A Doctor Driven by Passion for Education – and the Heart
**Our Scientists** is a monthly feature where we introduce the researchers of the University of Akureyri. For the month of April, we present Professor Margrét Hrönn Svavarsdóttir from the Faculty of Nursing. “The opening scene of my life involves a boat ride through an ice-covered fjord. I was born at the hospital in Akureyri in 1965 and then taken home to Ólafsfjörður on the mail boat *Drangur*,” says Margrét about her earliest days. Raised in Ólafsfjörður, Margrét, like many kids in small fishing towns, spent most of her childhood outdoors from morning till night. “When I was little, I was always outside—up in the mountains or playing in the snow—and later on I started working in the fish industry.” The outdoors and the mountains have remained a constant in her life. Today, she and her husband travel widely to enjoy nature. Among other things, they’ve taken part in the *Worldloppet* ski marathons, including the *Fossavatnsgangan* here in Iceland.
“I’m all kinds of skier on all kinds of skis and usually up for anything. My youngest even managed to rope me into a team sprint at the national cross-country ski competition—where we actually won silver.”
Treasured Time at Home and Abroad
Margrét earned her BSc in Nursing from the University of Iceland in 1990. After graduating, she moved to the United States with her family, where they lived for seven years. “We spent the first few years in Madison, Wisconsin, where I stayed home with our young daughters while preparing for U.S. licensure and graduate school. In 1997, we moved to Buffalo, New York, where I began my Master’s studies as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rehabilitation Nursing with a focus on cardiac patients.” She describes this time as enriching, opening her mind and broadening her understanding of other cultures.
After returning to Iceland, Margrét helped establish structured education for cardiac patients at the Akureyri Hospital and launched an outpatient clinic for this group. “Patients received individualized support, education, and assistance with self-care and lifestyle changes. Self-care includes everything a person can do to maintain health and manage or reduce the impact of illness. I believe this initiative was a significant step forward for cardiac care—though our research suggests there is still room for improvement, especially regarding access for those living in rural areas.”
Teaching – Joy, Challenges, and an Exciting Future
Margrét has taught at the University of Akureyri since 2001, a year after returning from the U.S. However, she had already been involved with the Faculty of Nursing in 1990 right after graduation, teaching both theory and clinical practice. “I think that’s when my interest in teaching sparked. In 2004, I got a permanent position at the university. Teaching has always been an important part of my work as a nurse—both through patient education and student instruction.” Though she didn’t plan to work fully in academia, her postgraduate studies—both master’s and later doctoral—were originally intended to make her a better clinical nurse. But as she puts it: “Life, opportunities, and coincidences led me here, and I’m glad it did—it’s fun and rewarding to teach.”
Her teaching has evolved from foundational nursing and skills training to specialized subjects in cardiology and health education. Next fall, she will lead the first-ever postgraduate program in cardiac nursing in Iceland. “A lot of energy has gone into developing this new program. It marks a milestone in nurse education in Iceland—exciting times lie ahead for both students and teachers.”
Margrét notes that with an ever-changing education environment, distance learning plays an increasing role. “I find it exciting and challenging to be part of this development. It increases access and offers flexibility for students all across the country. At the same time, it challenges us as educators to build connection, depth, and collaboration in learning. Overall, teaching gives me many opportunities to explore, learn, and share—which I consider both valuable and a great privilege.”
The Heart of Research
“The research I’m most proud of is the *KRANS study*—Lifestyle, Risk Factors, and Self-care in People with Coronary Artery Disease.” Margrét explains that it’s the first study in Iceland to holistically examine risk factors, treatment, and self-care among cardiac patients. “Our findings show that the goals of the European Society of Cardiology regarding lifestyle and risk factors are rarely achieved among Icelandic patients. The majority of participants without diabetes are at high risk of developing it within ten years. Self-care was insufficient in many cases, and the need for education remained high even six months after hospital discharge.” She emphasizes the importance of improving education and support for self-care in this patient group and developing ways to ensure access to services for everyone—regardless of where they live.
Margrét has also worked closely with Associate Professor Hafdís Skúladóttir on clinical nursing education. Together, they developed the **CAT-NE** (Clinical Assessment Tool for Nursing Education), a standardized electronic system used to evaluate nursing students' clinical performance. “CAT-NE has been in use at the University of Akureyri since 2018 and has proven to be a powerful tool for structured, evidence-based clinical feedback. It’s the only tool of its kind used consistently in nursing education in Iceland, laying a foundation for comparison and future development.” They believe the tool enhances professionalism in clinical assessments, ensures transparency, and strengthens dialogue and collaboration between students and teachers.
Margrét's focus on heart health and education is evident not only in her research but in her professional and personal priorities. Looking ahead, she sees the most urgent research areas as those that promote self-care and education for cardiac patients after discharge—emphasizing lifestyle improvement and risk reduction. “Future studies should explore how telehealth and digital solutions can support education and care—especially for people outside urban areas—to ensure equal opportunities for health promotion and improved quality of life.”
This commitment to equality, regardless of location, is not just academic—it’s personal. Born and raised in Ólafsfjörður, her connection to Iceland’s rural heartlands runs deep. Though there have been periods away, her family has always returned to Akureyri. “It’s no surprise I always end up back in Akureyri,” she says. “Being outdoors and skiing are my main hobbies—or as I like to put it: There’s something about being out in the weather, with space, calm, and movement, that nourishes both body and soul. Having snow underfoot and playing outside is the best.”