacy, to the
million youth to drop out of school due to the
distribution capacity of related healthcare
COVID-19 crisis, including 11.2 million girls.44
infrastructure. These inequities can also be
Girls’ education has a stronger effect on the
actively exacerbated by military violence,
country’s economy, as it affects adolescent
straining vaccine rollouts even in places under
pregnancies, women’s emancipation, and
the same pandemic mitigation authority, like Gaza
household earnings to a larger extent.45 Many
Strip and Israel. Regardless of the legal,
outcomes of the COVID-19 crisis are yet to be
economic, and scientific complexities, vaccine
observed in the decades to come.
inequity directly impacts the livelihoods of billions and exposes some social groups to more severe
Equitable vaccine distribution could diminish
outcomes of pandemics like COVID-19.
COVID-19’s negative upshoot. Ideas about patents sold in bulk under COVID-19 Technology
Yuval Harari writes in his book 21 lessons for 21st
Access Pool have the potential to satisfy large
century about the threat of growing biological
demand for SARS-Cov-2 vaccines and could be
differences between humans, where one group
more warranted and encouraged by the
can diverge from another due to their advanced
respective states. A prospect of assigning SARS-
biological adaptations, mainly grounded in
Cov-2 vaccines equitably stands, for instance, in
economic prospects. Although in my judgment, it
stronger global governance through COVAX as a
is currently a far-fetched scenario, differences in
leading vaccine authority. In the spirit of a
immunities of certain groups doubtlessly are a
frequently repeated “no one is safe until everyone
brick in the wall that supports such division.
is safe”, the developed countries and large pharmaceutical companies should step up and
Vaccine inequity is also not an isolated problem.
support WHO in vaccine distribution.46 Now, more
With the expected mass immunizations in low-
than ever, efforts from all socio-economic bodies
income countries not kicking off before 2022 or
need to be amplified to prevent and eradicate the
2023, it exposes weaker states to prolonged
occurrence of stark vaccine inequities. And the
pandemic crisis management and puts additional
health, social and economic inequities that follow.
weight on their economies and healthcare
24
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
Photo attributed to: www.unsplash.com
GLOBAL FOCUS • VACCINE INEQUITY
References and further reading can be found at medicor.nu/read-more-2021-1
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
25
CAMPUS • TEDxKI
Check out all these amazing talks and performances from the TEDxKI - From Mirage to Oasis
The Art of Mental Health Advocacy | MATILDA
To Solve a Crisis, Just Look at What Is Around You | OLLE
(crazyheadcomics)
BJERKÅS
How Public Is Our Public Land? | PAULA URBANO
Rainbow Blood: The Need of an Evidence-Based Blood Donation Policy in Sweden | TOBIAS STRÖM
Musical Performance| ELENA KÜSSNER & XINHE XING
Musical Performance | PALOMA RUIZ DE CASTROVIEJO TEBA
26
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
CAMPUS • TEDxKI
TEDx returns to Karolinska Institutet AUTHOR: MARIA PAVLOU
Most of us have heard a TED talk
I was one of the Public Relations
which is an unrelenting task that
before – these are organized by TED
Directors on the TEDxKI team, and
requires ongoing communication with
and have gathered billions of views
we embarked on this journey in mid-
all the members of the team. To help
around the world. But did you know
March. It began with a flurry of
us build and improve we had endless
that anyone can organize a TEDx
activity – planning, coordinating, and
meetings where we shared ideas and
event for their own community?
creating an image and profile for
brainstormed together
TEDxKI was our top priority. Well, I’m proud to say that TEDx
Our team wanted to make sure that
returned to Karolinska Institutet after
Creating this image required
the first TEDx event at KI in a decade
a decade on May 27th, 2021.
maintaining a social media presence,
was memorable – a task that is
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
27
CAMPUS • TEDxKI
always tricky, and even more so with
The last weeks before the event
skills. Not to mention, I met new,
an online event. To get the full TEDx
were the hardest, as everything was
amazing people which made this
event experience, we included
coming together and final
process even more fun!
breakout rooms, interactive activities,
preparations took place. Although
and a post-event mingle to help our
there were plenty of things to
Overall, I am so proud of being a part
attendees connect with each other
consider and manage, the best part
of this team, and I am so happy that
and the speakers. It was a blast!
is that we had a blast. Not only on
our social media campaign was
the day of the event but in all of
successful in building a fully-fledged
those months preparing.
event!
through the programme. To me, it
My favorite part of being a part of the
If you are interested in being part of
represents a journey, a transition.
team was the creative thinking
the future team organizing the next
Thee beautiful thing is that this
behind our work and the interactive
TEDxKI event, stay tuned for
thread is open to interpretation; every
role in online presence. Furthermore,
upcoming announcements!
speaker and attendee had a different
I got to improve my communication
and uniquely personal way that the
competence through social media
theme spoke to them.
and sharpen my graphic design
The theme was “From Mirage to Oasis”, and drew a red thread
28
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
CAMPUS • MEDICINSKA BOKHANDELN
Medicinska Bokhandeln – the student’s bookstore AUTHORS: MIKAEL YILMAZ & JULIA EHRENSTRÖM
Medicinska bokhandeln (MB) has long been the students' safe haven for finding course literature. The bookstore has, over the years, contributed to a more vibrant campus. Many people know MB as it is located in front of the lecture hall Berzelius. The admirable, detailed anatomical drawings from Andreas Vesalius' masterpiece, De humani corporis fabrica (published 1543), decorate the glass walls. However, only a few know the view from MB’s perspective. We have been permitted to interview the operations manager – Svetlana.
