Ukrainian Doctor Elena Rebuilds Her Career in Finland – “Oulu Has Become My Second Home”
When Elena Sormunen, 45, moved to Oulu with just one suitcase, she left behind a successful career in Kyiv and started everything from the beginning – in a new country, with a new language, and among new people. Today, she works as a health center doctor and is building a life where love, family, and professional calling go hand in hand.
There was a time when Elena Sormunen walked the streets of Kyiv in high heels and worked as a well-paid doctor.
It was the early 2020s. Elena had never planned to move abroad. She was born in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, into a family where the medical profession is highly valued. Both of her parents are doctors and important role models for her.
She completed her doctoral studies at Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University and worked in her hometown as a teacher and doctor in both public hospitals and private clinics.
Elena had a happy and peaceful life in Zaporizhzhia, but she wanted to take on new challenges and grow professionally in Kyiv.
She was invited to work at two of the capital’s top clinics, rented an apartment for a year, and enjoyed her new daily life.
Then she got a life-changing online connection with a Finnish man. After a brief online conversation, her future husband traveled to Kyiv. These events helped Elena turn her life around completely.
– His behavior influenced my decision. It was important to me that he came to Kyiv and proposed marriage, Elena says.
She found love, but had to rebuild her career from the ground up.
A One-Suitcase Move
At the end of 2021, Elena moved to Finland, a country she had visited once before on vacation. She brought only one suitcase. She quickly realized that high heels were no match for Oulu’s snowy, cold winter. Her first purchase was a proper winter coat and boots.
At the time, Elena’s daughter was in her final year of high school. She followed her mother to Oulu in February 2022 due to the threat of war.
Her daughter is currently studying at Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk) and will soon graduate as an engineer. Alongside her studies, she works at Nokia, which makes Elena especially proud. It has provided valuable work experience and opened doors to Finnish working life, Elena reflects.
Elena’s mother also had to flee Zaporizhzhia and moved to Oulu as a war refugee in spring 2022. Having family close by has brought Elena great comfort and security; it’s reassuring to know her mother is nearby, especially during times of change.
Her father still works as a neurologist in Zaporizhzhia.
“Language – the Foundation of My Work”
The early days in Finland were particularly challenging, Elena admits. The new language felt difficult, and everyday life was filled with uncertainty and bureaucracy.
– I started studying Finnish immediately because I knew that language skills are the foundation of a doctor’s work. I attended OSAO’s integration training and studied Finnish intensively in my free time. My classmates were highly motivated, which helped me stay committed to learning the language.
According to Elena, the process of recognizing medical qualifications in Finland is complex and time-consuming. She must apply for the right to practice medicine from Valvira, the national licensing authority for healthcare and social welfare in Finland.
Doctors from outside the EU must participate in various steps before receiving a license, including legal examinations at Tampere University and a mandatory six-month internship.
– Valvira requires several language tests and exams, such as the YKI test (National Certificate of Language Proficiency), before I can work as a doctor.
Elena found her first internship through BusinessOulu’s “Työntaitajaksi” event and her own initiative. She introduced herself at the Pohde (North Ostrobothnia Wellbeing Services County) stand and submitted her CV. Shortly after the event, she received a call from a pediatric department doctor and was invited to a job interview.
During the interview, Elena realized that although her language skills weren’t yet perfect, her hospital colleagues supported her. She received a lot of positive feedback and encouragement to continue pursuing her medical licensing process in Finland.
“Surprisingly Many Thank-Yous”
As of October 2025, Elena, 45, works as a health center doctor in Oulu. Before that, she worked at Lohja Hospital.
Elena finds working in Finnish healthcare very rewarding and eye-opening. She has been surprised many times by the gratitude shown by her patients.
– Finnish patients appreciate the doctor’s time and presence. Sometimes just talking and being present is enough to help. Older patients especially give surprisingly many thank-yous, and it feels good, Elena says.
“Finnish patients appreciate the doctor’s time and presence.”
She feels that Finnish colleagues are very friendly and the work community is supportive. The opportunity to help Ukrainian and other immigrant patients in her native language has also been important.
Elena wants to encourage other foreign doctors who have moved or are planning to move to Finland. The licensing process takes years and is very demanding, but she believes everything is possible.
– The most important things are personal initiative, the desire to learn, and the courage to seize new opportunities. I hope the Finnish system will better support foreign doctors in the future so their expertise can be fully utilized.
“People Make a Home”
Life in Oulu has settled into a routine. Elena appreciates the city’s tranquility and nature. She also praises the clean air.
She has discovered new hobbies here, with padel becoming a favorite regular activity. In Ukraine, tennis is more popular, but in Finland, she got excited about padel with her husband.
Culture is also an important part of Elena’s life. She enjoys Oulu’s diverse cultural scene, including theater and concerts. She likes that the city offers both high-quality performances and accessible cultural experiences. Next year, Oulu will offer even more cultural events as it becomes the European Capital of Culture in 2026.
Elena also appreciates Oulu’s well-maintained bike paths, green parks, and opportunities for outdoor activities, such as in Ainola Park or along the scenic routes between the city center and Tuira. She feels that Oulu makes it easy to combine an active lifestyle, cultural hobbies, and a peaceful everyday life.
– Even though I miss Ukraine, Oulu has become my second home. Love gives strength, and people make a home. I owe a big thank you to my husband, my family, and everyone who has supported me.
Text: Annakaisa Vääräniemi
Photos: Elena’s home album
