Curriculum vitae

 

CURRICULUM VITAE

Full name                              Haataja, Leena Marjatta (Maiden name Mikonoja)

Date and place of birth                 26 October 1966, Hämeenlinna, Finland

Position

Professor of Child Neurology, University of Helsinki                9 Dec 2015

Chief physician, Helsinki University Hospital                          1 Sept 2015

Education and training

The degree of MD, University of Turku                                                               20 Dec1991

The degree of PhD, University of Turku                                                              14 Oct 1996

Licensed physician by the British Medical Council (lived in U.K.)                          1997-1998

Specialist degree in child neurology, University of Turku                                     15 Jan 2002

Docent in experimental child neurology, University of Turku                               18 Nov 2002

Docent in child neurology, University of Turku                                                    4 June 2004

                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Previous professional appointments

Research assistant of Medical Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine,              1988–1993

University of Turku                                                                                  

Research assistant, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department   1989

of Human genetics, University of Utah Medical Center, USA                  (10 weeks)

                                                                                                                                        

Assistant physician and teaching assistant of Clinical genetics,                 1994

Turku University Hospital                                                                                   

Assistant physician of Child Neurology, Turku University Hospital             1995-1996

Clinical Research Fellow, Dept. of Paediatrics and Neonatal Medicine,       1997-1998

Hammersmith Hospital, London                                                               

Research assistant, Visual Development Unit, Dept. of Psychology,         1997-1998

University Collage London                                                                               

                                                                                                                             

Assistant physician of Child Neurology, Turku University Hospital             1999-2001

Specialist of Child Neurology, Turku University Hospital                           2002-2004

Chief physician of Child Neurology, Turku University Hospital                   2004 - 2015

Acting professor of Child Neurology, Turku University                              2004 (3 months)

Medical research director (covering professorship) of Child Neurology,      2005-2009

Turku University                                                                                                                                 

Professor of Child Neurology, Turku University                                              2010 - 2015

 

Research awards, honours and major grants

The II price for research quality for “The best practice in CP”                       2011

by the Finnish Medical Association

Nomination of "The best supervisor of scientific studies"                              2014

by the Medical Students Association, Turku University                                                

 

Major grants

The PIPARI project (Prospective follow-up project of very preterm infants)

• The Emil Aaltonen Foundation 166 666 € (2002-2004)
• The Academy of Finland 161 520 €  (2006-2009)
• The South-Western Finnish Foundation of Neonatal Research 116 730 € (2004-2008)

• Turku University Hospital (EVO) 59 650 € (2003-2008)
• The Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation 62 100 € (2010)
• The Foundation for Pediatric Research 134 000 € (2011-2015)
• The C.G.Sundell Foundation 255 000 € (2011-2015)

The National CP project                                                                                                       

• The Social Insurance Institution 217 000 € (2008-2015)

 

Editorial board memberships

Member of the editorial board of Pediatric Neurology                                           Since 2007

Memberships in scientific societies

Finnish Neuropediatric Society, Finnish Medical Society of Duodecim, European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), IPOKRaTES (International Postgraduate Organization for Knowledge transfer, Research and Teaching Excellent Students)

Other academic and professional merits and activities   

Medical expert for the National Authority for Medicolegal Affairs                        Since 2004

Member and scientific advisor of the Arvo and Lea Ylppö Foundation                 Since 2005

Finnish Neuropediatric Society: Vice president 2005, President                         2006-2009

Member of working group (Ethical and practical recommendations for clinical  

trials) of Finnish Investigators Network for Pediatric Medicines (FINPEDMED)      2007-2008

Other academic and professional merits and activities (continues)

European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), secretary                          2009-2012

EACD, National Coordinator                                                                          Since 2013

Board member of the Center of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine     2008-2013

Qualified as a professor and appointed to the professorship of

Child Neurology at the University of Turku                                                    1 Jan 2010           

Invited reviewer numerous times for international journals (e.g. Paediatrics, Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, Acta Paediatrica, Early Human Development)

                                                                                      

Supervised PhD thesis

1. Milla Reiman (2009) Antenatal inflammation and brain pathology in preterm infants.

2. Jonna Maunu (2010) The vulnerable brain and very preterm infants – findings from PIPARI Study.

3. Annika Lind (2010) Cognitive and Neuropsychological Outcome in Relation to Brain Imaging Findings in Very Low Birth Weight Children.

4. Petriina Munck (2012) Cognitive Development of Very Low Birth Weight Children from Infancy to early Pre-School age.

 

Current PhD students

1. Tuomo Lehtonen, dept. of Ophthalmology, Turku University

2. Sirkku Setänen, dept. of Child Neurology, Turku University

3. Laura Määttänen, dept of Child Neurology, Turku University

4. Anna Nyman, dept. of Psychology, Turku University

5. Silva Roos, dept.of Child Neurology, Tartu University and Helsinki University

6. Sanna Böling, dept of Child Neurology, Turku University

7. Tommi Salokivi, dept of Child Neurology, Turku University

8. Katri Lahti, dept of Child Neurology, Turku University

9. Karoliina Aho, dept of Child Neurology, Turku University

10. Nea Vänskä, dept of Child Neurology, Helsinki University

 

