Chairman: Martin Ingi Sigurðsson
The field of anaesthesiology and intensive care at the Faculty of Medicine is connected to the departments of anaesthesiology and intensive care at the National University Hospital and it conducts research and education in anaesthesiology and intensive care.
Education in anaesthesiology and intensive care takes place in the sixth year of medical studies and includes both theoretical and practical components. The goal of the curriculum is to provide medical students with a solid understanding of anaesthesiology and intensive care. Practical training aims to give students valuable experience in examining, planning and participating in the conduction of anaesthesia in patients undergoing elective or emergency procedures. Furthermore, students will participate in the clinical management of patients recovering from surgery and those patients admitted to the intensive care unit following acute illness.
The teaching is conducted by a "flipped classroom problem-based learning format, simulation teaching and a clinical course, during which medical students spend two weeks in the anaesthesiology and emergency departments at the National University Hospital in Fossvogur, Hringbraut, and Akureyri Hospital. Additionally, accommodation is possible at Akranes Hospital as part of the course.
Theoretical teaching is conducted at the beginning of the class in autumn or spring. During this, the students are provided with access to electronic lectures covering the workup and conduction of anaesthetic plans, acute and chronic pain, medications and fluids used in anaesthesia and critical care and management of patients undergoing anaesthesia. the students then meet with a teacher in small groups and work on problem-based teaching based on the curriculum. Students also come to the simulation centre twice, one day for simulation teaching in airway management and another day for simulation teaching in assessment and management of acutely ill patients arriving at the hospital. During the clinical courses, medical students participate in the daily work of anaesthesiologists in operating rooms and intensive care units, as well as in outpatient clinics. Formal discussions with teachers are also conducted.
Evaluation includes assessing students' performance during the problem-based learning and simulation and an electronic multiple-choice test from the course content.
The main research focus areas of the field are:
- Research on surgical outcomes
- Studies on acute kidney injury
- Research on the medication use for surgical patients and medical patients admitted to the hospital
- Participation in international trials of ICU care
Other staff:
Sigurbergur Kárason
Additionally, all anaesthesiologists at the anaesthesiology and emergency departments of the National University Hospital and Akureyri Hospital (SA) participate in clinical teaching.
Supervising physicians for clinical teaching are:
Kári Hreinsson, chief physician, National University Hospital
Katrín M. Þormar, chief physician, National University Hospital Hringbraut
Sigrún Ásgeirsdottir, chief physician, National University Hospital Fossvogur
Oddur Ólafsson, chief physician at Akureyri Hospital
Björn Gunnarsson, chief physician at Akranes Hospital
Representative:
Halldóra Hilmarsdóttir
Additionally, the Office of the Faculty of Medicine oversees the anaesthesiology and intensive care department.
Board:
Sveinn Hákon Harðarson (chairman)
Ingibjörg Harðardóttir
Pétur Henry Petersen
The field of Biomedical Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine conducts research and teaching in anatomy, cell biology, embryology, histology, physiology, physics, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and related disciplines. Over 20 specialists work in the field of Biomedical Sciences, most of them full-time. The field also includes numerous master's students, doctoral students, and postdoctoral researchers.
The field has close ties with the Biomedical Centre. The research facilities are primarily located within the University of Iceland, but there is also strong research collaboration with Landspítali (the National University Hospital of Iceland), other domestic institutions, as well as international researchers.
Other staff:
Ari Jón Arason
Eiríkur Steingrímsson
Erna Magnúsdóttir
Eyrún Inga Maríusdóttir
Francois Olivier Mohan Singh
Georgios Kararigas
Guðrún Valdimarsdóttir
Hannes Petersen
Hans Tómas Björnsson
Jón Jóhannes Jónsson
Linda Viðarsdóttir
Margrét Helga Ögmundsdóttir
Marta Guðjónsdóttir
Ólöf Birna Ólafsdóttir
Ólöf Sara Árnadóttir
Óttar Rolfsson
Ragnhildur Þóra Káradóttir
Reynir Arngrímsson
Stefán Þórarinn Sigurðsson
Þór Eysteinsson
Þórarinn Guðjónsson
Chair: Inga Sif Ólafsdóttir
The field of Communicational skills at the Faculty of Medicine covers teaching in communication, physical examination, ethics, and professionalism. Communicational studies are taught throughout all years of the medical education. The field oversees eight courses, most of which are year-long courses with project work related to other studies in the respective academic year. The program includes both theoretical and practical components, with skills workshops, discussion sessions, and direct interactions with patients. Part of the training takes place at various healthcare institutions, such as Landspítali University Hospital, Akureyri Hospital, and various primary healthcare centres. The goal of the program is to ensure that medical students acquire a solid knowledge of communication skills, ethics, proper medical practices, professionalism as well as knowledge of relevant laws and regulations that apply to doctors in Iceland.
