Award for Lifetime Contribution to Rheumatology
Former unit head at Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Kåre Birger Hagen, has received a prestigious international award for his efforts in rheumatology and musculoskeletal diseases.
The EULAR Health Professionals in Rheumatology Lifetime Achievement Award is presented by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR).
The award goes to individuals who, over time, have had a major impact on the development of health research, clinical practice and education within rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
– The award honors a lifetime of work dedicated to improving the treatment and follow-up of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. His efforts to strengthen evidence-based practice in health services have been invaluable. This is stated by EULAR Vice Director, Rikke Helene Moe.
A clear voice for evidence-based practice
Kåre Birger Hagen has a background as a physiotherapist. He is a former professor and director of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. He was for a long time the head of the National Competence Service for Rheumatological Rehabilitation (NKRR) at Diakonhjemmet Hospital.
For several decades, he has been a clear advocate for high-quality research and for the role of health professionals in rheumatology. He has worked purposefully to ensure that treatment and follow-up are based on solid documentation and that research results are used in clinical practice.
In particular, he has contributed to increased understanding of the importance of good and relevant efficacy measures in non-pharmaceutical research. He has also been concerned with giving greater attention to patient groups that have long been under-prioritized, including people with osteoarthritis.
Strengthened the role of patients
As Unit Leader of NKRR, Kåre Birger Hagen played a central role in the development of EULAR's health professional community. As Vice Director of Health Professionals (HPR) in the period 2009–2013, he worked systematically to strengthen the professional and academic profile of HPR.
An important contribution was the work to include patient representatives and patient organizations in research and education. This took place in close collaboration with the patient organizations in EULAR.
– This effort has helped make the organization more open, inclusive and relevant to those for whom the research and services are provided, says Moe.
International bridge builder
Internationally, Kåre Birger Hagen is known as a unifying force. He has been a driving force for lasting collaborations between Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia, with the goal of strengthening education, knowledge sharing and joint research strategies within the field.
The work has led to joint sessions at international congresses, regular meetings and joint publications.
– The collaboration has been of great importance for the development of a strong, international rheumatology healthcare community, and continues today, says Moe.
Mentor for new generations of researchers
In addition to his international engagement, Hagen has held key leadership and research positions in Norway, including in rehabilitation, health services research and method evaluation. As a professor at the University of Oslo, he has supervised a large number of master's students and doctoral candidates.
Rikke Helene Moe says that many describe him as an inspiring mentor who has encouraged young researchers to think innovatively, work interdisciplinary and set high standards for quality and method.
Significant scientific output
He is the author of around 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications and has held key editorial roles in several leading international journals. Through this work, he has helped shape how research in rheumatology is assessed, published and used.
Kåre Birger Hagen has also spent a lot of time training health researchers in scientific writing and critical assessment of research, which has had great significance for the professional community.
An exclusive award that reflects an entire professional life
The EULAR HPR Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded rarely, and only to individuals who have had an extraordinary impact on the field over time.
Kåre Birger Hagen is the fifth recipient of the award.
– The fact that the award goes to a Norwegian is something we have every reason to be proud of. It is also a clear sign that the Norwegian healthcare rheumatology community is strong internationally, says Rikke Helene Moe.