What is MB? MB is a small business bookstore that is mainly owned by Medicinska Föreningen (MF). It is run in the form of a limited company. The company is divided into two units that cooperate; these are MB in Solna and Harrys böcker in Huddinge. We have a small staff group, including me, the operations manager, and two other employees. Furthermore, we have a board where a couple of students from KI are included.
Photo attributed to: Anny Truong
How did you come to join MB? I have an education as an economist. A consistent thing throughout my career has been meeting on the store floor, exchanging words, and having contact with customers, which has always been fun. In addition to my background, I have liked books since I was very young. The trade itself becomes fun when the product you sell is valuable for oneself. Therefore, MB was an obvious choice for me.
The operations manager, Svetlana, is sitting at the checkout.
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
29
CAMPUS • MEDICINSKA BOKHANDELN
Do you have a favorite book?
We already know that corona has affected many businesses. But
When it comes to books, I like
how has it been for MB?
detective stories. My favorite author is Elizabeth George. These are
The pandemic has hit us very hard
beautiful ”bricks” that you can relax
because students have not been on
with.
campus. Nowadays, KI has lectures digitally. Unfortunately, Harrys böcker
Why is MB’s slogan “By and for
has been hit harder as closure in
students”?
Södertörn University has been stricter than KI. Right now, it looks
To reduce the spread of the virus, we
MB is owned by MF, a student union.
like we are approaching a clearing,
limit the number of people that
Likewise, our customer clientele
and KI intends to open campus in the
simultaneously enter the store. In
mostly consists of students from KI
autumn. But we have been hit hard.
addition, we have a protective shield
and Södertörn University. Moreover,
No students, no income.
glass between me (checkout) and the
our assortment is mainly based on
customer.
the courses used on campus. We
Do you have a strategy to
look at the statistics and see what
overcome the pandemic?
sells the most among the students,
What do you think about the usage of e-books instead of actual
and consequently order. It is this
We have finally set up an online
books?
adaptation for the students that
webshop medicinskabokhandeln.se
distinguishes MB from the bigger
that facilitates sales. The webshop is
There is nothing MB can do about it,
dragons (bookstores).
an additional sales channel where
but I generally do not like illegal
customers can order without being on
downloads. In the end, there is
To make the books more affordable
campus. Also, we have reduced
someone who has worked, written,
for students, we have started to sell
costs and adapted to the
printed, sold the book. A long chain of
second-hand books. Additionally, we
circumstances.
people work hard to produce a book,
mediate free books given to us by
and to download it for free on the
donors.
web undermines these people. I am a bookworm, and opening a book is something special. Opening a new book, throwing yourself into the action, creating your own thoughts; gives a different feeling. I also like audiobooks when the thoughts fly away; then I am in another world. What would you like for KI students to know about MB? Our aim at MB is to offer a wide range of books to students. If a product is missing, we can always order it. The waiting time for Swedish and foreign literature is 2-3 days and two weeks, respectively.
30
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
Photo attributed to: Anny Truong
CAMPUS • MEDICINSKA BOKHANDELN
The anatomical images from De humani corporis fabrica.
Unveiling the history of MB HOW MB started by the initiative of the MF board. The task to operate MB was assigned to the then vice-chairman of MF – Ulf Ala-Mutka.
WHY The reason behind starting a student’s bookstore was the market prices of course literature were relatively high in Stockholm. So the purpose of MB was (and still is) to have high availability of course literature with the lowest possible price.
WHEN 23rd of August, 1993, on a Monday, MB opened as a small bookstore in Kårhuset (MF’s student union house). The student’s interest was through the roof; many stood in a long serpentine queue.
AFTERMATH After MB’s opening, other competitors were forced to lower their prices significantly. It was a great win for students!
2008
2012
2021
MB expands to sell in Huddinge as Harrys böcker.
MB moves to the current locale in Berzelius väg 3.
MB is online and sells through the webstore.
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31
CAMPUS • HUMANS OF KI
After all, these years should be as memorable as possible AUTHOR: MATILDE OVIEDO
Malin Sandell is the Student Counsellor for 6 different programmes at KI - we met her for an interview to get to know the person behind all these emails a bit better.
32
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CAMPUS • HUMANS OF KI
If you are a student at KI, you most likely had an email exchange with Malin Sandell. Malin is not just the Student Counsellor for 6 different programmes at KI – she is also the first point of contact for students who struggle with stress, harassments, discrimination, mental health/illness or other problems related to your studies. Malin has been working for about 6 years as student advisor; first at KTH and now for a year at KI. Since her studies in ethnology, Malin has been interested in people and especially students. She says that what draws her to students is “their different stories, cultures and experiences”. “I think it's always difficult as an international student to come to another country because there's so many small details that I, as a national, take for granted and just know, but as an international you have to learn everything from scratch”. “I can't imagine what it must be like
students, longer and ‘funner’
Her mission is to be the bridge, the
not to know anyone, in a country I
introduction weeks - and perhaps
smoothing hand between all the
know very little about, staring at a
introducing a physical space that can
different customs and life here at KI.
computer screen in my room alone”.
serve as a hangout place as well as
Her job was never easy but, of
Many students have now turned to
course, it has not been made easier
her for more help. In addition to
“Internationals are a great resource
by the pandemic. Before, students
providing advice on Swedish life,
for research and investigation that KI
could interact with their classmates
Malin has now also taken it upon
is so invested in, so it makes sense
during lectures and seminars and
herself to interact with the students,
to give them attention as well”.
could therefore help each other out;
to have fika or take a walk.
a place for questions and advice.
