Know your colleague
Know your colleague: Jonas Ammundsen Ipsen
Meet Jonas Ammundsen Ipsen, MSc in Physiotherapy, Department of Regional Health Research
Can you describe your work?
I submitted my PhD thesis this summer, and I am now working on two research projects while seeking funding to continue my research career.
In the first project, we are developing and testing a clinical driving simulator designed to assess patients' driving abilities after incidents like bone fractures. This project is a research collaboration with Jens Lauritsen from the Accident Analysis Group at OUH and Morten Hansen from the Maersk McKinney Moller Institute at SDU Tech. My responsibilities include recruiting and testing participants, engaging users, and creating informational materials.
The second project is with the regional cross-sectoral research centre and the Department of Regional Health Research. My role involves analysing the resource use associated with implementing the "Kom Trygt Hjem" programme in the Region of Southern Denmark. I am currently coordinating a comprehensive cross-sectoral data collection effort on the services provided to older adults after hip fractures, both in hospitals and in municipalities.
How long have you been employed at SDU?
I have been employed at SDU for about four years.
What is the best part of your job?
I get to work on two highly exciting projects and collaborate with people who teach me a lot. It’s something I truly value and appreciate.
Tell us about a work task you have completed that you are particularly proud of.
During my PhD, I published an article on the need for support from relatives among patients recovering from hip fractures. Our research revealed that 90% of patients relied on help from their families. I believe this was an important finding, and I’m proud that we were able to bring attention to the crucial role that relatives play in patient recovery.
What is your educational background—how did you end up in this job?
I trained as a physiotherapist and spent several years in practice before earning my MSc and PhD. I chose my current roles to remain at the intersection of health economics and clinical research, driven by a desire to keep learning and growing.
What other career paths have you considered?
I’ve considered various paths, such as moving into the industry or working for an analytics firm. However, I’m passionate about patient-centred research and truly value the challenges and learning experiences that come with my current role.
What do you do in your free time?
I have three wonderful children and a wife whom I cherish. This year, we’re working on earning a shelter badge with our 8-year-old son—our goal is to sleep in a different shelter each month throughout the year.
Jonas' Top 3 Tips for Shelter Trips
Where are the three best shelters you have tried?
The best shelter we’ve experienced was at Thybrønd Vig, where there’s a sandy beach nearby and animals that the children could help feed.
I’m also fond of the shelter spot at Nordstranden in Strib and the one at Søbadet in Middelfart. They’re both close to home, making them ideal for a quick getaway.
Three tips for people trying out sheltering for the first time:
- Choose a day with dry weather.
- Bring warm sleeping bags.
- Set realistic expectations to ensure a fun experience. If you’re not confident about cooking over a fire, you can always pack a meal or order a pizza.
Have you seen/read/listened to anything good recently that you would recommend?
I recently enjoyed "Alle mine morgener på jorden" by Troels Kløvedal. It’s beautifully written and offers a wonderful perspective on appreciating what you have.
What is your favourite place to visit?
I have a special fondness for Nordstranden in Strib, where we enjoy swimming nearly all year round.
Who would you like to get to know?
We are spotlighting various employees at the Faculty of Health Sciences (SUND) with a series of standard questions. The aim is to get to know each other better across titles, departments, and tasks.
If you have a suggestion for a colleague at SUND whom everyone should get to know better, or if there is someone you would like to learn more about, please write to us at SUND Communications.
Contact us at: sund-input@health.sdu.dk