Farewell conversation with Lena Nilsson-Wikmar
On Physiotherapy Day, Monday, September 8, the Division of Physiotherapy organized a farewell conversation and tribute for long-time colleague Professor Lena Nilsson-Wikmar ahead of her retirement.
Under the theme “From Print Ink to Press Enter – A Career in Constant Change”, moderator Charlotte Urell from the Swedish Association of Physiotherapists led a conversation filled with fascinating history, exciting anecdotes, and lots of laughter.
Lena chose to pursue her physiotherapy education in Germany but later returned to Sweden to continue her career. Throughout her professional life, the themes of women’s health and back-related issues have been central to her work.
“Go out into the world and study – it adds another dimension,” said Lena.
In addition to studying abroad, she has also been a driving force in the internationalization of physiotherapy. She has primarily collaborated with Rwanda and South Africa, but also with Uganda and India.
She has supervised 12 doctoral students (as main and co-supervisor) and hundreds of bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate students.
Education and learning have always been close to her heart.
In 2015, she was appointed Professor of Physiotherapy with a special focus on education. Over the years, she has held roles in teaching, research, and administration, giving her a broad and deep perspective on the development of the profession – from clinical work to academic leadership.
She is a member of the Pedagogical Academy and received the Pedagogical Prize at Karolinska Institutet in 2018.
That afternoon, she was warmly celebrated during a reception where both the current and former heads of department gave speeches. Many others also honored her with speeches and gifts.