Teachers within the field come from various specialisations.
Other staff:
Þórunn Jónsdóttir
Svanur Sigurbjörnsson
Anna Björg Jónsdóttir
Fríða Guðný Birgisdóttir
Hildur Pálsdóttir
Ólafur Pálsson
Telma Huld Ragnarsdóttir
Chairman: Bárður Sigurðsson
The field of Dermatology and Venereology at the Faculty of Medicine is affiliated with the Dermatology and Venereology Department of Landspítali University Hospital along with two other independent medical establishments. The field encompasses research and teaching in dermatology and venereology.
Teaching in dermatology and venereology is conducted during the 5th year of study and consists of two weeks of lectures and practical training. The aim of the teaching is for students to be able to diagnose and manage common skin conditions and to recognize when to refer patients to specialists. For young doctors with an interest in the field, the fields also offers preparation for specialization training in dermatology.
Extensive research is conducted in the field, including studies on the epidemiology of skin diseases, skin cancers, and the genetics of skin disorders.
Subspecialties:
- Dermatologic Surgery
- Dermatopathology
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Cosmetic Dermatology
- Venereology (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
- Occupational Dermatology
Other staff:
Bolli Bjarnason
Ragna Hlín Þorleifsdóttir
Steingrímur Davíðsson
Chairman: Hjalti Már Björnsson
The field of emergency medicine at the Faculty of Medicine is associated with the emergency department of the National University Hospital and is responsible for research and teaching in the field of emergency medicine.
Emergency medicine covers all aspects of the initial diagnosis and treatment of acute problems, injuries, and illnesses. Teaching in emergency medicine spans several years in medical studies and includes both theoretical and practical components. In the first year, medical students receive training in first aid, in collaboration with the Icelandic Red Cross and Bjargráður – a first aid teaching initiative by medical students at UI, covering the basics of public recommendations for first aid. In the fourth year, students initially do workshop training in the basics of airway management and emergency ultrasound. Further training in EM during the fourth year is provided during a 1 week clinical rotation in the Emergency Department and a one day hands on course in trauma management. In the sixth year, students complete a 2 day ERC course in Advanced Life Support and a one day course in airway management. Simulation training is provided for a full day on challenging emergency cases and hands on training on emergency ultrasound. A one day course on the various aspects of caring for victims of violence. The students also receive clinical training during a 2 week rotation in the ED. Additionally, the medical students in the 6th year receive prehospital training with EMS in the Reykjavik area and visit the dispatch centre of Iceland as part of their practical training in emergency medicine.
Emergency physicians mainly work in hospital emergency departments, as well as providing emergency services outside of hospitals. Emergency medical services in Iceland are largely provided at the emergency department of Landspítali in Fossvogur. Efforts are also being made to develop emergency medicine at Akureyri Hospital, the Health Institution of South Iceland and Sudurnes Hospital. The emergency department at Landspítali sees approximately 70,000 patients per year, and is divided into four separate units based on the urgency of patients seeking treatment.
Subspecialties:
Prehospital Emergency Medicine
Paediatric Emergency Medicine
Clinical toxicology
In conjunction with the department, a research centre in emergency medicine is operational. Key research focuses within the department include:
Outcome of resuscitation attempts outside of hospitals
Diagnosis of acute problems in the emergency department
Causes and outcomes of injuries in Iceland
Chairman:
Hjalti Már Björnsson
The field of emergency medicine at the Faculty of Medicine is associated with the emergency department of the National University Hospital and is responsible for research and teaching in the field of emergency medicine.