Illustrative elements made by Mikail Yilmaz
the online format has taken away this
This is where Malin calls for help.
support system, and left many of
She is at her happiest doing these
Because the pandemic has taken a
these students vulnerable to
walks, so it is her favourite part of the
toll on the amount of physical
loneliness. She explained that most
job - but she feels KI could make
actives; she is constantly searching
of her students now complain that
more of an effort. Malin’s current
for ideas and contributions that
they feel alien to Sweden, and feel
project is to make internationals
students can think of to make the
like they don’t live or participate in
more of a priority for the university;
university more inclusive for
society.
with more seminars for incoming
international students.
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33
CAMPUS • BLÅSLAGET
Find musical & dance terms!
Need some help on the way? See page 56 for the answers!
1. Where does “Blåslagare” hang out? 3. The person that leads an orchestra.
Across 2. What is the smallest instrument in the orchestra? 5. You will probably have to do this quite often with your guitar to not have it sound awful, but it also needs to be done with.
7. Which instrument is the largest and lowest-pitched in the brass family? 8. An action to keep the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, which is needed to maintain a range of motion in the joints.
6. When a musician plays a note strongly. 9. A fabulous person who designs a dance to be performed on stage.
34
4. If a song is out of your range to sing or play, you can always … it.
10. A classical ballet term meaning “raised”.
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
Created using the Crossword Maker on TheTeachersCorner.net
Down
CAMPUS • BLÅSLAGET
NO STYLE, ONLY HITS! Welcome to Blåslaget AUTHOR: MAYA TOURKAMAN Hello there! Are you also tired of long days that consist of only Zoom lectures which then transition to evenings of Netflix’s rude: "Are you still watching?"? Did you also dream about a vibrant student life that now feels as remote as Narnia? Don’t give up yet! Because now, you actually have the chance to ensure a student life VIP seat for this fall’s semester! How? Simply by joining the Medicinska Föreningen’s student orchestra, Blåslaget, with its associated dance group, Dragplåstret! So, who are we? Blåslaget consists of approximately 25 musicians (band instruments, wind instruments and singers) and Dragplåstret, which has about 10 dancers. All the musicians and dancers have different
Illustrations attributed to: Blaslaget.se
backgrounds and educations. In other words, everyone is welcome! We have rehearsals every Tuesday at 18:00 sharp at the Medicinska Föreningen’s aula, always starting with a traditional fika! So if you would like to be part of an active student life in Stockholm with a lot of concerts, festivals, tours and other fun
Group pic – The concert “Värmeslaget” November 2019.
activities, then you should join Find Blåslaget online:
blaslaget
Blåslaget
ordf@blaslaget.se
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Blåslaget!
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CAMPUS • STUDENT HEALTH CENTER
36
medicor • 2021 | ISSUE 1
Photo attributed to: www.unsplash.com
A reminder from the
CAMPUS • STUDENT HEALTH CENTER
Student Health Center at KI AUTHOR: FRIDA KOLASA
Sometimes, little to nothing can feel like a lot - especially during uncertain times. The KI Student Health Center is here to help when things get too much.
Hello! How are you in these peculiar times? Are you finding
About the Student Health Center
a good balance between spending time online, looking at the screen, and the rest of life? Perhaps it's a little bit
We offer assessment, advice and supportive counselling
simplified, but we often speak to students about these
sessions when you experience study-related difficulties or
topics. Most of us know what to do when we have a lot of
other problems that may impede your studies in any way.
studies to get through; we need to eat healthy, take
Common reasons for contacting us are stress,
pauses, make sure we move our bodies, make time for
performance-anxiety, or feeling low.
social interaction, and, of course, sleep well. Currently we only offer online video-sessions. To make an But why is it so hard to achieve?
appointment you can either phone us or make a booking in our web-based booking system. Click on the link below for
Sometimes the simple, small things are the most difficult to
easy access: https://utbildning.ki.se/studenthalsan
embrace. When we are stressed, feel low, and are not allowed to see friends and family that we need in order to
We also regularly offer seminars on various topics that you
keep well, cognitive abilities can decrease. Decisions are
may want to take part in - previous topics have ranged
more difficult to make, routines are harder to keep up with,
from Stress Handling to Public speaking anxiety. Watch the
and our patience wanes. At the Student Health Centre, we
space on our website for upcoming seminars!
meet many students that struggle with these problems. Sometimes it can be helpful to get some support around these issues; it seems so simple but can actually be quite tricky. We are here to support you; do get in touch to discuss any difficulties you might be experiencing.
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37
CAMPUS • SiF
Research for students –
Say hello to SiF Are you a research-lover? Do you want to get into research but don't know how? Studenter i Forskning (SiF) might have the answers that you are looking for!
