Professor Emerita Timo Strandberg, MD, is a specialist in internal medicine and geriatrics and served for many years as the professor of geriatric medicine at the University of Oulu and University of Helsinki. Strandberg is one of the most respected experts in geriatric medicine in Europe. He serves in numerous positions of trust both in Finland and internationally.
Pohjola’s award committee commends Strandberg’s distinguished work in advancing the teaching and research of geriatric medicine and the field’s broader standing in society.
“I am extremely delighted and somewhat surprised by the award. I also see it as an enormous gesture of appreciation towards the field of geriatric medicine and accept it with the greatest respect,” says Strandberg.
A long career with many highlights
When asked, Strandberg raises a few highlights of his career as a medical researcher, which began in the 1970s. One of these was the Scandinavian 4S study, which revolutionised the treatment of coronary artery diseases and in which Strandberg was involved from an early stage.
“Over the course of three decades, statin treatment has proven to be an effective and safe way to lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of coronary artery disease among both healthy individuals and different patient groups,” explains Strandberg.
Another memorable study from his career is the Helsinki Businessmen Study, a long-term follow-up study beginning in the 1960s of originally 3,490 men born between 1919 and 1934.
“The project was an exceptionally large-scale follow-up study that gives perspectives on how treatable risk factors diagnosed in middle-aged men are reflected in functional and cognitive ability in old age. This type of information is required to motivate lifestyle changes and treatment of risk factors in young people,” Strandberg.
According to Strandberg, the follow-up study has also revealed answers to one of the key questions in an ageing society: how to best preserve functional ability for as long as possible.
As a third highlight from his career, Strandberg mentions more broadly his specialisation in geriatric medicine.
“The media often focuses on the negative aspects of ageing. However, the reality holds much more, and it is through geriatric medicine that we can improve quality of life in old age,” says Strandberg.
The Pohjola Medical Award has been granted since 1981
The Pohjola Medical Award has been granted to distinguished medical researchers since 1981. The award is made possible by a donation made to the Finnish Medical Foundation in 1980 by the predecessors of Pohjola Insurance, Suomi-Salama Mutual Life Assurance Company and Pohjola Insurance Company Ltd.
“Advances in medical research have wide-ranging effects on both individuals and society. Strandberg’s life’s work constitutes a significant investment in medical research, and his work in geriatric medicine and gerontology makes improvements in quality of life possible,” says Vesa Aho, CEO of Pohjola Insurance.
The committee that chose the winner consisted of the chairmen of the boards of the Finnish Medical Association, Finnish Medical Society Duodecim, Finska Läkaresällskapet and the Finnish Medical Foundation.
“Strandberg’s accomplishments in geriatric medicine are extensive. In addition to research, he has helped promote the standing of the field in many ways, including as an author of textbooks and critical popular scientific publications and as an active participant in public discourse in the national media,” says Klaus Elenius, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Finnish Medical Foundation.