Opponent in academic dissertations (6 times)

Tarja Linnankivi 2006 (Leucoencephalopathies in childhood)

Heli Sätilä 2007 (Botulinum toxin A treatment in children with spastic cerebral palsy)

Auli Siren 2011 (Childhood Absence epilepsy)

Anne Sarajuuri 2012 (Neurodevelopmental outcome of children with univentricular heart)

Katri Kantojärvi 2013 (Exploring Genetic Susceptibility to Autism Spectrum Disorders)

Petri Rahkonen 2014 (Neonatal somatosensory responses and neurocognition in extremely low gestational age children)

 

Reviewer of professorships, docentships or doctoral thesis

Professorships: Paul Uvebrandt, MD, the professorship in Neuropediatrics at Göteborg University, Sweden, 2006

Docentships: Ilona Autti-Rämö, MD, the docentship in child neurology, Helsinki University, Finland, 2006; Päivi Olsen, MD, the docentship in child neurology, University of Oulu, 2015

Doctoral thesis: Tuula Kaukola, MD, “Prenatal inflammation and neurologic outcome in children born term and preterm”, Oulu University, 2005; Helena Mäenpää, MD, “Electrostimulation therapy and selective posterior rhizotomy in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy”, Helsinki University, 2005; Heidi Anttila, MSc, ”Evidence-based perspective on CP rehabilitation -Reviews on physiotherapy, physiotherapy-related motor-based interventions and orthotic devices”, Helsinki University, 2008

 

 

Description of research and teaching

 

CURRICULUM VITAE

Full name                              Haataja, Leena Marjatta (Maiden name Mikonoja)

Date and place of birth                 26 October 1966, Hämeenlinna, Finland

Position

Professor of Child Neurology, University of Helsinki                9 Dec 2015

Chief physician, Helsinki University Hospital                          1 Sept 2015

Education and training

The degree of MD, University of Turku                                                               20 Dec1991

The degree of PhD, University of Turku                                                              14 Oct 1996

Licensed physician by the British Medical Council (lived in U.K.)                          1997-1998

Specialist degree in child neurology, University of Turku                                     15 Jan 2002

Docent in experimental child neurology, University of Turku                               18 Nov 2002

Docent in child neurology, University of Turku                                                    4 June 2004

                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Previous professional appointments

Research assistant of Medical Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine,              1988–1993

University of Turku                                                                                  

Research assistant, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department   1989

of Human genetics, University of Utah Medical Center, USA                  (10 weeks)

                                                                                                                                        

Assistant physician and teaching assistant of Clinical genetics,                 1994

Turku University Hospital                                                                                   

Assistant physician of Child Neurology, Turku University Hospital             1995-1996

Clinical Research Fellow, Dept. of Paediatrics and Neonatal Medicine,       1997-1998

Hammersmith Hospital, London                                                               

Research assistant, Visual Development Unit, Dept. of Psychology,         1997-1998

University Collage London                                                                               

                                                                                                                             

Assistant physician of Child Neurology, Turku University Hospital             1999-2001

Specialist of Child Neurology, Turku University Hospital                           2002-2004

Chief physician of Child Neurology, Turku University Hospital                   2004 - 2015

Acting professor of Child Neurology, Turku University                              2004 (3 months)

Medical research director (covering professorship) of Child Neurology,      2005-2009

Turku University                                                                                                                                 

Professor of Child Neurology, Turku University                                              2010 - 2015

 

Research awards, honours and major grants

The II price for research quality for “The best practice in CP”                       2011

by the Finnish Medical Association

Nomination of "The best supervisor of scientific studies"                              2014

by the Medical Students Association, Turku University                                                

 

Major grants

The PIPARI project (Prospective follow-up project of very preterm infants)

• The Emil Aaltonen Foundation 166 666 € (2002-2004)
• The Academy of Finland 161 520 €  (2006-2009)
• The South-Western Finnish Foundation of Neonatal Research 116 730 € (2004-2008)

• Turku University Hospital (EVO) 59 650 € (2003-2008)
• The Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation 62 100 € (2010)
• The Foundation for Pediatric Research 134 000 € (2011-2015)
• The C.G.Sundell Foundation 255 000 € (2011-2015)

The National CP project                                                                                                       

• The Social Insurance Institution 217 000 € (2008-2015)

 

Editorial board memberships

Member of the editorial board of Pediatric Neurology                                           Since 2007

Memberships in scientific societies

Finnish Neuropediatric Society, Finnish Medical Society of Duodecim, European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), IPOKRaTES (International Postgraduate Organization for Knowledge transfer, Research and Teaching Excellent Students)

Other academic and professional merits and activities   

Medical expert for the National Authority for Medicolegal Affairs                        Since 2004

Member and scientific advisor of the Arvo and Lea Ylppö Foundation                 Since 2005

Finnish Neuropediatric Society: Vice president 2005, President                         2006-2009

Member of working group (Ethical and practical recommendations for clinical  

trials) of Finnish Investigators Network for Pediatric Medicines (FINPEDMED)      2007-2008

Other academic and professional merits and activities (continues)

European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), secretary                          2009-2012

EACD, National Coordinator                                                                          Since 2013

Board member of the Center of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine     2008-2013

Qualified as a professor and appointed to the professorship of

Child Neurology at the University of Turku                                                    1 Jan 2010           

Invited reviewer numerous times for international journals (e.g. Paediatrics, Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, Acta Paediatrica, Early Human Development)

                                                                                      

Supervised PhD thesis

1. Milla Reiman (2009) Antenatal inflammation and brain pathology in preterm infants.

2. Jonna Maunu (2010) The vulnerable brain and very preterm infants – findings from PIPARI Study.

3. Annika Lind (2010) Cognitive and Neuropsychological Outcome in Relation to Brain Imaging Findings in Very Low Birth Weight Children.

