Radiologists hit the sauna in Norway

The emphasis on promoting radiologists’ wellbeing and avoiding burnout reached new heights last week, when attendees at an international seminar engaged in the ritual of an Aufguss and ice bathing.

“It was a fantastic experience for everyone, resulting [in] a relaxed atmosphere during an intensive course,” Dr. Volker Lapczynski, president of the Norwegian Society for Musculoskeletal Radiology (NFMSR), told AuntMinnieEurope.com after the three-day meeting wrapped up on 28 March.

Attendees at the Larvik Course unwind and relax in an Aufguss. All images courtesy of Dr. Volker Lapczynski.

The Aufguss took place at the ninth edition of the Larvik Course, combined with the 75th International Skeletal Society (ISS) Outreach program. It involves pouring essential oils over the hot stones in the sauna, according to the website of Farris Bad, the spa owner.

“The heat and steam are distributed in the room through special movements with a towel. This airflow makes the temperature in the sauna feel particularly intense and pleasant. Each aufguss lasts for about 15 minutes, and each ritual has its unique theme or story, told by the sauna master,” Farris Bad states.

The speakers included Dr. Christine Chung, professor of radiology at the University of California San Diego and president-elect of the ISS; Dr. Eva Llopis, head of radiology at Hospital Universitari de la Ribera in Alzira, Valencia, and secretary of the ISS and past president of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR); Dr. Marcelo Bordalo, head of radiology at Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Doha, Qatar; and Prof. Winston Rennie, from Loughborough University and Leicester Royal Infirmary, U.K.

“The course is a key event for musculoskeletal radiology in Norway, providing a unique blend of professional development and social networking,” Lapczynski said. “Attendees gained valuable insights into the finer aspects of MSK radiology, focusing on axial spondyloarthritis and joint imaging.”

He also heaped praise on the local organizers, Drs. Roar Pedersen, Carsten Brocker, and Vidar Kloster. Meet the experts and sample a mix of hot topics and cold waters, the course organizers had promised – and they certainly delivered in style, he noted.

The Larvik Course ended with a team photo and group hugs.

This emphasis on radiologists’ wellbeing at conferences is not entirely new, however. The theme for the 2024 Spring Meeting of the Scottish Radiological Society was wellbeing and education, and the event took place in the Glasgow Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort. Lunchtime activities included golf, spa visits and treatments, and swimming, steam room, and sauna.