Here you can find our student interviews. Find out why they chose Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics at the University of Eastern Finland, what have they learned and liked the most!
- Williane Bernardes, Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics (2018-2020)
- Shekh Emran, Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics (2016-2018)
- Sandra Sefa, Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics (2016-2018)
- Noora-Mari Pienimäki, Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics
- Kamila Lepkova, Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics (2018-2020)
- Ali Mohammadi, Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics (2016-2018)
- Mohammadhossein Ebrahimi, Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics (2016-2018)
Williane Bernardes, Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics (2018-2020)
Williane Bernardes, a Brazil-native first-year student in the Master’s Degree Programme in Medical Physics knew to expect a multidisciplinary and challenging study content – and the first 6 months have not proved her wrong.
“For someone like myself who likes learning about different topics, it’s really, really cool that the programme touches so many fields: maths, physics, computer science… The only problem is that I slightly overestimated my resources and took too many courses at the same time because I was so eager to start”, laughs Williane.
For Williane, the most fascinating courses so far have been Biomechanics and Physics in Radiotherapy – both are courses with a strong emphasis on learning in practice.
“During the courses, we went to the campus hospital to conduct measurements with cancer treatment machines, and also made virtual experiments in the lab. That was super interesting.”
Future scenarios
In the Medical Physics programme, there is an opportunity to either do an internship at the campus hospital or an advanced laboratory practice in one of the research groups. Williane will do the latter as she will start in the Biosignal Analysis research group very soon.
“I will be helping my supervisor who conducts a study on human motion analysis. The data is obtained when the subject does a predetermined movement, such as walking or jumping, and I will help him with the data collection and analysis. I’m very much looking forward to start!”
When asked about her future plans, Williane says she wants to keep her options open.
“First, I want to be a researcher – that I know for sure. I’ve always been a person with many interests, but luckily this degree opens doors to three different directions: research, hospital work and private sector.”
Life and studies in Finland
Williane already knew quite a lot about the Finnish lifestyle before applying to the Master’s programme, as she had spent a year on exchange at the university of Jyväskylä a few years ago. After her Bachelor’s degree she wanted to continue her studies abroad, and Finland was an easy choice for her.
“Here the relevant things matter in the application process – which are the grades, of course, but also your own activity, such as participating in winter or summer schools, your work experience and language skills. When I was preparing my application, I got help from the programme coordinator Siru throughout the process whenever I needed. Without a scholarship I couldn’t have afforded to study here but I’m more than happy that now it is possible.”
What Williane really likes about her studies at the UEF is the free atmosphere.
“I appreciate the freedom and safety, and the fact that it is not a competitive environment – on the contrary, everyone is willing to help. There’s a mutual respect between teachers and students, and you feel that you are trusted in. It’s important to me that I can speak my mind to the teachers and discuss openly, as there’s no hierarchy in a way. I know it sounds cheesy but so far I got the impression that the department is kind of like a big welcoming family.”
For Williane, adapting into the Finnish society has been easy.
“If someone steps into another culture from outside, they need to think that they are guests who are eager to adapt. When I first came here, I kissed and hugged everyone I met but then I realized that it’s not the common practice here. Therefore I always want to ask people to tell me how they do things as I want to learn and respect.”
Williane is learning Finnish language, and she says she also likes the cold and winter in the North. Therefore her future dream is to establish a career somewhere in the Northern hemisphere - we do hope it will be in Finland!
Shekh Emran, Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics (2016-2018)
Why did you choose to study medical physics?
A huge number of the greatest inventions in modern medicine were developed by physicists. These achievements have revolutionised the methods for imaging the human body and treating diseases. This reasoning helped me choose medical physics for my MSc studies.
How did you choose UEF?
I got my bachelor’s degree in physics from Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, situated in a remote region of Bangladesh. The vast majority of the universities in my country concentrate on theoretical knowledge rather than practical knowledge. My interest was always in practical knowledge. I eventually realised that Finland is a top-class creative country. I applied to two universities in Finland in order to study medical physics. In addition to UEF, I was also admitted to biomedical engineering at the University of Oulu. My sibling, who was also an ex-student of UEF, recommended me to choose UEF. After coming to UEF I realised that my sibling was correct. The talented and innovative research groups (e.g. Biophysics of Bone and Cartilage and Biomaterials) at the department of Applied Physics have simply astonished me.