4. Petriina Munck (2012) Cognitive Development of Very Low Birth Weight Children from Infancy to early Pre-School age.

 

Current PhD students

1. Tuomo Lehtonen, dept. of Ophthalmology, Turku University

2. Sirkku Setänen, dept. of Child Neurology, Turku University

3. Laura Määttänen, dept of Child Neurology, Turku University

4. Anna Nyman, dept. of Psychology, Turku University

5. Silva Roos, dept.of Child Neurology, Tartu University and Helsinki University

6. Sanna Böling, dept of Child Neurology, Turku University

7. Tommi Salokivi, dept of Child Neurology, Turku University

8. Katri Lahti, dept of Child Neurology, Turku University

9. Karoliina Aho, dept of Child Neurology, Turku University

10. Nea Vänskä, dept of Child Neurology, Helsinki University

 

Opponent in academic dissertations (6 times)

Tarja Linnankivi 2006 (Leucoencephalopathies in childhood)

Heli Sätilä 2007 (Botulinum toxin A treatment in children with spastic cerebral palsy)

Auli Siren 2011 (Childhood Absence epilepsy)

Anne Sarajuuri 2012 (Neurodevelopmental outcome of children with univentricular heart)

Katri Kantojärvi 2013 (Exploring Genetic Susceptibility to Autism Spectrum Disorders)

Petri Rahkonen 2014 (Neonatal somatosensory responses and neurocognition in extremely low gestational age children)

 

Reviewer of professorships, docentships or doctoral thesis

Professorships: Paul Uvebrandt, MD, the professorship in Neuropediatrics at Göteborg University, Sweden, 2006

Docentships: Ilona Autti-Rämö, MD, the docentship in child neurology, Helsinki University, Finland, 2006; Päivi Olsen, MD, the docentship in child neurology, University of Oulu, 2015

Doctoral thesis: Tuula Kaukola, MD, “Prenatal inflammation and neurologic outcome in children born term and preterm”, Oulu University, 2005; Helena Mäenpää, MD, “Electrostimulation therapy and selective posterior rhizotomy in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy”, Helsinki University, 2005; Heidi Anttila, MSc, ”Evidence-based perspective on CP rehabilitation -Reviews on physiotherapy, physiotherapy-related motor-based interventions and orthotic devices”, Helsinki University, 2008

 

1. Pedagogical training

I have attended the basic pedagogic course for medical teachers (5 credits in European Credit Transfer System, ECTS) at the University of Turku in 2004. The course was arranged by the Medical Education Research and Development Centre (TUTKE) and it included seminars, practical training and a practical project. I wrote my project of the process of restructuring the course in child neurology for medical students. Personally, I mostly valued the possibility to learn different teaching methods and techniques.

2. Practical teaching experience

 

2.1. Scope of teaching experience in basic education

 

I have worked as an assistant physician and teaching assistant of clinical genetics for 8 months in 1994. During that period I taught medical genetics to undergraduate medical students (group works and demonstrations). From 2004 to 2015 I have been the principal teacher (30 % professorship) of child neurology for second year (two lectures yearly) and fifth year (2 credits in ECTS) medical students at the University of Turku. At present I’m the the principal teacher (35 % professorship) of child neurology for fifth year (2 credits in ECTS) medical students at the University of Helsinki. The course in child neurology includes lectures (e.g. normal development, specific developmental impairments, intellectual disability, epilepsy, cerebral palsy), practical training in outpatient clinic and group works (e.g. demonstration of the neurological assessment). The course for fifth year medical students has also been arranged yearly in English for Erasmus students from 2004 to 2015 at the University of Turku. In addition, from 2006 to 2015, I have been the principal teacher of pediatric neurology (2 credits in ECTS) for the students in the Department of Logopedics at the University of Turku.

 

2.2. Scientific postgraduate education (doctoral programmes or graduate schools)

 

I have supervised 18 advanced studies of medical students and one master’s thesis in biology. As a principal investigator in a large multidisciplinary research project “Development and Functioning of Very Low Birth Weight Infants from Infancy to School Age (PIPARI)” at the University of Turku (www.utu.fi/pipari) I organize research group meetings twice a month. The PhD students are encouraged to practise chairing the meeting and writing a memo in turns. The meeting topics include students’ presentations of their own research findings and discussion of the results. The PhD students always rehearse their talks for scientific meeting presentations and we also go through the reviewer’s feedback from manuscripts together in the Pipari research group meetings.

