– It has been an honor to be on the editorial committee for the rheumatology book. This is the biggest revision since the first edition came out in the early 2000s, he says.
Several new chapters have been added to the book and all existing chapters have been revised to reflect the latest developments in rheumatology, a field that is constantly evolving. The latest edition is also the first in which Linköping University is represented in the editorial board.
The textbook is primarily aimed at medical students, but due to its scope it is also useful for AT and ST doctors as well as those studying to become specialist nurses.
– We think it is important that students still read books and not just watch YouTube or quick clips online, there is a point in still reading books.
The importance of rheumatology in several specialties
– We are the only medical faculty to not have a mandatory placement, in rheumatology. It is one thing to hear us representatives of rheumatology lecture and quite another to also meet the patients, he explains.
Sjöwall also wants to emphasize the importance of having knowledge of rheumatology within several medical specialties. He believes that the book can contribute to increased understanding and knowledge in these contexts.
– Our patients are not only at the rheumatologist, they suffer from complications, both from their disease and sometimes from drugs, which means that they end up in many other specialties as well.
Personal contribution and celebration
When asked about his own contribution to the book, Sjöwall says that he was involved in revising and writing new chapters, as well as coordinating to ensure that all updated versions were collected. The work has been voluntary and done in his spare time.
– It has been incredibly fun and I have worked with fantastic colleagues.
The book became available in mid-July. Something to be celebrated during the , which will be organized from 11 to 13 September at Konsert & Kongress in Linköping by the Swedish Rheumatology Association.