What is SiF? SiF stands for Studenter i Forskning which is Swedish for Students in Research. We are a student-run organization that holds events like journal clubs and research seminars, as well as provides valuable information to students that want to pursue research at Karolinska Institutet.
Board left to right: CAROLINE SCHAGERHOLM - President, LINA ABDEL-HALIM - Vice President, CHRISTINA TSAGKOGIANNI - Events Manager, IIDA TYNKKYNEN - Recruitment Manager, LINDA KOGERMAN - Event Manager, MARIA - NEFELI CHRISTAKOPOULOU - PR Manager, JENNY SUL Event Manager, DIDAR FARES - Event Manager, ALI RASSOLIE - PR Manager, LINA CAO ZHANG (not in picture) - Recruitment Manager
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CAMPUS • SiF
Q & A with the SiF board 1. How did your journey in research start? DIDAR: I actually have not started my academic research journey yet! I only recently started gaining an interest in it when I noticed how intriguing research is. 2. What advice would you give to
MARIA - NEFELI: In the biomedical
JENNY: When I was in high school I
someone that wants to get into
programme, all lecturers are also
started volunteering at a lab in
research but doesn't know where
conducting research and they always
molecular biology and genetics at a
to start?
talk briefly about their work in the
local university. I learned the ropes
beginning or end of the lecture. If you
around the different lab techniques
DIDAR: Find out what you think is
find their research topic interesting,
and eventually got to work on my
interesting, take a few steps in that
make sure to approach them and
own project, which I subsequently
direction and see if you like it. (You
discuss their research, laboratory
won a scholarship for at a science
can find a list of professors who is
techniques they use in their lab, and
competition for high school students.
interested in hosting students at
ongoing projects that you could
studenteriforskning.se)
potentially join.
bachelor studies at Karolinska
JENNY: If you keep an open mind
ALI: I would definitely start by
Institutet, I started working in a
and you’re in it for the experience
scouring the internet – more
laboratory part-time. I greatly enjoyed
and to learn, anything is possible. I
specifically KI sites and SiF’s website
learning new techniques while
would start with reaching out to as
– for interesting research groups.
applying my knowledge from my
many labs of your interest as you
After finding one, we enter the stage
bachelor courses, so I have
can; talk to supervisors and staff at
of spamming and religiously
continued doing research in parallel
the lab and go from there. Research
attempting to come in contact with
to my studies to this day.
requires a lot of patience so I’d give it
the PIs or researchers at the lab,
time to figure out your ultimate life’s
asking for a job!
MARIA - NEFELI: During my
ALI: In my first semester I came in
calling.
contact with a bunch of students
CAROLINE: investigate your interest
researchers, in the semesters above.
and ask around! Maybe you have an
I landed my first research assistant
interesting seminar leader, know
job through them .
someone who does research or similar? There are so many ways to
CAROLINE: I got my first research
get into research and the most
position with one of my lecturers in
important advice I can give is to
my first semester of medical school. I
show your interest and to be honest
had been in contact with her due to
about your background and what you
an international exchange and just
are capable of in both terms of time
asked her if she wanted to take in a
and skillset.
student – and she did!
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39
CAMPUS • SiF 3. What is something you wished
JENNY: That it’s not necessarily
ALI: Be willing to change labs early!
you knew before getting into
about the results. As I said, research
Evaluate carefully if the current
research?
requires a lot of patience so it’s
research group will benefit you in
mostly about the journey and the
your own development.
DIDAR: What I have noticed a lot of
process.
people mention is that professors
40
CAROLINE: Think about what type
choose their research path for a
MARIA - NEFELI: That this is a
of research you want to do.
reason, so talking about their work is
learning process and things won’t
Research is so different, from
fun for them. This is why, if you are
always go as planned. You should
working in wet labs, with patient
interested in doing what they do, you
see every mistake and failed
registries, computer softwares and
should not be afraid of inviting
experiment as an opportunity to learn
being in the clinic having patient
Professors for a cup of coffee to talk
more and improve yourself. Also,
meetings. Not all needs to suit
about their work.
always remember that many great
everyone and it can be a deal
discoveries happened by mistake!
breaker!
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CAMPUS • SiF
4. What was your favorite event
5. What has being part of SiF
that SiF organised and why?
taught you?
DIDAR: The “How To Research
DIDAR: Researchers can be fun
Lecture” for sure! Gave me
people too. :)
everything I needed to know about starting my research journey, as well
JENNY: That research students
as a few resources.
aren’t antisocial mythical creatures but actually are fun with active social
JENNY: The different webinars we’ve
lives.
organized so far. I find it interesting to learn about the different fields of
MARIA - NEFELI: That researchers
research and what the latest
are so fun that they have created a
discoveries are.
parody of the Nobel prizes called the Ig Nobel prizes, which are awarded
MARIA - NEFELI: The psychedelic
every year for achievements that
research webinar was a great event
"first make people laugh, and then
where top researchers in the field,
make them think".
both from Sweden and abroad, spoke about this rapidly advancing
CAROLINE: That there are so many
field of research.
researchers who want to work and engage with us students!
CAROLINE: Research colloquium, a very nice gathering in Gamla Stan with dinner and discussions of a research topic from different perspectives.