 

2.3. Professional postgraduate and continuing education

I chair weekly teaching seminars in child neurology. These seminars are mainly aimed at assistant physicians and consultants, but the educational needs of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams are also taken into account. Since 2002 I have been responsible for planning and organizing the seminar program.

The two most significant international meetings that I have organized are the 32^nd Nordic Neuropediatric Congress (Naantali, Finland, 7.-9.6.07, 120 participants) and the IPOKRaTES International Clinical Seminar “Neonates at risk for brain injury and their neurodevelopmental follow-up” (Turku, Finland, 11.-13.9.08, 80 participants). At present organizing the following Nordic Neuropediatric Congress in Helsinki (Aug 2016) is under progress.

 

2.4. Supervised, registered and completed as well as the registered and incomplete theses and dissertations

Supervised PhD thesis (the year of dissertation in brackets)

1. Milla Reiman (2009) Antenatal inflammation and brain pathology in preterm infants. Dept. of Paediatrics, University of Turku

2. Jonna Maunu (2010) The vulnerable brain and very preterm infants – findings from PIPARI Study. Dept. of Child neurology, University of Turku

3. Annika Lind (2010) Cognitive and Neuropsychological Outcome in Relation to Brain Imaging Findings in Very Low Birth Weight Children. Dept of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University

4. Petriina Munck (2012) Cognitive Development of Very Low Birth Weight Children from Infancy to early Pre-School age. Dept. of Psychology, University of Turku

 

Current PhD students

1. Tuomo Lehtonen, Dept. of Ophthalmology, University of Turku (registered)

2. Sirkku Setänen, Dept. of Child neurology, University of Turku (registered)

3. Laura Määttänen, Dept of Child neurology, University of Turku (registered)

4. Anna Nyman, Dept. of Psychology, University of Turku (registered)

5. Silva Roos, Dept.of Child neurology, University of Tartu and University of Helsinki (registered)

6. Sanna Böling, Dept of Child neurology, University of Turku (registered)

7. Tommi Salokivi, Dept of Child neurology, University of Turku (registered)

8. Katri Lahti, Dept of Child neurology, University of Turku (registered)

9. Karoliina Aho, Dept of Child neurology, University of Turku (registered)

10. Nea Vänskä, Dept of Child Neurology, University of Helsinki (registration in process)

 

2.5. Learning methods and/or environments

I have used a wide range of different learning and supervision methods. For the basic education I have applied lectures, interactive lectures, practical assignments and problem-based small group teaching. For professional postgraduate and continuing education I have used the same methods, and when appropriate, also individual supervision and mentoring have been offered. For scientific postgraduate education I have mostly used small group supervision, individual supervision and mentoring.

2.6. Development of assessment methods for teaching and/or learning as well as responsibility for teaching

I have worked as a part-time professor (30%) in child neurology at the University of Turku from 2004 to 2015. I have been the main responsible of teaching in my department, and accordingly reorganized and developed systematically basic education, scientific postgraduate education and professional and continuing education during the last 11 years. At my present position at the University of Helsinki my teaching responsibilities continue as earlier though the volume is larger.

3. Production of learning materials

3.1. University-level learning materials

I have also lead a project where we systematically followed 6 infants from birth to 12 months of age in order to gather teaching material (videos and photos) of normal neurological development for basic education (medical students, physiotherapists, occupational therapists). The videos will be edited into a film “normal neurological development during the first year of life”. At the moment we are in process to compose a teaching video of neurological examination of school-age children.

3.2. Textbooks

I have been a co-author in four international textbooks (4 chapters for postgraduate level) and in two domestic textbooks (2 chapters for basic education). In addition, I was one of the three editors of the Finnish textbook of child neurology (2014). The details of my contribution to textbooks are listed below.

1. Mercuri E, Haataja L and Dubowitz L. Neurological assessment in normal young infants. In: Cioni G and Mercuri E (Eds.).  Neurological assessment in the first two years of life. Clinics in Developmental Medicine 176. London: Mac Keith Press (2007).

 

2. Mercuri E, Haataja L, Ricci D, Cowan F and Dubowitz L. Classical neurological examination in young infants with neonatal brain lesions. In: Cioni G and Mercuri E (Eds.).  Neurological assessment in the first two years of life. Clinics in Developmental Medicine 176. London: Mac Keith Press (2007).

 

3. Sillanpää M, Haataja L, Tomson T, Johannessen SI. Carbamazepine In: Shorvon S, Perucca E and Engel J (Eds.). Treatment of Epilepsy, 3rd edition. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing (2009)

 

4. Haataja L, Belmonti V, Cioni G. In: Kennedy C (Ed.). Neurological and neurodevelopmental assessment. Principles and Practice of Child neurology in Infancy. Mac Keith Press (2012)

 

5. Sillanpää M, Haataja L. Lapsuus- ja nuoruusiän epilepsiat (The most common epilepsies presenting in childhood and in adolescence). Kirjassa : Sillanpää M, Herrgård E, Iivanainen M, Koivikko M ja Rantala H. Lastenneurologia, 2.painos. Helsinki: Kustannus OY Duodecim (2004).