Emergency medicine covers all aspects of the initial diagnosis and treatment of acute problems, injuries, and illnesses. Teaching in emergency medicine spans several years in medical studies and includes both theoretical and practical components. In the first year, medical students receive training in first aid, in collaboration with the Icelandic Red Cross and Bjargráður – a first aid teaching initiative by medical students at UI, covering the basics of public recommendations for first aid. In the fourth year, students initially do workshop training in the basics of airway management and emergency ultrasound. Further training in EM during the fourth year is provided during a 1 week clinical rotation in the Emergency Department and a one day hands on course in trauma management. In the sixth year, students complete a 2 day ERC course in Advanced Life Support and a one day course in airway management. Simulation training is provided for a full day on challenging emergency cases and hands on training on emergency ultrasound. A one day course on the various aspects of caring for victims of violence. The students also receive clinical training during a 2 week rotation in the ED. Additionally, the medical students in the 6th year receive prehospital training with EMS in the Reykjavik area and visit the dispatch centre of Iceland as part of their practical training in emergency medicine.
Emergency physicians mainly work in hospital emergency departments, as well as providing emergency services outside of hospitals. Emergency medical services in Iceland are largely provided at the emergency department of Landspítali in Fossvogur. Efforts are also being made to develop emergency medicine at Akureyri Hospital, the Health Institution of South Iceland and Sudurnes Hospital. The emergency department at Landspítali sees approximately 70,000 patients per year, and is divided into four separate units based on the urgency of patients seeking treatment.
Subspecialties:
Prehospital Emergency Medicine
Paediatric Emergency Medicine
Clinical toxicology
In conjunction with the department, a research centre in emergency medicine is operational. Key research focuses within the department include:
Outcome of resuscitation attempts outside of hospitals
Diagnosis of acute problems in the emergency department
Causes and outcomes of injuries in Iceland
Other staff:
Curtis Pendleton Snook
Curtis Pendleton Snook
Chairman: Emil Lárus Sigurðsson
The field of family medicine at the Faculty of Medicine is associated with primary care and is responsible for research and education in the field of family medicine.
Book-based teaching takes place for one week and is taught both in the spring and autumn semesters. In that teaching there are lectures, but the main emphasis is on teaching that takes place in discussion groups. Common and important subjects of general practitioners are covered there. The main components of the theoretical part focus on medical skills and attitudes. The skills can, for example, consist of learning to acquire and use the latest knowledge in the treatment of hypertension or urinary tract infection. However, the latter goal, attitudes, is crucial for family medicine. Here is e.g. means that the medical student aims to become an expert in the individual himself, and not in organs or a certain age, that the doctor uses time as a tool for diagnosing problems and acquires an overall view of the individual as a social being, part of a family, society and environment.
Practical teaching is divided into 3 weeks in urban areas and 1 week in rural areas, a total of four weeks. The most common health problems and other healthcare topics and work methods are discussed. The basics of clinical examination, problem-based medical history, clinical skills and attitudes in diagnosis and problem-solving, health care work and teamwork are taught. Medical students talk to and examine patients and present a diagnosis and plan for treatment. They participate in health prevention activities, e.g. school inspections, maternity care and infant supervision with doctors and nurses whenever possible.
Subspecialties include:
Family medicine, head: Emil Lárus Sigurðsson
Other staff:
Hannes Hrafnkelsson
Margrét Ólafía Tómasdóttir
Hálfdán Pétursson
Nana Rún Sigurðardóttir
Pétur Heimisson
Unnur Þóra Högnadóttir
Chairman: Björn Rúnar Lúðvíksson
The Department of Immunology is Iceland's central service and research laboratory for Rheumatologic, Allergic and Immunologic diseases. It is an integral part of the National University Hospital. It belongs to the Biomedical Centre (BMC) of the University of Iceland, an official collaboration between research groups working in biomedical molecular life sciences within the University of Iceland, the University Hospital, and the University of Reykjavik.
Its function is divided into the following sections:
- Service and diagnostic laboratory in our field of expertise.
- Clinical service for individuals suffering from autoimmunity, allergy, asthma, immune deficiency, and other immunologic diseases.
- Education and training of health professionals and students in our field.
- Clinical- and basic research in our field.
Today, about 40 individuals work in the department, with expertise in clinical science, genetics, and cellular/molecular immunobiology.
Other staff:
Jóna Freysdóttir
Siggeir Fannar Brynjólfsson
Sólrún Melkorka Maggadóttir
Stefanía P Bjarnarson
Chairman: Einar Stefán Björnsson
The field of Internal Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine is affiliated with the National University Hospital and is responsible for research and teaching in internal Medicine.
