Practical Info
General things about working at the hospital/ research project
In Finland it is always very important to be everywhere in time. Finnish doctors speak good English, and most of the patients speak English at least sufficiently. You do not have to speak any Finnish in order to come here as an IFMSA exchange student but you need to be extremely fluent in English as the clerkship and the social program will be organized in English. Make sure that you are familiar with basic medical terms in English.
Good hand hygiene is extremely important in Finnish hospitals. Rasta hair or heavy piercings are generally frowned upon if not downright prohibited. Long hair must be tied down, and miniskirts and shorts are not acceptable hospital wear.
At the end of your exchange, you will get a certificate of your exchange, if you have been present at the clinic at least 80% of time. At your home country you may need the certificate eg. in order to get credits from your exchange.
Clinical Clerkship
On your first day at the clinic, your personal contact person will bring you to the hospital and you will meet your tutor. Depending on your clinical experience and the clinic, you will be able to follow the rounds, examine patients, perform small procedures (iv lines, arterial blood samples etc.) or at the surgical clinic follow and perhaps assist in the surgeries. Please always strictly follow the instruction given by your supervising doctor.
Research exchange
Before your exchange, the professor usually sends you some preliminary reading information about your research topic. On your first day, your personal contact person will bring you to the project. You will meet your tutor, who will give you instructions about your research work. Please always follow the instructions given. Depending on the project, your tasks will vary from performing laboratory analysis to examining patients.
What to bring with you?
You should bring a stethoscope and hospital shoes. White coats and scrubs are provided by the hospital. Don’t forget the insurance certificate and the MRSA (Methisillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) negativity certificate. See also http://www.ifmsa.net/public/ecscope.php?id=27
Accommodation and boarding
FiMSIC arranges the accommodation. Usually the lodging is in apartments rented from Finnish students. Probably you will be sharing the apartment with other exchange students of the same gender. Board is provided at least once a day, usually in the hospital canteen.
Social program
During summer months (June-August) social program will be arranged by the local officers and contact persons. It includes various parties, e.g. welcome party, national food party, hanging out at the parks or on the beach, bar nights etc.
In addition, exchange students’ weekend is arranged in July and August in one city at the time. Every FiMSIC exchange student is invited to the weekend. The program is from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon and it includes for example a sauna night and local sightseeing. You should pay small participation fee and the travelling costs by train.
Files
Regulations for FiMSIC exchange programs
Links
After your exchange: Exchange Evaluation Form
About healthcare in Finland: www.laakariliitto.fi/e/healthcare/