Where to find SiF:
https://studenteriforskning.se
sifstockholm
Studenter i Forskning Stockholm
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41
CAMPUS • OMBUDSPERSON
Medicinska Föreningen’s ombudspersons AUTHORS: NAZIRA HAMMOUD SHAHWAN & NINNA OOM
How can you help students and
What’s a typical case for you as
For how long have you as
doctoral students?
ombudspersons?
ombudspersons been around?
We can, for example, help them
Well, our job varies a lot and the
KI initiated the role of the
understand their rights and
cases that we work with are quite
ombudspersons in 2003, because
obligations, be a neutral and
different from each other. But when it
they wanted the students to have an
independent instance between them
comes to student matters, we often
independent person/persons outside
and KI in a possible conflict, and
give support to students that have an
of KI to turn to if something
investigate whether KI follows the
upcoming claim with the disciplinary
happened during their studies at KI,
rules in handling their case.
board. We also counsel students that
someone employed by the student
However, we do not take sides or
feel that they have been mistreated
union for example. I, Nazira, have
decide on a matter.
by their teachers or peers and others
worked as an ombudsperson at KI
who, for example, want to know how
for five years so I’ve seen quite a lot
When can students and doctoral
to have a grade reviewed. When it
during my time here. Everything from
students contact you?
comes to doctoral students, the
more simple cases regarding
cases are usually connected to their
misleading and plagiarism to more
Always! No question is too big or too
work environment and employment.
difficult cases involving sexual
small and we do our best to get back
We can help them with the process
harrasments during an internship
as soon as possible. If we are not the
of changing a supervisor or informing
(VFU) etc. And I, Ninna, only started
right people to answer a question, we
them about their rights concerning
working last summer. It’s a really fun
refer the student to someone who is.
prolongation of their contract of
and interesting job, but I still have
Just remember — our door is always
employment.
much to learn!
open!
42
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Illustrative elements made by Mikail Yilmaz
Did you know that Medicinska Föreningen (MF) has two ombudspersons that can help students and doctoral students with matters related to their studies? Ninna and Nazira are there for all students at KI, regardless of membership in the union, and – it should go without mentioning – they work under complete confidentiality.
CAMPUS • OMBUDSPERSON
The ombudspersons’ area of jurisdiction used to be divided in two — one for students and one for doctoral students. However, we are now striving towards gradually merging our roles. This means that the two of us can handle cases with both students and doctoral students. A big pro with this is that we are more available to everyone – if one of us can’t help at the time, the other one probably can. Furthermore, we Photo attributed to: Daniella Nordman
are able to discuss cases with each other if we find it necessary and, in a particularly tricky case, we can show support in numbers.
How can students and doctoral students reach you? The easiest way is to fill out a form on MF’s website. On the form, the student can tell us a bit about their problem after which we contact them.
You can find the form here:
Usually, we arrange a meeting with
https://medicinskaforeningen.se/en/student-rights/ombudspersons/
the student to ensure that we understand every aspect of the
The ombudspersons visiting addresses are:
problem and discuss how we can be
MF Solna, Nobels väg 10 and MF Flemingsberg, Alfred Nobels Allé 8.
of help.
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43
CULTURE • COLORS OF SPRING
1ST 44 PLACE: MORGAN SÖDERSTRÖM
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CULTURE • COLORS OF SPRING
COLORS OF SPRING Earlier this spring, we had a photo competition themed “Colours of Spring” on the Medicor instagram @medicor.mag. We asked our followers for their favourites, and here are the results!
2ND PLACE: ADAMANTIA CHASSIOTI
Do you also want your picture shown here? Keep an eye out for future photo competitions at Medicor's social media!
3RD PLACE: IIDA TYNKKYNEN
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45
CULTURE • PROJECT WISDOM
1
2 3
4 5
6
Your summer reading list – book recommendations from Project Wisdom AUTHORS: ANASTASIJA ZUBOVA & AYU TAMAKI
Project Wisdom is a student-led book club that curates a reading list every semester and gathers KI students to read and discuss popular science literature. A wide array of books is chosen to highlight different messages and to challenge the readers’ critical thinking. We would like to present you Project Wisdom’s selection of books for the spring semester of 2021.
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CULTURE • PROJECT WISDOM
1. Blindness by JOSE SARAMAGO
2. How to Argue with a Racist: What Our Genes Do (and Don't) Say about Human Difference
Blindness is a novel about a contagion that causes
by ADAM RUTHERFORD
blindness and the chaos that ensues, putting forth the idea of the public uniting to overcome a terrible disease. We
This book was chosen to shed light on the racism that
chose this book because it reflects current social
persists in society today. Racist pseudoscience has
circumstances amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. This book –
become so commonplace that it can be hard to distinguish
first published more than two decades ago – gives us a
but its toxic effects on society are evident. Stereotypes and
chance to compare our lives today to fictional ones,
myths not supported by the modern study of human
highlighting the similarities and differences between the
genetics are frequently propagated. We believe that racism
real world and the author’s imagination. As it is hard to face
is not an issue to shy away from, but one we must face
the impacts of Covid-19 alone, we hope that this book will
together to understand its underlying mechanisms. We
be a fantastic opportunity to come together to contemplate
hope that readers are challenged to face how mis-
our lives critically and subjectively during this pandemic.
information may be skewing their worldview and critical thinking.
