The dialogue seminar on 22 September at 1530

When researchers, therapists and patients meet, new knowledge can become both more relevant and easier to understand. On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Norwegian Rheumatology Association, Diakonhjemmet Hospital and the REMEDY research center invite you to the annual free event, the Dialogue Seminar.

This year the title is New Treatment Methods, What Does It Mean for You? Go directly to the program.

Anne-Lene Sand-Svartrud is on the event committee.

What can participants expect?

- The main theme this year is new treatment methods.

The program begins with modern personalized medicine in light of the long history of rheumatology. Participants will then hear about research into new treatment methods for children and adolescents with juvenile arthritis, adults with spondyloarthritis, and new treatment options for people with osteoarthritis in the hands.

There will also be information about digital support, physical exercise and disease information. The seminar is therefore also well suited for people who have a rheumatic disease other than those we have mentioned.

Do you have a highlight you would like to highlight?

– We conclude with a personal story about how rheumatic disease can affect an entire family. Mai-Britt Wagnild communicates in a way that we can all learn a lot from. She was one of the finalists in an international writing competition for people with rheumatic disease.

Why is it called a dialogue seminar?

– After each presentation, we open up for questions and dialogue with the audience. It is precisely this meeting between research knowledge and lived experience that is the core of the seminar. The first half hour is set aside for socializing and information from the Rheumatologist Association.

Who is the seminar suitable for?

– We especially want people who have a rheumatic disease themselves, or who are relatives of someone, to participate. We also hope that many practitioners and researchers in rheumatology will participate. Everyone is welcome!

Briefly about the introductions

Tore K. Kvien is professor emeritus. He headed the Department of Rheumatology at Diakonhjemmet Hospital from 1994 to 2019. Kvien will draw the long lines from earlier treatments to today's personalized medicine.

Anna-Birgitte Aga is a rheumatologist, consultant at Rikshospitalet and senior researcher. She works on treatment strategies for juvenile arthritis and looks into what can provide children and young people with the best possible treatment.

Camilla Fongen is a physiotherapist and doctoral candidate, with particular knowledge of physical activity and exercise in rheumatic diseases. She presents her work on digital support for exercise and disease information for people with spondyloarthritis.

Ida Bos-Haugen is a rheumatologist, senior researcher and professor. She researches pain and new treatment options for hand osteoarthritis and talks about what is available today and what may come in the future.

Mai-Britt Wagnild won the Edgar Stene competition in Norway in 2026 and came second in the European final. This is a writing competition for people with rheumatic disease. She reads "Slekt skal følge slekters gang", a personal text about genes, rheumatic disease and family ties.

New treatment methods, what does it mean for you?

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM–6:20 PM
Location: Diakonhjemmet Hospital, auditorium in the DBL building

Diakonveien 18, opposite the main entrance to the hospital

The seminar will take place in the auditorium. The academic presentations can be viewed later in recordings, with the exception of the closing presentation.

There will be time for questions after each presentation. Questions can be submitted in advance via the registration form or during the seminar via the QR code we will inform you about during the event.

Program

• 15.30: Mingling, coffee and tea with stands from the Norwegian Rheumatology Association (NRF) and the NRF Oslo County League
• 16.05: Tore Kvien: From mud baths to personalized medicine – developments in the field of rheumatology
• 16.30: Anna-Birgitte Aga: Treatment strategies for children and adolescents with juvenile arthritis (JIA)
• 16.55–17.05: Pause
• 17.05: Camilla Fongen: Digital support for training and disease information – what do people with spondyloarthritis need?
• 17.30: Ida Bos-Haugen: Treatment options for people with hand osteoarthritis now and in the future
• 17.55: Introduction of the Norwegian winner of the Edgar Stene Prize 2026. The theme of the competition was genes and rheumatic disease – and how this shapes and affects family connections
• 18.00: Mai-Britt Wagnild: Family should follow the course of families (will not be included)
• 18.20: End

To participate physically: Register using the form.

The dialogue seminar on rheumatic diseases is organized in collaboration between Diakonhjemmet Hospital, the research center REMEDY and the Norwegian Rheumatology Association.

The program is subject to changes.