You have worked for years as a consultant, surgeon and head of world-leading surgical teams, and now you are the CEO of Gastro Center. A for-profit limited company in a start-up phase. What do you see as the biggest challenges in your new role?
There are of course any number of challenges, but the two biggest and most important have been and are partly to get hold of optimal premises outside the hospital to provide medical care with surgical activities and inpatient care, and partly to recruit the right people and create the most dynamic teams of these individuals. Then there are several other challenges as well, as I said, but these two are the most important and the right people are the most important.

What can the private sector learn from the research world and professional surgical teams?
I think the question can be asked: what can we learn from each other in both directions? The world of research and surgery is steeped in critical thinking, patient safety, patient benefit, team thinking and creating efficiency in complex organizations. There are things to be inspired by there in the private sector, although some things are already being addressed today. Efficiency, accessibility, cost awareness and production thinking are things that can inspire in the other direction. However, the interfaces merge somewhat and both worlds meet, I think.

To what extent do you work together with doctors in other countries, and what does international cooperation look like?
At my previous workplace, I was part of several strong networks, both national and international. I am still sitting on several chairs there to keep the contacts within these networks as it is not as natural for private healthcare providers to be part of it. I think it is very important to keep these networks alive to prevent stagnation and inertia and to encourage development and collaboration. There are several potential gains to be made in both directions here and I hope that we at GHP Gastro Center Gothenburg can lead the way as private healthcare providers in terms of scientific collaboration and quality work for the benefit of patients!