3. The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History
4. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON
by ELIZABETH KOLBERT Astrophysics is a topic that seemingly has little to no The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History highlights one of
relation to the medical field. However, there has been a
the most important issues that the world faces today –
great demand for books that cover a broader scope of the
environmental and ecological destruction. This book
sciences, and so, to match this demand, one of the most
combines research from multiple disciplines and evaluates
critically acclaimed popular science books on astrophysics
the myriad of problems associated with human activity and
was chosen. Renowned worldwide as an educator and
provides opportunities for readers to think about what they
celebrity, Tyson gives us a perspective into his mind by
can do to salvage the Earth's natural environment. Kolbert
attempting to describe the infiniteness of the universe.
argues that we are the catalysts of the sixth extinction, and
Written to be read while waiting for your morning coffee
studying how we have altered and damaged the Earth
brews, or during your wait for the bus to arrive, we hope
allows us to fix our mistakes and avoid repeating them. We
that this book will not only provide useful knowledge but
hope that readers can rethink the fundamental question of
also bring a momentary escape from the real world and
what it means to be human and what we can give back to
allow readers to wander into the magic of the universe.
the Earth.
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47
CULTURE • PROJECT WISDOM
5. Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think
6. The Blind Watchmaker: Why the Evidence of Evolution Reveals a Universe Without Design
by HANS ROSLING
by RICHARD DAWKINS
Honoring the late Professor Rosling from Karolinska
Evolution, evolution, evolution... Say it how many times
Institutet, this worldwide best-selling book highlights the
you want but do you really know what it is? In the
lack of knowledge in public health of average people. Most
eighteenth century, theologian William Paley developed a
know surprisingly little about the world. When asked simple
famous metaphor for creationism: that of the skilled
questions about global trends, such as why the world's
watchmaker. If natural selection can be said to play the
population is increasing or how many live in poverty, we
role of a watchmaker in nature, then it is a blind one—
frequently get the answers wrong. So wrong, in fact, that a
working without foresight or purpose. In an eloquent
chimpanzee choosing answers at random can consistently
manner, Dawkins illustrates the beauty behind evolution
out-perform journalists, Nobel laureates, and investment
that allows simple organisms to slowly change over time to
bankers. Inspiring and revelatory, Factfulness was chosen
create a world of enormous complexity and diversity. This
as an urgent and essential book for all current and future
book challenges the readers to think critically of evolution
scientists. We hope that this book will help students gain a
and appreciate the elegant scientific proofs that went into
better and more realistic understanding of the world.
evaluating problems of evolution.
You can join us at the beginning of every semester, and it is completely free! We also have a monthly newsletter that is always open for any submissions. Contact us! We are always open for any questions, suggestions and feedback.
projectwisdomki
projectwisdomki@outlook.com
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CULTURE • QUEEROLINSKA
Can you solve the
Queerolinska word search? BY: LUKAS LEHTONEN Every word can be read… • from left to right • from top to bottom • diagonally from bottom left to top right • diagonally from top left to bottom right •
Asexual BDSM Bisexual Cisgender Demisexual Drag Expression Gay Genderqueer Heterosexual Homosexual Identity Intersectionality Intersex Lesbian Nonbinary Oritentation Pansexual Pride Pronouns Queer Rainbow Spectrum Straight Transgender Trans man Trans woman
Definitions for the hidden words (and more!) can be found at https://lgbtqia.ucdavis.edu/educated/glossary You can reach out to us at queerolinska@medicinskaforeningen.se to hear more about our association and what we do at KI!
Can you manage to find all the words? See page 56 for the answers!
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49
CULTURE • COOKING AT KI
Cooking at KI RECIPE BY: MAGNUS NYKVIST
Cooking at KI is an event planned by Global Friends whose aim is to promote different cultures by inviting international students to share recipes from their home country. Just like any other cooking show, you can join the currently digital event from the comfort of your home and follow the steps demonstrated by the chef to cook and enjoy the international dish of the day.
PENNE ALLA VODKA ● 500 g penne of good quality ● 2-3 garlic cloves, minced and then pureed with the back of a knife or grated with a microplane ● 2 shallots, finely diced ● 2 dl cream ● 3-4 tablespoons vodka ● 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes, pureed and sieved to remove seeds (preferably San Marzano tomatoes) ● 5-6 Calabrian chilies, minced (can be substituted with 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes) ● 1 stem of basil ● 1-2 sardine fillets ● 1 dl pecorino, finely grated and sieved ● 2-3 tablespoons olive oil ● 1 cup reserved pasta water to adjust consistency ● salt to taste
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CULTURE • COOKING AT KI
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Finely chop the shallots
3. Add a few tablespoons of
5. Once the pasta is 1-2
and the Calabrian chilies (if
olive oil to the pan and over
minutes shy of al dente, drain
used).
medium heat cook the onions
and transfer to the sauce. Toss
until they begin to soften.
to combine.
grind to a paste using the back
Add the basil stem, garlic
Let the sauce and the pasta
of your knife or grate using a
paste, Calabrian chilis (or chili
mingle with each other for a
microplane.
flakes) and sardine fillets.
couple of minutes while the
Cook until fragrant and the
pasta finishes cooking.
Finely chop the garlic and
Grate your pecorino on the
sardines have melted
finest setting on your cheese
completely.
grater. Push through a sieve to
Adjust the consistency of your dish with the reserved pasta
create an intense pecorino
4. Add the vodka and reduce
powder.
until most of it has evaporated.
water if needed.