Teaching in Internal Medicine takes place in the fourth year of the medical school and is divided into theoretical and clinical components. The teaching follows a traditional lecture format but also includes clinical rotations where medical students spend 14-15 weeks in various departments within the Department of Internal Medicine at the National University Hospital in Fossvogur, Hringbraut, and Landakot. These include general internal medicine, gastroenterology, nephrology, cardiology, oncology, haematology, pulmonology, rheumatology, infection diseases and geriatrics.
Additionally, students have a clinical stay at Akureyri Hospital as part of the course. During the clinical rotations, students participate in the work of Internal medicine department teams and receive formal teaching, including discussion on clinical cases and clinics. The theoretical part of the course is assessed with a written exam in the spring. Assessment in the clinical component includes evaluating students' performance during clinical rotations and a so-called station exam. In the station exam, students are expected to examine patients, take medical histories, recommend investigations and treatment, and interpret the results of tests such as blood tests and X-rays.
Subspecialties:
Cardiology, head: Karl Konráð Andersen
Infectious Diseases, head: Magnús Gottfreðsson
Rheumatology, head: Gerður María Gröndal
Nephrology, head: Runólfur Pálsson
Gastroenterology, head: Einar Stefán Björnsson
Endocrinology, head: Rafn Benediktsson
Pulmonary Medicine, head: Gunnar Guðmundsson
Oncology, head: Sigurdís Haraldsdóttir
Geriatrics, head: Helga Eyjólfsdóttir
Rheumatology, head: Gerður Gröndal
Other staff:
Björn Guðbjörnsson
Davíð O. Arnar
Dóra Lúðvíksdóttir
Gunnar Þór Gunnarsson
Ingibjörg Jóna Guðmundsdóttir
Sigurður Yngvi Kristinsson
Sædís Sævarsdóttir
Ásta Dögg Jónasdóttir
Guðbjörg Jónsdóttir
Kristín Þórarinsdóttir
Arna Guðmundsdóttir
Inga Jóna Ingimarsdóttir
Sif Hansdóttir
Steinunn Þórðardóttir
Elias Eyþórsson
Representatives:
Hulda Pálsdóttir
Lilja Þorkelsdotti
Chairman: Enrico Bernardo Arkink
The field of medical imaging at the Faculty of Medicine is affiliated with the clinical service division of the National University Hospital and is responsible for research and teaching in medical imaging.
Teaching in medical imaging takes place in the fourth year of medical studies. There are a total of 40 lectures offered both in the autumn and spring semesters. Practical training is conducted at the Radiology Department of the National University Hospital, both in Fossvogur and at Hringbraut. Teaching in radiological appraisal takes place at the Radiology Department of Landspítali (in Fossvogur) and in Orkuhúsið. During the training, students are introduced to the main equipment used in medical imaging and their applications. Additionally, instruction covers the interpretation of various organ systems and basic principles
in interpreting examinations.
Other staff:
Boris Brkljačić
Pétur Hörður Hannesson
Pir Abdul Ahad Aziz
Several part-time teachers and doctors from the National University Hospital also participate in the teaching.
Chairman: Lena Rós Ásmundsdóttir
The field of microbiology at the Faculty of Medicine is connected to the Department of Clinical Microbiology at the National University Hospital and is responsible for research and education in microbiology. Education in microbiology takes place in the second year of medical studies.
The aim of the curriculum is to provide medical students with a solid and practical knowledge of human medical microbiology, including important pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) that cause infections in humans and the principles of diagnostic microbiology. The course is taught through lectures, discussion sessions, team-based learning (TBL) and practical sessions (laboratory training).
The lectures cover the basics of human medical microbiology, including the main pathogens causing infections in humans, their epidemiology, laboratory diagnosis and preventive measures. Topics covered also include important clinical infection syndromes, taught in part with the use of a TBL approach. In the practical sessions, students get practical laboratory training in the use of basic laboratory diagnostics methods, their application and interpretation.
Evaluation includes assessment of performance at TBL sessions, attendance to practical sessions and evaluation of a practical project folder, concluding with a digital exam.
Research conducted by the department covers a wide range of topics. The focus of research has mainly been on the epidemiology and molecular epidemiology of infections, invasive infections (including pneumococcal, streptococcal, Haemophilus influenzae, staphylococcal and fungal infections), respiratory tract infections and the impact of vaccinations, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance. The field of microbiology collaborates nationally and internationally on research.
