Long-term work has created foundations for a five-star training location

The deputy chief physicians at Leppävaara, Marja Ahava and Suvi Sippo, and tutor physician Sanna Pilli-Sihvola have a smile on their faces. And for a good reason! Young Doctors' Association (NLY) awarded the Leppävaara Health Centre a five-star rating as a training location. Leppävaara earned a full 100 NPS points from respondents, meaning that all respondents were willing to recommend Leppävaara Health Centre to their colleagues. The award is the second in a short time for the people of Leppävaara, as just last autumn the Finnish Medical Students’ Association awarded Leppävaara Health Centre the title of “Student-Friendly Health Centre”.

There are no magic tricks behind Leppävaara's achievements. On the contrary. The health centre has invested in long-term work for decades. "Leppävaara was one of the first health centres in Finland to start systematic trainer physician support for our trainee physicians,” says Ahava.

The basis for everything is a good reception for the new employee. "We have a good foundation ready for a comprehensive induction, which is tailored to each starting physician," says Suvi Sippo. "The induction includes learning the ropes with the guidance of the tutor physician and monitoring patient appointments. In addition, the appointment schedules are more flexible for the induction month, so that there is genuine time to learn and ask questions."

When planning the schedules, the training hours of general practitioners in specialisation training, more commonly known as YEK physicians, are as important as the appointment times. "Work time is reserved for training and meetings with a tutor physician. And we will adhere to this scheduling," emphasises Ahava.

Sanna Pilli-Sihvola, who works as a tutor physician, says that the work programme for physicians in training includes a tutoring hour every week. Every other week the tutor meeting is held as a group meeting and every other week it is a one-on-one with the tutor and the student. "With physicians in their YEK training, the time is often spent on clinical issues, while with general practitioners the time may be spent on the broader issues of developing as a general practitioner," Pilli-Sihvola elaborates. Leppävaara employs seven tutor physicians, who have at the very least have the right take YEK students, and four who can also tutor physicians specialising in general medicine.

Time has also been set aside for the instructor to act as a tutor. Pilli-Sihvola describes the Leppävaara Health Centre's tutor phone, which is always answered by a more experienced physician during the working day. "Colleagues can call for help before patient appointments or request a consultation during appointments. Often advice can be given over the phone, but if necessary, we will go to the site to help."

The work of a physician in primary care is busy and the workload is heavy. The Leppävaara Health Centre is no exception. The good spirit of Leppävaara Health Centre helps in coping with the busy and stressful everyday life. The working community is nice and supportive of everyone. A variety of flexible work opportunities have attracted professionals to Leppävaara for long-term employment.

Let’s get back to the recognitions for a moment. What do they mean for the Leppävaara Health Centre? “We are very pleased to have received this recognition. The biggest thanks go to our trainer physicians, who work long hours to support their younger colleagues. We are at a good place to build on for the future," sums up Ahava.