 

6. Haataja L. Lapsen normaali neurologinen kehitys ja tutkimus (The normal neurological development and neurological assessment). Kirjassa: Pihko H, Haataja L, Rantala H. Lastenneurologia, 1.painos. Helsinki: Kustannus OY Duodecim (2014)

 

3.3. Pedagogical publications

I don’t have any pedagogical publications.

4. Other teaching merits

4.1. Participation in curriculum design and educational administration

As a principal teacher in child neurology I have actively participated the curriculum work group in the Department of Paediatrics since 2004. The work groups have gathered at least 5 times every year. The main focus of the meetings has been planning and developing basic education for medical students. In addition, once a year there has been a thorough discussion of the state and arrangements of scientific and professional postgraduate education. Since autumn 2014 I have also been a member of the faculty body which is responsible of the educational administration of the applications and teaching demonstrations of scientific post doctoral degree (i.e. docent degree).

There are five university hospitals in Finland and in each of them there is one nominated consultant (three professors and two chief consultants) who is responsible of the scientific and professional postgraduate training in child neurology. We have arranged a meeting once a year in order to discuss the content, administrative requirements and practical organization of specialist training. In addition, we have an active email discussion on educational topics throughout the year.

4.2. Other teaching merits

I have been an invited chairperson and lecturer in multiple national and international meetings (scientific and professional postgraduate or continuing education). I have also given lectures about genetics, at-risk infants (e.g. preterm infants), CP, learning problems and neuromuscular disorders to the audience which has represented parent groups, executive members of patient associations and volunteer workers.

5. Feedback

5.1. Student/trainee feedback and peer evaluation

We systematically evaluate the quality of teaching and learning in the department of Child neurology and Paediatrics at Turku University. The software tool Webropol provides an efficient way to gather feedback information from students. The evaluation grades for child neurology have been from good to excellent (between 3.5-5 in the scale 1-5). The percentage of students passing the undergraduate examination in child neurology has also been high during the recent years (≥ 90%). The examination always includes two patient cases which students have to solve. The produced solutions to the clinical quiz provide an excellent feedback whether the aims of course have been met. The feedback from students is appreciated and considered carefully with all part who facilitate or actually take part in teaching. Nevertheless, one has to keep in mind that the purpose of basic teaching is not arranging an entertainment show but giving best possible clinical tools for future doctors at the primary and secondary level positions, and strengthen positive attitude towards life-long learning which is essential for any doctor’s career.

 

Few quotations from the original feedback are gathered below.

• ”Lastenneurologian opetukseen oltiin tyytyväisiä (ka. 3.81). Päänsärky koettiin viikon mieleenpainuvimmaksi ja tärkeimmäksi aiheeksi. Myös neurologisen statuksen tekemiseen saatiin varmuutta. Haatajan ja Leinon opetus sai kiitosta.” (”Teaching in child neurology received positive feedback with the mean score of 3.81 (scale 1-5). The topic headache was regarded as the best learned and the most important topic. One also gained confidence in performing pediatric neurological status examination. Dr Haataja and Dr Leino received thanks for teaching.”)
• ”Muutamat luennoitsijat saivat erityiskiitoksia: Niinikoski, Heikkinen, Ruohola, Haataja.” (”Few lecturers received special thanks for teaching: Niinikoski, Heikkinen, Ruohola, Haataja.”)
• ”Neuron viikon opepoli ja päänsärky+ adhd/asperger/ autismi pienryhmäopetukset olivat hyviä.” (”The teaching in outpatient clinic of neurology and group teaching of headache, ADHD/Asperger/infantile autism were good.”)
• ”Yl Leena Haatajalla opettaminen hallussa.” (”The chief consultant Leena Haataja had a grip on teaching”)

5.2. Awards and recognition

I have been nominated "the best supervisor of scientific studies" by the Medical Students Association, Turku University, in May 2014.           

6. Teaching demonstration

I received my first docentship in experimental child neurology in 2002. As a part of the process I gave a public lecture which was graded by the faculty board as “excellent”.

 

Description of research and teaching

 

CURRICULUM VITAE

Full name                              Haataja, Leena Marjatta (Maiden name Mikonoja)

Date and place of birth                 26 October 1966, Hämeenlinna, Finland

Position

Professor of Child Neurology, University of Helsinki                9 Dec 2015

Chief physician, Helsinki University Hospital                          1 Sept 2015

Education and training

The degree of MD, University of Turku                                                               20 Dec1991

The degree of PhD, University of Turku                                                              14 Oct 1996

Licensed physician by the British Medical Council (lived in U.K.)                          1997-1998

Specialist degree in child neurology, University of Turku                                     15 Jan 2002

Docent in experimental child neurology, University of Turku                               18 Nov 2002

Docent in child neurology, University of Turku                                                    4 June 2004

                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Previous professional appointments

Research assistant of Medical Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine,              1988–1993

University of Turku                                                                                  

Research assistant, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department   1989

of Human genetics, University of Utah Medical Center, USA                  (10 weeks)

                                                                                                                                        

Assistant physician and teaching assistant of Clinical genetics,                 1994

Turku University Hospital                                                                                   

Assistant physician of Child Neurology, Turku University Hospital             1995-1996

Clinical Research Fellow, Dept. of Paediatrics and Neonatal Medicine,       1997-1998