Subspecialties:
Microbiology, head: Lena Rós Ásmundsdóttir
Virology, head: Lena Rós Ásmundsdóttir
Other staff:
Brynja Ármannsdóttir
Ingibjörg Hilmarsdóttir
Additionally, consultants in infectious diseases and adjunct lecturers that are specialists in microbiology and virology participate in the teaching, and biomedical scientists and other staff at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at the National University Hospital participate in the practical teaching.
Chairman: Ólafur Árni Sveinsson
The field of neurology at the Faculty of Medicine is connected to the Neurology department at the National University Hospital which conducts research and education in neurology. Education in neurology takes place during the fifth year of medical studies and includes theoretical and practical components.
Other staff:
Haukur Hjaltason
Chairman: Jóhanna Gunnarsdóttir
The field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Faculty of Medicine is associated with the Women's Department of the National University Hospital and is responsible for research and education in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Obstetrics and gynaecology during the 5th year of medical studies includes both theoretical and clinical teaching. The aim of the course is to provide medical students with insight into normal pregnancy and childbirth. Also, the students should acquire sufficient competence in the diagnosis and treatment of gynaecological diseases and pregnancy complications to be able to work as junior doctors at a department of obstetrics and gynaecology, an emergency department or at a healthcare centre.
Staff members of the field are active in research and supervise graduate and postgraduate research studies. In connection with this academic field, a research centre is operated.
Subspecialties:
Maternal-fetal medicine
Reproductive medicine and female endocrinology
Gynaecological cancers
Urogynaecology
Other staff:
Ragnheiður I Bjarnadóttir
Snorri Einarsson
Other lecturers are doctors at the Women's Department of the National University Hospital and midwives.
Chairman: Gunnar Már Zoega
The field of ophthalmology at the Faculty of Medicine is connected to the Cardiovascular, Ophthalmology and Cancer services of the National University Hospital and is involved in research and teaching in the field of ophthalmology.
Teaching in ophthalmology takes place in the fifth year of medical studies. It consists of one week of lectures and one week at the Ophthalmology Department of Landspítali, where students are exposed to a diverse range of activities. The goal of the course is for students to learn the basics of ophthalmology so that they can manage simple eye problems and know when to refer patients to specialists. Interested young doctors can pursue further specialisation through work and study in the department.
The eye is a complex organ, and its function can be disrupted in various ways. Eye diseases can be relatively isolated to the eye, such as when there is a cataract or retinal degeneration. Eye problems can also be part of systemic diseases, such as when diabetes causes retinal disease or rheumatoid arthritis causes severe dry eyes.
Although the eye is small, ophthalmology is a diverse field connected to various other medical fields. Various drug treatments and surgeries are applied to the eye, and advanced equipment such as laser devices and specialised imaging machines are widely used.
The department conducts extensive research, including studies in physiology, pharmacology, epidemiology, and genetics of eye diseases.
Examples of subspecialties:
Cornea and external eye diseases
Glaucoma
Neuro-ophthalmology
Retinal diseases
Oculoplastics and orbit
Paediatric ophthalmology
Vitreoretinal diseases
Other staff:
Ólöf Birna Ólafsdóttir
Sveinn Hákon Harðarson
María Soffía Gottfreðsdóttir
Gauti Jóhannesson
Jóhann Ragnar Guðmundsson
Chairman: Halldór Jónsson
The field of orthopaedic surgery at the Faculty of Medicine is connected to the surgical department of the National University Hospital and is involved in research and teaching in orthopaedic surgery.
Orthopaedic surgery is taught in the fourth year of medical studies and includes both theoretical and practical training. The discipline generally focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases related to the musculoskeletal system. Specific subspecialties include: in children, congenital diseases such as scoliosis and injuries; in adults, diseases and injuries affecting the limbs, spine, and pelvis, as well as joint replacements in shoulders, hips, and knees, and hand surgery. Lectures emphasize the prevalence, cause, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions. Practical training focuses particularly on examination, surgical procedures, and postoperative complications.
Research in this field focuses on the epidemiology of diseases, injuries, and surgical outcomes.
Other staff:
Ólöf Sara Árnadóttir
Ásgeir Guðnason
Benedikt Árni Jónsson
Jóhann Róbertsson
Ólafur Sigmundsson
Sigurveig Pétursdóttir
Yngvi Ólafsson
The University website on orthopaedic surgery.