What have you enjoyed the most in your studies?
In almost every course there are also practical demonstrations and exercises in addition to theoretical lectures. This way I am able to learn and memorise things well. Moreover, the helpful and supportive teachers, kindred classmates, coordinators and the Bengali community in Kuopio are likewise striking.
What has been the most difficult?
Indeed, most presumably the weather! Particularly November and December are very hard to make through for a first-year student. Aside from these two months, Finland is a truly pleasant country to live in.
What do you want to say to someone who is thinking about applying to the UEF MedPhys MSc programme?
If you want to choose Medical Physics, you will need to be well-motivated and work hard. If that is the case, I can guarantee that you will have the capacity to achieve your goals effectively.
Sandra Sefa, Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics (2016-2018)
Why did you choose to study medical physics?
I have always wanted to work in a clinical setting, but I was uncertain what profession I would choose until I found out about medical physics during my early years in high school. Medical technology has become indispensable in our modern health system, and hence there is a growing need of trained personnel to ensure the optimum and safe use of equipment to save lives. Also, the imaging modalities as well as the treatment procedure of radiation have always fascinated me. These and many more are the reasons that motivated me to pursue medical physics.
How did you choose UEF?
I chose UEF because of the high-quality educational standards and exquisite facility that makes learning enjoyable. The tuition is excellent due to the fact that the professors are very knowledgeable as well as very welcoming. I have not been disappointed since I enrolled in the programme.
What have you enjoyed the most in your studies?
I mostly enjoy the practical sessions of lectures because it gives me a better understanding of the theory. I also enjoy the teacher-student relationship since it enables me to directly approach the professors on academic matters that boggle the mind.
What has been the most difficult?
Integrating into my new study environment was quiet challenging initially, but now I have fully acclimatised.
What do you want to say to someone who is thinking about applying to the UEF MedPhys MSc programme?
The best decision that any potential medical physicist could make is to choose to study at UEF, because the training is intense, practical and exciting, and hence there is the assurance of graduating as one of the best people in the field.
Noora-Mari Pienimäki, Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics
Noora-Mari Pienimäki is living proof that it is never too late to change one’s path in life. From a hairdresser to a Medical Physicist developing cutting-edge technology to fight cancer, her story exemplifies the idea that with enough determination and access to education, no career ambition is beyond reach.
The road less taken
Despite a growing list of satisfied clients, training opportunities, and a comfortable living, Noora-Mari (Noora) knew that being a hairdresser was not her true passion. Thus, while her co-workers would return home after a long day on their feet, Noora started attending night classes.
–Eventually, I faced a decision: I either take the easy path and continue with my current career, or in true Frostian form, ‘take the road less travelled’ and fully embrace the academic journey.
Stemming from her childhood passion of becoming a horse trainer, Noora first set her sights on Veterinarian medicine. However, while studying for the entrance exam, she found herself drawn to Physics. Consequently, Noora applied to both Veterinarian and Physics programs. Taking rejection into vet school as a sign, she committed herself to studying Physics at the University of Helsinki.
When starting her studies at the university, Noora realized that she had quite a gap to bridge.
–The difference between Physics at upper secondary school and university is enormous. I had also studied only the basic Maths at upper secondary school, so I was far behind from my peers. I took extra Math classes and I had to absorb loads of information to keep up with the group. Yet, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and am currently finishing my Master’s Degree in Medical Physics at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF).
The road to CERN
Noora’s first experience with CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) happened in the summer after completing her Bachelor’s degree. She applied to a summer internship program and – to her amazement – she got accepted.
–Later I learned that my unusual background as a hairdresser made me stand out from the many qualified applicants who all shared a similar background.
This internship led to a temporary employment opportunity with CERN – and finally to a Master's thesis that Noora is currently writing based on the research she conducted there.
Later, Noora returned to CERN but this time for an internship at CERN’s spin-off company that is developing an ultramodern proton radiation therapy device. This internship was also credited towards Noora’s degree at UEF. Due to her highly praised performance, this company recently offered Noora a new employment opportunity as a Medical Physics Modeler for two years.
The road ahead
Noora is thrilled to move to Switzerland to begin her work with the proton radiation therapy device.