6. Plate up (preferably on Puree tomatoes by hand in a
Then add the pureed
preheated plates) and enjoy
bowl. Push through a sieve to
tomatoes. Bring up to a boil
with pecorino on top.
remove seeds (this step is
then immediately turn down
optional but keep in mind that
the heat and let it reduce until
tomato seeds can be bitter).
the sauce is thicker than a regular tomato sauce.
2. Get a pot of salted water going on the stove and a wide-
Add the cream, bring back up
bottomed pan next to it to cook
to a boil then turn down the
the sauce in.
heat once again and let simmer while you are cooking the pasta.
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51
CULTURE • THE DICE METHOD
The Dice Method Photo attributed to: www.CGPGrey.com
AUTHOR: LAURA VOLLE Are you super busy and have approximately a million things to do? Don’t know where to start between, say, staring at your hastily scribbled notes for the umpteenth time, reading your assigned course literature or actually answering those seminar questions you’ll be quizzed on tomorrow? Boy, do I have the technique for you! It’s coined (very imaginatively) The Dice Method, and it consists of rolling a six-sided die to determine your next course of action. Sounds simple? That’s because it is!
This might be helpful, especially if
It cuts down on the brainpower you
you’re feeling stuck, because:
have to spend on deciding what to
You just identify five things you want
study beyond identifying five general
to/really should/need to do and
It forces you to split up what you
categories. If you’re already tired
assign them numbers. “But a six
want to do into five small categories
from slogging through endless
sided die has six (6) sides! Why only
– a good starting point for figuring out
lectures, this is one less mental
five?”, one might ask. That’s because
what exactly you have to do and
weight your poor head has to
number six is going to be your lucky
what’s most important to you!
shoulder.
It can make routine procedures like
Now, if we’re thinking big here, the
Here’s an example of what that
studying feel new and refreshing to
applications for this ‘technique’ are
might look like:
you! You never know what you’re
limitless. It’s useful for any situation
going to get in which order and that
where you can figure out your top 5
element of surprise can shake a tired
priorities and then address them in a
brain out of its stupor (not literally).
random order.
It forces you to take breaks in semi-
You’ve got an essay due in a week,
regular intervals. At any given point
dishes, that one pesky phone call,
(unless there’s something wrong with
your daily workout and sooo much
your die) you have a 1/6 chance to
studying to be done and have spent
get that sweet, sweet timeout – this
the last two hours aimlessly reading
is pretty reasonable, and when you
through Medicor articles? No more of
do roll that six, you know you
that! (Until you roll a six, and then it’s
deserve it!
right back to the articles for a bit)
spot – a break!
1. Read the course book 2. Go through notes 3. Rewatch recorded lecture 4. Explain 1 topic to friend 5. Try a past exam 6. BREAK :)
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CULTURE • THE DICE METHOD
And you can go even further – there are so many decisions we make throughout the day we spend thoughts, spoons, and time on, but that are ultimately meaningless. Picking what tea you’ll have for breakfast! Deciding on an ice cream flavour at that new shop! The hoodie you’ll wear to obscure your bad hair
Of course, this method isn’t for
And lastly, the dice are not in control
day, general body shape, and other
everyone. It’s important to remember
– you are. If you haven’t seen a
clothing!
that if you already know exactly what
single six for hours, take a break! If
you want to do, this is more likely to
you keep doing the same thing again
All of these are decisions that some
frustrate you than help.
and again, decide where you want to
people make happily, some people
Consequential decisions should be
draw the line and pick something
do not care about – and some people
made with careful consideration –
else! If there’s something on your list
may agonize over for twenty minutes
would you toss a coin to decide what
you really can’t bring yourself to do,
before deciding that it’s easier to stay
degree you’ll take? Perhaps, but also
take it off – or change the method!
in bed (that’s me).
maybe don’t do that!
I am one of those people that really
Maybe address the urgent stuff
studies, try out a new dish on the
struggle with making small decisions,
before you do anything else. If
menu, or spice up your house
and sometimes it’s just so much
something is due in the next half
cleaning – why not give the ol’ dice a
easier not to make them. In the
hour, it might be a good idea to
roll?
grand scheme of things, no one
prioritize that over changing your
gives a damn about what teacup I
bedsheets. But often, there simply is
slurp my English Breakfast out of –
no obviously more important issue/
including me – and yet having to pick
technique, and then the dice method
one may immobilize me for the rest
can come in handy.
However, if you want to mix up your
of the morning. I’m a nerd and have several full dice sets laying around at home, so where a D6 isn’t enough, I may toss a D12 or a D20 instead (for the unaware: the number after the “D” denotes how many sides a given die has.) For numbers not covered by my beloved dice, I consult random.org – possibly my favourite website in the world.
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CULTURE • MOVIE & SERIES RECOMMENDATIONS
MOVIE & SERIES RECOMMENDATIONS
AUTHORS: ANDREA WESTMAN, MADELINE FALCOTET, SUMEDHA JASSAL
With the pandemic going on for more than a year now, our visits to movie theaters for entertainment purposes has declined dramatically. With that, the shift to over-the-top (OTT) platforms such as Netflix and HBO has seen an overwhelmingly positive response. Here are a few movie and series recommendations from around the world to binge watch if you haven't already!
