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Medicine Schools and Programs in Finland

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Medicine Studies in Finland

The Lutheran Cathedral in Helsinki

Study Medicine in Finland:  A Brief Profile

Medicine is one of the most difficult and arduous courses of study offered by the world’s universities, and certainly among the most important.  And because it is so crucial, the ability to gain a different insight or educational perspective, perhaps through an opportunity to study abroad for a portion of your degree, can be extremely valuable and beneficial.  In the following article we will explain one such opportunity—studying medicine in Finland—and provide some details regarding the country itself, the type of programs offered there within the discipline of medicine, and some of the advantages afforded to students who choose Finland as a study abroad destination.

About Finland  

Finland, officially known as the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country located in the Scandinavian region of Northern Europe.  The country shares borders with Sweden to the west, Norway to the north and Russia to the east, while the Gulf of Finland separates it from Estonia to the south.
 
Finland is home to approximately 5.4 million people, the majority of which are concentrated in its southern regions.  In terms of area, it is the eighth largest country in Europe and the most sparsely-populated country in the European Union.  The largest and capital city of Finland is Helsinki, where roughly 1/6 of the population resides and where a third of the country’s GDP is produced.  Other large cities in Finland include Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Jyväskylä, Lahti and Kuopio.
 
The Study of Medicine in Finland’s Universities
 
The largest and most prestigious university at which to pursue the study of Medicine in Finland is the University of Helsinki.  The Faculty of Medicine, which was established at the Academy of Turku in the year 1640, relocated to Helsinki in 1828 and currently operates on the Meilahti Campus of the University of Helsinki.
 
The dedicated faculty of the University of Helsinki carries out high-quality multidisciplinary research, trains skilled doctors and dentists, supervises students in their research-oriented or professionally oriented postgraduate education and aids researchers and students in establishing international contacts.  Currently there are more than 2,500 students pursuing an undergraduate, research-oriented or professionally-oriented postgraduate education at the university.
 
One of the units that helps students meet their educational goals within the UH’s Faculty of Medicine is the Institute of Clinical Medicine, which serves to educate future physicians from the third year of studies until graduation. There are 560 students annually enrolled in the unit. Education takes place through lectures and small groups, and the emphasis is on patient-centered care. With its 43 training programs in specialist medicine, the Institute provides specialist training to meet the needs of the whole nation. In addition, further education is provided on an as-need basis, provided by the Institute’s professors and docents who are in charge of the training.

Why Study in Finland

Studying Medicine in Finland as part of a study abroad program can be the experience of a lifetime.  The country is a very human-centered and cozy place to live, featuring cities and towns designed for people, rather than for cars and rush hour traffic.

Institutions of higher learning in Finland are still small enough to operate functionally and effectively, yet large enough to provide students with all the resources they need to be successful. The universities are internationally oriented, with special regional features, and you can choose from a variety of different study environments, ranging from large urban campuses to smaller campuses in the countryside.

In addition to the excellence and openness of Finland’s higher education system, the country has much to offer its visiting students.   The country’s natural landscapes are picturesque and breathtaking, and its larger cities are filled with amenities and plenty of fun and interesting sites to see.  Some of these sites include:
  • Nasinneula Tower. Nasinneula Tower is located in the city of Tampere. It’s the tallest observation tower in Scandinavia and one of the top tourist sites in all of Finland. From the top of the revolving tower you can enjoy a nice dinner and obtain some incredible panoramic views of the city and the beautiful forests and lakes surrounding the city.
  • Olavinlinna Castle.  Olavinlinna Castle is one of the most well-preserved medieval castles in Finland and is absolutely one of the most prized tourist sites in the country, especially for fans of history. You can take English guided tours of the castle all throughout the year and visit the museum displays, as well as the castle’s courtyards.
  • SantaPark.  SantaPark is located in the city of Rovaniemi and is a great place for some wholesome family fun.  It is situated very nearby the renowned Santa Claus Village and is a great place to visit during the holiday season.
Simply put, Finland is a true treasure of a country as a study abroad destination and a wonderful place for expanding your personal and professional horizons.