Chairman: Ásgeir Haraldsson
The field of paediatrics at the Faculty of Medicine is associated with The Children‘s Hospital at the National University Hospital and is responsible for research and education in paediatrics.
Teaching in paediatrics takes place in the 5th year of medical studies and includes both theoretical and practical components. The education is given at the Children's Hospital - National University Hospital. The aim of the curriculum is to provide medical students with a solid knowledge base in paediatrics. The practical component of the education focuses on ensuring that medical students get valuable experience in examining, diagnosing, and making recommendations for the treatment of sick children as well as communicating with children and parents. The instructors are paediatricians at the Children's Hospital, in addition to other paediatricians outside the university hospital.
The scientific research conducted at The Children's Hospital covers a wide range of topics. A significant part of the research focuses on the outcomes of treatments at the Children's Hospital, as well as related clinical aspects, including PhD studies Research is funded by various parties. The Children's Hospital Iceland has national and international research collaborators.
Subspecialties:
Paediatrics, head: Ásgeir Haraldsson
Other staff:
Ragnar Grímur Bjarnason
Viðar Örn Eðvarðsson
Valtýr Stefánsson Thors
Helga Elídóttir
Kristján Óskarsson
Ólafur Gísli Jónsson
At The Children's Hospital Iceland, paediatricians work and teach in most subspecialties of paediatrics. Nurses and other staff of The Children's Hospital participate in the teaching.
Chairman: Jón Gunnlaugur Jónasson
The field of pathology at the Faculty of Medicine is affiliated with the Department of Pathology at the National University Hospital and is responsible for research and teaching in pathology.
Teaching in pathology takes place in the third year of the medical studies in parallel with pharmacology and is taught to serve as a good preparation for students when studying clinical subjects in the fourth to sixth year of medicine. The subject forms a connection between the basic sciences and clinical branches of medicine. In pathology, medical students receive education about diseases for more or less the first time in their studies, while the teaching so far has focused mainly on understanding the body's anatomy as well as its normal physiology and biochemistry.
The teaching is conducted through lectures, practical sessions, and case discussions. Case discussions are utilized to create a link between pharmacology and clinical branches of medicine, where clinical cases are presented to demonstrate how pathology contributes to the diagnosis and management of diseases. During these sessions, pathologists collaborate with teachers from pharmacology and the clinical disciplines. The aim is for the medical students to be active during these case discussions.
Practical sessions take place at the pathology department of the National University Hospital, where students examine histological slides under supervision and also engage in self-study. Students have the opportunity to observe and follow the reception and processing of tissue samples received by the research laboratory, and depending on the circumstances, students will observe autopsies. Students are always welcome to the pathology department during and after their studies.
Teachers in the field are all medical doctors and specialists in pathology working at the pathology department of the National University Hospital.
Subspecialties:
Pathology, head: Jón Gunnlaugur Jónasson
Forensic Pathology, head: Pétur Guðmann Guðmannsson
Other staff:
Pétur Snæbjörnsson
Anna Margrét Jónsdóttir
Árni Kjalar Kristjánsson
Gunnlaugur Pétur Nielsen
Ingibjörg Guðmundsdóttir
Lárus Jónasson
Rebekka Guðrún Rúnarsdóttir
Sverrir Harðarson
Chairman: Magnús Karl Magnússon
The field of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Faculty of Medicine carries out research and teaching in the field of pharmacology and toxicology. Pharmacology and toxicology are taught during the fall semester of the third year in the undergraduate medical program. The aim of teaching pharmacology in the Faculty of Medicine (medical pharmacology) is to educate medical students about the mechanisms of action of the most commonly used drugs and drug classes in medical practice. The most significant part of the teaching is pharmacodynamics, which covers the specific effects of drugs on organs or organ systems, as well as the mechanisms by which drugs act on the cells of those organs or systems, or on pathogens in the case of antibiotics. Another main component of medical pharmacology is pharmacokinetics, which deals with how drugs enter the body (into the bloodstream), distribute, are excreted, or are metabolized into other substances.
Students also receive training in presenting clinical scientific research and discussing it in both lecture and written formats. In collaboration with the pathology course, students present case studies that relate clinical cases to these academic fields.