Hammersmith Hospital, London                                                               

Research assistant, Visual Development Unit, Dept. of Psychology,         1997-1998

University Collage London                                                                               

                                                                                                                             

Assistant physician of Child Neurology, Turku University Hospital             1999-2001

Specialist of Child Neurology, Turku University Hospital                           2002-2004

Chief physician of Child Neurology, Turku University Hospital                   2004 - 2015

Acting professor of Child Neurology, Turku University                              2004 (3 months)

Medical research director (covering professorship) of Child Neurology,      2005-2009

Turku University                                                                                                                                 

Professor of Child Neurology, Turku University                                              2010 - 2015

 

Research awards, honours and major grants

The II price for research quality for “The best practice in CP”                       2011

by the Finnish Medical Association

Nomination of "The best supervisor of scientific studies"                              2014

by the Medical Students Association, Turku University                                                

 

Major grants

The PIPARI project (Prospective follow-up project of very preterm infants)

• The Emil Aaltonen Foundation 166 666 € (2002-2004)
• The Academy of Finland 161 520 €  (2006-2009)
• The South-Western Finnish Foundation of Neonatal Research 116 730 € (2004-2008)

• Turku University Hospital (EVO) 59 650 € (2003-2008)
• The Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation 62 100 € (2010)
• The Foundation for Pediatric Research 134 000 € (2011-2015)
• The C.G.Sundell Foundation 255 000 € (2011-2015)

The National CP project                                                                                                       

• The Social Insurance Institution 217 000 € (2008-2015)

 

Editorial board memberships

Member of the editorial board of Pediatric Neurology                                           Since 2007

Memberships in scientific societies

Finnish Neuropediatric Society, Finnish Medical Society of Duodecim, European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), IPOKRaTES (International Postgraduate Organization for Knowledge transfer, Research and Teaching Excellent Students)

Other academic and professional merits and activities   

Medical expert for the National Authority for Medicolegal Affairs                        Since 2004

Member and scientific advisor of the Arvo and Lea Ylppö Foundation                 Since 2005

Finnish Neuropediatric Society: Vice president 2005, President                         2006-2009

Member of working group (Ethical and practical recommendations for clinical  

trials) of Finnish Investigators Network for Pediatric Medicines (FINPEDMED)      2007-2008

Other academic and professional merits and activities (continues)

European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), secretary                          2009-2012

EACD, National Coordinator                                                                          Since 2013

Board member of the Center of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine     2008-2013

Qualified as a professor and appointed to the professorship of

Child Neurology at the University of Turku                                                    1 Jan 2010           

Invited reviewer numerous times for international journals (e.g. Paediatrics, Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, Acta Paediatrica, Early Human Development)

                                                                                      

Supervised PhD thesis

1. Milla Reiman (2009) Antenatal inflammation and brain pathology in preterm infants.

2. Jonna Maunu (2010) The vulnerable brain and very preterm infants – findings from PIPARI Study.

3. Annika Lind (2010) Cognitive and Neuropsychological Outcome in Relation to Brain Imaging Findings in Very Low Birth Weight Children.

4. Petriina Munck (2012) Cognitive Development of Very Low Birth Weight Children from Infancy to early Pre-School age.

 

Current PhD students

1. Tuomo Lehtonen, dept. of Ophthalmology, Turku University

2. Sirkku Setänen, dept. of Child Neurology, Turku University

3. Laura Määttänen, dept of Child Neurology, Turku University

4. Anna Nyman, dept. of Psychology, Turku University

5. Silva Roos, dept.of Child Neurology, Tartu University and Helsinki University

6. Sanna Böling, dept of Child Neurology, Turku University

7. Tommi Salokivi, dept of Child Neurology, Turku University

8. Katri Lahti, dept of Child Neurology, Turku University

9. Karoliina Aho, dept of Child Neurology, Turku University

10. Nea Vänskä, dept of Child Neurology, Helsinki University

 

Opponent in academic dissertations (6 times)

Tarja Linnankivi 2006 (Leucoencephalopathies in childhood)

Heli Sätilä 2007 (Botulinum toxin A treatment in children with spastic cerebral palsy)

Auli Siren 2011 (Childhood Absence epilepsy)

Anne Sarajuuri 2012 (Neurodevelopmental outcome of children with univentricular heart)

Katri Kantojärvi 2013 (Exploring Genetic Susceptibility to Autism Spectrum Disorders)

Petri Rahkonen 2014 (Neonatal somatosensory responses and neurocognition in extremely low gestational age children)

 

Reviewer of professorships, docentships or doctoral thesis

Professorships: Paul Uvebrandt, MD, the professorship in Neuropediatrics at Göteborg University, Sweden, 2006

Docentships: Ilona Autti-Rämö, MD, the docentship in child neurology, Helsinki University, Finland, 2006; Päivi Olsen, MD, the docentship in child neurology, University of Oulu, 2015

Doctoral thesis: Tuula Kaukola, MD, “Prenatal inflammation and neurologic outcome in children born term and preterm”, Oulu University, 2005; Helena Mäenpää, MD, “Electrostimulation therapy and selective posterior rhizotomy in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy”, Helsinki University, 2005; Heidi Anttila, MSc, ”Evidence-based perspective on CP rehabilitation -Reviews on physiotherapy, physiotherapy-related motor-based interventions and orthotic devices”, Helsinki University, 2008

 

1. Pedagogical training

I have attended the basic pedagogic course for medical teachers (5 credits in European Credit Transfer System, ECTS) at the University of Turku in 2004. The course was arranged by the Medical Education Research and Development Centre (TUTKE) and it included seminars, practical training and a practical project. I wrote my project of the process of restructuring the course in child neurology for medical students. Personally, I mostly valued the possibility to learn different teaching methods and techniques.