–In my opinion, the fact that it is possible to participate in clinical studies during the Master's program at UEF was especially helpful in obtaining my dream position. This type of training generally occurs at the PhD level, making the program here quite unique.
She also feels that the knowledge, skills and research experience gained at UEF enabled her to excel during the internship and the short-term contract.
–I can easily say that Kuopio is the best place in Finland to study Medical Physics. The collaboration between the University hospital and the Department of Applied Physics is extraordinary and the course selection is unparalleled.
Kamila Lepkova, Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics (2018-2020)
For Kamila Lepkova, a first-year-student in the Medical Physics programme, this specific field of study is the absolute perfect fit. Originally she had considered applying to medical school, but in the end it didn’t feel like her thing.
“On the other hand, I love maths, physics and technical things. Then I realized that in Medical Physics I can combine both: the strong motivation to contribute to people’s health and to work with machines.”
Moving to Finland
Kamila first experimented Finland when she was here on Erasmus exchange during her Master’s studies in biotechnology and bioinformatics. She wanted to know what it is like to live in a country where the winters are cold and dark and how the weather conditions affect your mind and body.
“The fact that you didn’t see almost any sunshine in November was tough for me, I have to admit. However, I realized that I need to stay active despite the weather, so I did sports and hung out with friends, and that way it didn’t feel bad at all. ”
In the end, Kamila enjoyed Finland so much that she first wanted to extend her one-semester period to a full year, and eventually she started to think that she could actually finish her Master’s degree here.
“I really like the system here at the UEF and in Finland in general - that everything goes smoothly. All the bureaucratic things run without delay, and the application process and scholarship options were clear. Obviously the quality of education was the number one reason for coming here, since the level of teaching in Medical Physics is especially high in Finland. But it also matters how the daily life can be organised ”, says Kamila.
Especially her parents were relieved to hear that the university students are taken good care of - that the students are entitled to medical services at the university and there are peer tutors welcoming them on the day of arrival.
“I really like Kuopio as I think it is a good compromise of both nature and plenty to do. I love it that you can literally step out of your house and in 5 minutes you are in the forest. I’m very into running and spending time in the nature, where you can really relax.”
Busy but rewarding
For Kamila, the first semester of Master’s studies has been really intensive.
“We have exercises and calculations to do every week, so you have to be prepared and on top of things all the time. The study content is challenging, yet not too difficult. The most important thing is to arrange your schedules so that you are able to do everything on time.”
Kamila also gives credit to the overall organisation of the programme and teachers in particular.
“It’s a perfect combination of theory and practice. All the teachers are really, really helpful. Whenever I want to ask something, they are not looking at me like I’m stupid, but as someone who is equal to them. You don’t feel like you’re bothering them with questions. In general, everyone in Finland has been really helpful.”
In January 2019 Kamila will continue her learning in practice at the University Hospital.
“I’m very much looking forward to working in a real hospital setting. I will be planning treatments for cancer patients and testing radiotherapy machines to make sure they are working perfectly correctly. It’s a great chance to step into something that will highly likely be my future work.”
Ali Mohammadi, Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics (2016-2018)
Why did you choose to study medical physics?
After I graduated in mechanical engineering, I wanted to choose something that would bring me the most satisfaction. To be honest, I faced a dilemma in choosing between biomedical engineering and medical physics. After much searching, conversations and working in a research group, I found medical physics to be very interesting. I think for me the key benefit was the combination of experimental work and theoretical subjects in its syllables. It included some courses that were similar to medicine, like radiotherapy and radiology, and other courses that were similar to engineering, such as biomechanics, biomaterial and signal analysis. Because of this combination, in addition to thinking about my career, I decided to study medical physics.
How did you choose UEF?
Actually, I had already been accepted to study for a master’s degree in biomedical engineering and medical physics in a few European countries as well as Canada. But I had some priorities, comprehensive syllables and also the opportunity to be a research assistant during my master’s studies in a research team or a hospital. By taking a cursory look at the courses, you can tell the difference between UEF master’s degrees and those of other universities. Moreover, I knew about the BBC (Biophysics of Bone and Cartilage) group’s reputation in Europe and the world. Also, in the syllables there were three advanced laboratories in addition to the research practicum and master’s thesis which enable research. Therefore, after a short conversation with one of my professors who had worked in the BBC group, I had no trouble whatsoever in choosing UEF.
