My background

I graduated as a doctor in 1978 from the University of Oslo, Norway.  During my career, I managed several large hospitals, serving more than 250,000 and I also founded an Air Ambulance company.

How the idea of Alivia came about

In 1987, I volunteered with the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee and travelled to war-stricken Afghanistan to assist the sick, injured and those in need of urgent medical attention. For many of the locals, basic medical needs was not available because of a lack of supplies and the poor conditions as a result of the war.

It was a dangerous place.  At the time, I had bright blonde hair and the security services made me dye my hair, grow a beard and wear local clothing so as not to arise suspicion with the enemy.

It was in this war-torn country that I originally thought about the idea of creating a service that would use medical intelligence  to assist and manage patients when they’re sick.

In Afghanistan, the American CIA and military intelligence were travelling with our team of doctors to keep us safe. I was always impressed by them being two steps ahead at all times. They always knew which roads to take, which bridges to cross (and which roads and bridges NOT to take or cross).  We always felt safe with them around.

It made me realize that when you are sick you are at war. Patients with access to medical intelligence are ahead of the game and have the ability to avoid “crossing the wrong bridges.”