2. Practical teaching experience

 

2.1. Scope of teaching experience in basic education

 

I have worked as an assistant physician and teaching assistant of clinical genetics for 8 months in 1994. During that period I taught medical genetics to undergraduate medical students (group works and demonstrations). From 2004 to 2015 I have been the principal teacher (30 % professorship) of child neurology for second year (two lectures yearly) and fifth year (2 credits in ECTS) medical students at the University of Turku. At present I’m the the principal teacher (35 % professorship) of child neurology for fifth year (2 credits in ECTS) medical students at the University of Helsinki. The course in child neurology includes lectures (e.g. normal development, specific developmental impairments, intellectual disability, epilepsy, cerebral palsy), practical training in outpatient clinic and group works (e.g. demonstration of the neurological assessment). The course for fifth year medical students has also been arranged yearly in English for Erasmus students from 2004 to 2015 at the University of Turku. In addition, from 2006 to 2015, I have been the principal teacher of pediatric neurology (2 credits in ECTS) for the students in the Department of Logopedics at the University of Turku.

 

2.2. Scientific postgraduate education (doctoral programmes or graduate schools)

 

I have supervised 18 advanced studies of medical students and one master’s thesis in biology. As a principal investigator in a large multidisciplinary research project “Development and Functioning of Very Low Birth Weight Infants from Infancy to School Age (PIPARI)” at the University of Turku (www.utu.fi/pipari) I organize research group meetings twice a month. The PhD students are encouraged to practise chairing the meeting and writing a memo in turns. The meeting topics include students’ presentations of their own research findings and discussion of the results. The PhD students always rehearse their talks for scientific meeting presentations and we also go through the reviewer’s feedback from manuscripts together in the Pipari research group meetings.

 

2.3. Professional postgraduate and continuing education

I chair weekly teaching seminars in child neurology. These seminars are mainly aimed at assistant physicians and consultants, but the educational needs of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams are also taken into account. Since 2002 I have been responsible for planning and organizing the seminar program.

The two most significant international meetings that I have organized are the 32^nd Nordic Neuropediatric Congress (Naantali, Finland, 7.-9.6.07, 120 participants) and the IPOKRaTES International Clinical Seminar “Neonates at risk for brain injury and their neurodevelopmental follow-up” (Turku, Finland, 11.-13.9.08, 80 participants). At present organizing the following Nordic Neuropediatric Congress in Helsinki (Aug 2016) is under progress.

 

2.4. Supervised, registered and completed as well as the registered and incomplete theses and dissertations

Supervised PhD thesis (the year of dissertation in brackets)

1. Milla Reiman (2009) Antenatal inflammation and brain pathology in preterm infants. Dept. of Paediatrics, University of Turku

2. Jonna Maunu (2010) The vulnerable brain and very preterm infants – findings from PIPARI Study. Dept. of Child neurology, University of Turku

3. Annika Lind (2010) Cognitive and Neuropsychological Outcome in Relation to Brain Imaging Findings in Very Low Birth Weight Children. Dept of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University

4. Petriina Munck (2012) Cognitive Development of Very Low Birth Weight Children from Infancy to early Pre-School age. Dept. of Psychology, University of Turku

 

Current PhD students

1. Tuomo Lehtonen, Dept. of Ophthalmology, University of Turku (registered)

2. Sirkku Setänen, Dept. of Child neurology, University of Turku (registered)

3. Laura Määttänen, Dept of Child neurology, University of Turku (registered)

4. Anna Nyman, Dept. of Psychology, University of Turku (registered)

5. Silva Roos, Dept.of Child neurology, University of Tartu and University of Helsinki (registered)

6. Sanna Böling, Dept of Child neurology, University of Turku (registered)

7. Tommi Salokivi, Dept of Child neurology, University of Turku (registered)

8. Katri Lahti, Dept of Child neurology, University of Turku (registered)

9. Karoliina Aho, Dept of Child neurology, University of Turku (registered)

10. Nea Vänskä, Dept of Child Neurology, University of Helsinki (registration in process)

 

2.5. Learning methods and/or environments

I have used a wide range of different learning and supervision methods. For the basic education I have applied lectures, interactive lectures, practical assignments and problem-based small group teaching. For professional postgraduate and continuing education I have used the same methods, and when appropriate, also individual supervision and mentoring have been offered. For scientific postgraduate education I have mostly used small group supervision, individual supervision and mentoring.

2.6. Development of assessment methods for teaching and/or learning as well as responsibility for teaching

I have worked as a part-time professor (30%) in child neurology at the University of Turku from 2004 to 2015. I have been the main responsible of teaching in my department, and accordingly reorganized and developed systematically basic education, scientific postgraduate education and professional and continuing education during the last 11 years. At my present position at the University of Helsinki my teaching responsibilities continue as earlier though the volume is larger.