What have you enjoyed the most in your studies?
I am an active person who always wants to learn new things, so I quickly get bored in repetitive classes. In addition to a great atmosphere and talented professors and coordinators, learning new things each semester and having comprehensive courses in addition to working in the research team are the most favourite parts of my studies here. I have attended courses from radiotherapy and radiology to data analysis and biomechanics. In addition, our courses feature demonstrations in the hospital and in laboratories, which is a great help for my studies. Perhaps taking courses in different areas is a difficult undertaking, but learning new things puts me ever closer to my dreams.
What has been the most difficult?
Maybe you expect me to say the weather. But for me it is merely a feature of Finland that I really like. There are a lot of sports and hobbies in winter which are new to me. Also, living away from home can be challenging, but it is not a big problem for me. We are ‘master’ students and in my opinion we should face new challenges and problems head-on in order to progress quickly; without them studying would be useless and boring. But adapting to a new method was difficult, such as courses with a huge number of slides which need more self-studying at home. It was totally different from my country’s education system, and I put in more effort to study all the courses thoroughly.
What do you want to say to someone who is thinking about applying to the UEF MedPhys MSc programme?
If you enjoy studying medical physics or biomedical engineering and you want to improve your skills and knowledge, one of the best choices is here in Finland, at the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio. You can attend new courses with up-to-date information, great demonstrations and experience working in a hospital or research team during your master’s studies. But if you don’t want to face scientific challenges, I would not recommend it to you. The professors work hard and they expect you to do your best, so there is no easy way out here, the only option is lots of effort. But I am sure that it will open new doors to you in your life and broaden your horizons from a scientific and cultural point of view. After completing your master’s degree, you can continue here as a PhD student with a good salary or move on to prestigious universities all over the world.
Mohammadhossein Ebrahimi, Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics (2016-2018)
How has the second year of your studies gone? What has been most interesting? What have the biggest challenges been?
The second year of my studies here in the UEF was amazing. The most interesting part of the second year is that you have much more time to focus on the research and interact actively with the research groups’ members as you have less courses. The master degree in medical physics at UEF is designed so that you have half of your studies focused on research and this is very good opportunity to provide the students with the abilities of independently thinking and conducting the research.
The biggest challenge has been the master thesis as it included experimental, numerical modeling and data analysis part separately. I am quite sure that the master’s thesis seminar will be a new challenge for me to present what I have done during almost 6 months of work.
Have you had a chance to get to know some specific subjects in more detail?
During my lab work, I challenged myself with totally new topic of study related to neurophysiology field. It was a bit difficult at the beginning since it was dealing with a new field of study, while I became even more enthusiastic about the topic during the project and I had the chance to learn a lot. I am glad that the study leads to a scientific paper.
What are the things you have found to be helpful in your studies?
From my point of view, demonstrations at the Kuopio University Hospital (KUH) were the most helpful mean for understanding of the course materials. During each demonstration, we were familiarized with a specific real life application of the course in the clinical world. Lectures were also well designed to cover the whole topic from the very basic knowledge of the topic to advanced application of the field in the real life.
What were the biggest lessons learned from the research practicum?
I chose to do the research practicum because I am aiming for PhD and I believe research is of more importance for my future academic goals. The research practicum was the best starting point for me to get to know other people in the department and learn how to conduct a study. In addition to that, I had the chance to do the research from defining the project to performing the study and writing a scientific paper from that.
What will you concentrate on in your Master's thesis?
In my master thesis, I have concentrated on characterization of human tibial cartilage, whether through experimental measurements or modeling and material parameters optimization. I have established structure-function relations of human tibial cartilage and alterations as the osteoarthritis progresses. During the project, I learned how to use the mechanical testing device for biological materials characterization, how to model with finite element method and who to extract and analyze the data statistically.
What is your favorite thing in Finnish culture, society and in UEF?
Finland is beautiful country with amazing people. According to my personal experience of interacting with Finnish people, they are quite supportive and helpful as they do their best to help their peers. In addition to that, I found the Finnish people very honest.
What are your future plans after completing your MSc?
I am planning to do PhD in the field of biomechanics. Currently I am discussing with two group leaders of Biophysics of Bone and Cartilage (BBC) research group to define me a PhD topic. I hope to start my PhD immediately after completing my master’s degree.
