Finland medical students criticize increase in general medicine placements

The Medisinaariliitto, representing medical students in Finland, criticized the recent increase in the number of general medicine student placements, calling it “reckless.” Nsar Sori, the association’s president, expressed concerns that the decision lacked careful consideration, as it was made without a solid plan. In June, universities and the Ministry of Education and Culture decided to raise medical school entry spots by over 70, nearly ten percent, to address Finland’s ongoing physician shortage.

Sori, a sixth-year medical student at the University of Oulu, highlighted that students across Finland have already felt the strain of increasing numbers in recent years. Facilities are cramped, class sizes are large, and instructors have little time to address all students’ questions. He noted that the challenges become particularly pronounced during the clinical phase of training when students practice procedures on real patients. In large cohorts, only a handful of students get hands-on experience, raising concerns about potential risks to patient safety.

Professor Juha Auvinen, head of Oulu’s medical program, acknowledged the students’ worries but assured that the university could adapt without compromising educational quality. He, along with Sori, doubted whether increasing student numbers was the right solution to ensure sufficient doctors in the public health system. Auvinen described the rise in admissions as a politically easier decision rather than a genuine solution.

With a significant number of doctors working part-time, the need for more practitioners is also growing. Both Auvinen and Sori emphasized that merely increasing enrollment without addressing systemic issues may not effectively resolve the healthcare staffing dilemma.