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Leila Vaalavirta

Specialist in Radiotherapy and Medical Oncology
M.D., Ph.D., Adj. Prof.

I am a specialist in medical oncology and radiotherapy, and my special expertise includes radiotherapy and radionuclide therapies, as well as chemotherapy and follow-up care for breast and lung cancers.

In my practice, I strive for an empathetic and calm patient encounter. You can come to my practice to discuss your situation if you have a cancer diagnosis or you think you may have cancer. Family and friends are also welcome to attend the appointments.

Appointment can be booked from our customer service  tel. +358 10 773 2010.

Languages

Finnish, Swedish, English, German

Education

Adjunct Professor in Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy, University of Tampere 2015
Specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy, University of Helsinki 2003
Ph.D., University of Tampere 1995
M.D., University of Tampere 1994

Work history

  • Docrates Cancer Center, Specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy 2023
  • Wellbeing services county of Kymenlaakso, Chief Physician, Education and Research / Oncology 2020–2023
  • Helsinki University Central Hospital Cancer Clinic, radiotherapy department, Head of Department 2015–2020
  • Helsinki University Central Hospital Cancer Clinic, Oncologist 2014–2015
  • Docrates Cancer Center, Chief Physician (Radiotherapy) 2011–2014
  • Helsinki University Central Hospital Cancer Clinic, Associate Chief Physician 2008–2010
  • Merck (MSD Finland), Medical Advisor 2008
  • Helsinki University Central Hospital Cancer Clinic, Oncologist 2003–2008
  • Helsinki University Central Hospital Cancer Clinic, Oncologist 2003–2008

Memberships and positions of trust

Permanent expert for the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health;
Member of the Finnish Society for Oncology, member of the Finnish Breast Cancer Group;
Member of ESTRO (European Society for Therapeutic Radiotherapy and Oncology);
Member of ASTRO (American Society for Radiation Oncology).

Scientific activities

I wrote my doctoral thesis on neurotoxicology and I was conferred with the degree of Doctor of Medical Science by the University of Tampere in 1995. Between 1994 and 1996, I worked as a researcher for Pharma Industry Finland. Since 1996, I’ve worked as a clinical researcher in various studies on chemotherapy and radiotherapy (phase 1–3).

Biography

When working on my doctoral thesis in the 90s, I spent the summer in Calgary, Canada, as a visiting researcher at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, and the following summer at the Department of Experimental Physics at the University of Bremen in Germany. After graduating as Licentiate of Medicine, I worked as a researcher for the pharmaceutical industry for two years. This sparked my interest in cancers, physics, radiotherapy and drug development and, after completing my doctoral thesis in 1995, I decided to specialise in oncology and radiotherapy, a decision I’ve never regretted. It has been remarkable to be able to witness the development of cancer treatments and, as someone who is not afraid of a challenge, I enjoy working in a field where you really need to keep up with the latest research in order to ensure the best possible treatment for patients. Working as a researcher and expert for the pharmaceutical industry and 20 years of clinical work for the University Central Hospital and a private hospital after my specialisation have created the professional skills and experience I use with every cancer patient I encounter in my work.