AMERICA New Girl
Grey’s Anatomy
Marriage Story
Follows the life of Jess who, after a
Set at a hospital in Seattle,
Examines the divorce of Charlie and
breakup, moves into an apartment
Washington and is centered around
Nicole and their struggle of trying to
shared with three guys. Things are a
the character Mereidith Grey. Over
stay civil through the grueling
little rough at first but as time goes
the course of the series, Meredith
process. Things become complicated
on, they all become close friends and
goes from resident to successful
when Nicole moves from their New
some even share the occasional
surgeon all while grappling with
York home back to California, taking
romance. It's fun and lighthearted
trauma from her past and present.
their son with her. To say the least,
and definitely worth the watch.
The show is action packed with
lawyers get involved and it isn’t
plenty of tragedy and relationship
pretty.
drama.
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CULTURE • MOVIE & SERIES RECOMMENDATIONS
FRANCE Call My Agent
Lupin
The Intouchables
It sheds light on a job that’s different
The main actor, Omar Sy, makes you
It’s an amazing movie, the story is
from other TV shows; illustrating the
glued to the story instantly. The story
passionate, the actors fantastic. It’s
backstage stories of actors and
is nice, fresh, and very entertaining.
sad and very happy at the same
actresses that one does not think
Since it is adapted from a novel, it is
time, it’s very heartwarming. The
about naturally. Additionally, the cast
fun to see a good TV adaptation.
story also touches upon issues in
includes very famous French actors
Also, it’s very nice to discover the
France and this is quite interesting as
which further makes the show cool.
backstage of the Louvres during the
well.
first few episodes.
INDIA Ajeeb Dastaans
Bombay Begums
Delhi Crime
This show comprises 4 short stories
This drama film rightly sheds light on
Based on the infamous real-life Delhi
which convey the stories of 5 women
the plight faced by 5 women in
gang rape of 2012, this series fights
in India. It discusses poignant topics
modern, working day, urban India. As
against the stereotypes on corruption
such as the prevailing patriarchal
the film progresses, it explores the
associated with the Indian police
society, the caste system, and
layers of frustration and anger felt by
force. It navigates through the
homophobia whilst also exploring
women after being subjected to male
investigation of the rape case which
prejudice, jealousy, and unjust
suppression in the chauvinistic
brought justice to the victim and their
entitlement. This anthology casts
society. It is an appropriate
family. It is a gripping drama which
very famous Indian actors and leaves
representation of how the #MeToo
provides a sense of emotions
the viewer in a pensive state of mind.
movement emerged in India and its
ranging from fear to pain.
impact.
SWEDEN Kalifat
Bonusfamiljen
This series discusses the impact of
This series explores the complexities
radicalisation in Sweden by drawing
associated with modern day families.
the connection between ISIS based
It puts a humorous spin to realistic
in Raqqa and Swedish immigration. It
displays on how relationship
also puts into perspective how
dynamics and people change with
people in their teenage years may
time.
get brainwashed easily, unable to Icons attributed to: www.freepik.com
distinguish between right and wrong and end up putting themselves, their families, and nations in danger.
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Blåslaget - find musical and dance terms! (page 34)
Queerolinska - word search (page 49)
Can you find all the hidden band-aids in the magazine? How many can you find and on which pages do they hide? The first people to find them all will get a special prize! Email or text your answers to us at Medicor latest 31th of August. Winners will be announced on our socials.
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Medicor Talks
Do you want to be part of our team? Or a contributor to the magazine? Join us for the next magazine issue in the autumn!
What have the people behind Medicor been doing during the pandemic?
INIKA PRASAD
SUMEDHA JASSAL
VINCIANE ALLICAR
REBECKA KLINGBERG
CHANG WEI-TSE
Editor-in-Chief
Assocate Editor
Assocate Editor
Web Editor, Section Editor
Section Editor
My pandemic activities have been mostly cooking new dishes and learning how to code they’re both really fun!
I have been baking very regularly during the pandemic. I have baked all kinds of cakes and cupcakes.
Having lectures online made me realise how important it is to change environment in order to have a clearer head space. So I started scouting the best coffee shops to work in and get that caffeine boost.
I have been riding my bike to get to school instead of taking the bus and discovered that you can get to all of Stockholm by bike!
During the pandemic, I have been playing an increasing amount of chess to strengthen my memory, enhance complex pattern recognition and improve problem-solving skills.
NADINE GELMAR
TOM ENRIKO KELT
ANNY TRUONG
CHARMAYNE LOW
NASSAI HERREN
Section Editor
Section Editor
Magazine Designer
Events Manager
Social Media Manager
During the pandemic I have been re-watching a lot of my favourite TV shows. I guess it is a comfort thing - everything is familiar and predictable.
I started exercising a lot, mostly callisthenics because I could do them at home alone. I found some exercise apps :)
I have been making a lot of risotto recently, started practicing more piano and just spent more time on my creative hobbies!
I picked up videography and video editing because I want to record down precious moments of my life, especially my time in Stockholm!
Since I am not someone who functions super well on my own, I am pretty sure I would’ve done more without COVID, I have been learning to bike though!
Medicor MF
MedicorMF
https://medicor.nu
medicor_mag
Medicor MF Magazine
medicor@medicinskaforeningen.se
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