The field is also formally connected to the Research Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, which has been operational at the Faculty of Medicine since 1939. Forensic toxicology services began in 1966, and in 1974, a formal Department of Forensic Toxicology was established at the research lab. Currently, about 20 people work at the Research Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology.
Subspecialties:
Pharmacology, head: Magnús K. Magnússon
Toxicology, head: Kristín Ólafsdóttir
Chairman: Engilbert Sigurðsson
The Department of Psychiatry at the Faculty of Medicine is associated with the Mental Health Services of the National University Hospital and is responsible for research and education in psychiatry. Teaching in psychiatry takes place in the 5th year of medical studies and includes theoretical and practical components.
The main study goals of the course are:
- To develop core knowledge on key mental disorders, prevalence, risk factors, pathogenesis, illness course, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prognosis
- To develop core skills to interview patients and relatives and to appreciate the effects of mental disorders on their life
- Become aware of treatment options at various levels of health services
- The student should be able to carry out a mental state examination during an interview, diagnose key mental disorders and treat the more common ones and to initiate treatment on the more serious ones
- To appreciate how alcohol and other substances of abuse can alter mental states and how to prioritize addressing addiction early on if present in the treatment course of mental disorders
- Know the core skills of motivational interviewing
- To help medical students appreciate the complex interactions of emotions, thoughts, actions and personality, and how life events, stress and illness can influence these
- To aid the students´ appreciation of how important professional interactions are for doctors and other healthcare professionals
Subspecialties include:
General Adult Psychiatry, head: Engilbert Sigurðsson
Psychology, head: Berglind Guðmundsdóttir
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, head: Bertrand Andre Marc Lauth
Other staff:
Magnús Haraldsson
Halldóra Jónsdóttir
Guðrún Dóra Bjarnadóttir
Oddur Ingimarsson
Other academic staff includes three adjunct professors: Bjarni Össurarson, Björn Hjálmarsson and Ísafold Helgadóttir.
All doctors of the psychiatric services also participate in the teaching of practical training, and professionals from other disciplines (psychologists, social workers, and nurses) give lectures and contribute to various aspects of the practical training.
Chairman: Karl Kristjánsson
The field of rehabilitation medicine at the Faculty of Medicine is associated with the Grensás Ward of the National University Hospital and Reykjalundur, focusing on research and education in rehabilitation medicine. Teaching in rehabilitation medicine takes place in the 6th year and includes both theoretical and practical components.
The goal of physical rehabilitation therapy for individuals with disabilities or impairments due to illness or accidents is to maximize capacity and skills and thereby promote increased activity, participation in society, and quality of life. Rehabilitation can also help people adapt and learn to live with underlying illnesses or disabilities.
At Grensás, the main emphasis in teaching is on physical rehabilitation therapy following spinal cord and brain injuries. At Reykjalundur, there is an introduction to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and rehabilitation for individuals with chronic pain.
Research primarily focuses on the epidemiology of diseases and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.
Subfields within the discipline include:
Medical Rehabilitation, head: Karl Kristjánsson
Physical Therapy
Other staff:
Páll E. Ingvarsson
Anna Lilja Gísladóttir
Chairman: Tómas Guðbjartsson
The field of surgical pathology at the Faculty of Medicine is linked to the surgical department at the National University Hospital and is responsible for research and education in surgical pathology. Education in surgical pathology takes place in the fourth year of medical studies and includes both theoretical and practical components.
Subspecialties
At Fossvogur:
Head, Neck, and Ear Surgery, head: Geir Tryggvason
Neurological and Brain Surgery, head: Ingvar Hákon Ólafsson
Orthopedic Surgery, head: Þórir Auðólfsson
Vascular Surgery, head: Zoran Podzev
At Hringbraut:
Breast, Endocrine, and Gastrointestinal Surgery, head: Páll Helgi Möller
Urology, head: Sigurður Guðjónsson
Cardiopulmonary Surgery, head: Tómas Guðbjartsson
These subspecialties are then divided further, each with its specific specialization.
Other staff:
Elsa Björk Valsdóttir
Kristín Huld Haraldsdóttir
Aðalsteinn Arnarson
Bjarni Geir Viðarsson
Eiríkur Orri Guðmundsson
Guðjón Birgisson
Jóhann Jónsson
Jórunn Atladóttir
Lilja Þyri Björnsdóttir
Rafn Hilmarsson
Svanheiður Lóa Rafnsdóttir