How To! Forming an International Team in a Clinical Setting
At the Epilepsy Hospital Filadelfia and the Department of Regional Health Research, they've mastered the art of creating an international research team. The key lies in balancing professional, social, and practical elements.
Creating an international research team in clinical environments is often seen as challenging due to language barriers and authorisation limitations. However, the Epilepsy Hospital Filadelfia and the Department of Regional Health Research have successfully attracted researchers from abroad, to the extent that they have a waiting list of six months to a year. So, how does one succeed in establishing an international team in a clinical setting?
- It’s definitely not impossible. The key is to adapt the research project for international researchers. For instance, scans, genes, and blood test results do not speak Danish, explains Rikke Steensbjerre Møller, professor at IRS and the Epilepsy Hospital Filadelfia.
- The research project itself is the easiest part. Additionally, it’s crucial to show that we welcome them socially. Finally, practical assistance with matters like housing makes it manageable for the foreign researchers.
The Importance of Social Community
The Epilepsy Hospital Filadelfia has an extensive international network and frequently engages in cross-border research projects. While they are renowned for their high professional standards, they also place a strong emphasis on highlighting the social aspect of their team.
Three Tips for Succeeding with Your International Team According to Rikke Steensbjerre Møller
- Offer a compelling project.
- Foster a welcoming social environment.
- Provide support with practical matters, such as housing.
- Some of our researchers actually discovered us through social media, where we showcase our social events, such as research lunches. When you move across the globe to settle for a period, having a network means everything, explains Rikke Steensbjerre Møller.
- We also ensure there is an overlap between ‘old’ and ‘new’ researchers, so they can build a network with those who have been here for a while, she adds.
The international researchers live close to each other on the hospital grounds. This proximity fosters a social community within the research unit and helps them to create their own networks. For example, they cook together and go on outings.
A Priority for Hospital Management
Relocating to a foreign country involves significant effort, and finding suitable accommodation can be challenging.
- We assist in every aspect. Socially, we are like a big family, and we also provide practical support, such as finding housing – because how can you arrange that when you're on the other side of the world? reflects Rikke Steensbjerre Møller.
The hospital management at the Epilepsy Hospital Filadelfia provides strong support, including offering suitable housing. Accommodations are tailored to the needs of incoming researchers; for instance, families with children can be housed in townhouses near the hospital.
- Management and leadership must nurture this flourishing plant. We have the opportunity to support good ideas and, for example, provide on-site housing. Research requires international collaboration and dialogue, explains Mads Henrik Ravnborg, Medical Director at the Epilepsy Hospital Filadelfia.
Mads Ravnborg highlights that the unique environment at the Epilepsy Hospital Filadelfia fosters and supports passionate individuals and innovative ideas:
- We have the physical infrastructure with the buildings in the area, a strong pioneering spirit, and an organisation where there is close proximity between employees and management.
Is Language a Problem?
If foreign researchers need to interview or collect data directly from patients, the hospital's doctors or nurses help.
- Danes generally speak very good English, so we often find that patients and their families switch to English when foreigners are involved in consultations, says Rikke Steensbjerre Møller.
As the research publications are already in English, this aspect poses no obstacle.
- It’s about thinking creatively – the project itself is the easy part – and we handle the rest. Helping young researchers on their journey is incredibly rewarding, and we gain so much in return through highly skilled and dedicated researchers, with whom we continue to stay in touch even after they return home, concludes Rikke Steensbjerre Møller.
What Do the Foreing Researchers Say?
Sebastian, Colombia:
I will complete my entire PhD in Denmark. Initially, I had a six-week reconnaissance stay at Epilepsy Hospital Filadelfia in the winter of 2023, and then I moved to Denmark in the summer of 2023.
Mathias, Belgium:
I had a four-month research stay in Denmark.
Sebastian, Colombia:
Completes his entire PhD in Denmark.
First and foremost, I have gained extensive knowledge about the genetics of epilepsies, how to interpret genetic results, different clinical scenarios, and treatment options that I barely knew about before coming here.
Socially, the most important aspect is having a close-knit community that takes care of me and my family. Rikke and the Epilepsy Hospital have created a large, welcoming family for expats like me. Both my wife and I have felt at home, even though we are 9,000 km away from our homeland. We have always been welcomed at gatherings and have never felt alone since we arrived. Rikke has also helped us navigate the system and Danish culture.
Mathias, Belgium:
Had a four-month research stay in Denmark.
I have gained a lot of relevant experience for my CV. I chose to join Rikke's team and the Epilepsy Hospital in Denmark because of their international reputation and research output. You know you’ll benefit greatly from being in Dianalund.
On a personal level, we have become much closer as a family. I conducted research, and the rest of my time was spent with my wife and child. Filadelfia is very flexible and supportive, and the rest of the team made me feel very welcome.
Sebastian, Colombia:
Completes his entire PhD in Denmark.
First, take a reconnaissance trip to familiarise yourself with the environment you will be part of. Second, talk to former colleagues from the centre about their experiences. Third, learn about cultural differences, as this can be crucial.
Be honest with yourself and set both realistic and aspirational goals.
Mathias, Belgium:
Had a four-month research stay in Denmark.
The challenging aspect is securing funding. I have applied for funding myself, and when it’s for a short period, it’s quite manageable. Filadelfia is very flexible, especially with housing, making it manageable even on a limited budget.
My advice is to find a place where you can clearly see the benefits for yourself and look into what possibilities are available. Then, work from that foundation and apply for your funding.
People from Italy sometimes have an advantage – they have government budgets for stays abroad.
Sebastian, Colombia:
Completes his entire PhD in Denmark.
Language and culture: Although Danish culture and language are completely different from my own, it's important to learn about the differences and similarities. Learning the local language is essential if you are staying for an extended period. There are free online tools to help you with basic communication, such as in grocery stores. We have used Duolingo, Preply.co, and dr.dk for Danish culture and news.
Work-life balance: Family is always the most important aspect. This can be surprising to those from outside the Nordic countries, where work is often prioritised over family.
Mathias, Belgium:
Had a four-month research stay in Denmark.
Everything related to insurance can be quite complex and difficult to navigate. For example, EU insurance covers you if you’re on holiday – but I was working, voluntarily, as I was on unpaid leave from the hospital and had secured my own funding. More assistance with insurance issues would have been helpful.
Regarding the language, it’s not a problem. You don’t need to speak Danish to conduct research – you can easily manage with English.
The Research Group
The research group comprises about 17 researchers, including five international researchers. Two of these five are pursuing a PhD at IRS, SDU.
In 2023, the Epilepsy Hospital Filadelfia published 85 research papers.
There is typically a waiting list of 6-12 months from initial contact to stay. The Epilepsy Hospital Filadelfia limits the number of foreign guest researchers (fellows) to a maximum of four at any given time to ensure quality supervision for all visitors. For example, the latest foreign students Rikke Steensbjerre Møller has spoken to can start their stay in January next year.
About the Epilepsy Hospital Filadelfia
The Epilepsy Hospital Filadelfia is Denmark’s only specialised epilepsy hospital, serving as a national tertiary treatment centre for epilepsy.
Some of its research is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Regional Health Research, SDU.
Filadelfia focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, integrating clinical, genetic, and pharmacological research.