3. Production of learning materials

3.1. University-level learning materials

I have also lead a project where we systematically followed 6 infants from birth to 12 months of age in order to gather teaching material (videos and photos) of normal neurological development for basic education (medical students, physiotherapists, occupational therapists). The videos will be edited into a film “normal neurological development during the first year of life”. At the moment we are in process to compose a teaching video of neurological examination of school-age children.

3.2. Textbooks

I have been a co-author in four international textbooks (4 chapters for postgraduate level) and in two domestic textbooks (2 chapters for basic education). In addition, I was one of the three editors of the Finnish textbook of child neurology (2014). The details of my contribution to textbooks are listed below.

1. Mercuri E, Haataja L and Dubowitz L. Neurological assessment in normal young infants. In: Cioni G and Mercuri E (Eds.).  Neurological assessment in the first two years of life. Clinics in Developmental Medicine 176. London: Mac Keith Press (2007).

 

2. Mercuri E, Haataja L, Ricci D, Cowan F and Dubowitz L. Classical neurological examination in young infants with neonatal brain lesions. In: Cioni G and Mercuri E (Eds.).  Neurological assessment in the first two years of life. Clinics in Developmental Medicine 176. London: Mac Keith Press (2007).

 

3. Sillanpää M, Haataja L, Tomson T, Johannessen SI. Carbamazepine In: Shorvon S, Perucca E and Engel J (Eds.). Treatment of Epilepsy, 3rd edition. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing (2009)

 

4. Haataja L, Belmonti V, Cioni G. In: Kennedy C (Ed.). Neurological and neurodevelopmental assessment. Principles and Practice of Child neurology in Infancy. Mac Keith Press (2012)

 

5. Sillanpää M, Haataja L. Lapsuus- ja nuoruusiän epilepsiat (The most common epilepsies presenting in childhood and in adolescence). Kirjassa : Sillanpää M, Herrgård E, Iivanainen M, Koivikko M ja Rantala H. Lastenneurologia, 2.painos. Helsinki: Kustannus OY Duodecim (2004).

 

6. Haataja L. Lapsen normaali neurologinen kehitys ja tutkimus (The normal neurological development and neurological assessment). Kirjassa: Pihko H, Haataja L, Rantala H. Lastenneurologia, 1.painos. Helsinki: Kustannus OY Duodecim (2014)

 

3.3. Pedagogical publications

I don’t have any pedagogical publications.

4. Other teaching merits

4.1. Participation in curriculum design and educational administration

As a principal teacher in child neurology I have actively participated the curriculum work group in the Department of Paediatrics since 2004. The work groups have gathered at least 5 times every year. The main focus of the meetings has been planning and developing basic education for medical students. In addition, once a year there has been a thorough discussion of the state and arrangements of scientific and professional postgraduate education. Since autumn 2014 I have also been a member of the faculty body which is responsible of the educational administration of the applications and teaching demonstrations of scientific post doctoral degree (i.e. docent degree).

There are five university hospitals in Finland and in each of them there is one nominated consultant (three professors and two chief consultants) who is responsible of the scientific and professional postgraduate training in child neurology. We have arranged a meeting once a year in order to discuss the content, administrative requirements and practical organization of specialist training. In addition, we have an active email discussion on educational topics throughout the year.

4.2. Other teaching merits

I have been an invited chairperson and lecturer in multiple national and international meetings (scientific and professional postgraduate or continuing education). I have also given lectures about genetics, at-risk infants (e.g. preterm infants), CP, learning problems and neuromuscular disorders to the audience which has represented parent groups, executive members of patient associations and volunteer workers.

5. Feedback

5.1. Student/trainee feedback and peer evaluation

We systematically evaluate the quality of teaching and learning in the department of Child neurology and Paediatrics at Turku University. The software tool Webropol provides an efficient way to gather feedback information from students. The evaluation grades for child neurology have been from good to excellent (between 3.5-5 in the scale 1-5). The percentage of students passing the undergraduate examination in child neurology has also been high during the recent years (≥ 90%). The examination always includes two patient cases which students have to solve. The produced solutions to the clinical quiz provide an excellent feedback whether the aims of course have been met. The feedback from students is appreciated and considered carefully with all part who facilitate or actually take part in teaching. Nevertheless, one has to keep in mind that the purpose of basic teaching is not arranging an entertainment show but giving best possible clinical tools for future doctors at the primary and secondary level positions, and strengthen positive attitude towards life-long learning which is essential for any doctor’s career.

 

Few quotations from the original feedback are gathered below.

• ”Lastenneurologian opetukseen oltiin tyytyväisiä (ka. 3.81). Päänsärky koettiin viikon mieleenpainuvimmaksi ja tärkeimmäksi aiheeksi. Myös neurologisen statuksen tekemiseen saatiin varmuutta. Haatajan ja Leinon opetus sai kiitosta.” (”Teaching in child neurology received positive feedback with the mean score of 3.81 (scale 1-5). The topic headache was regarded as the best learned and the most important topic. One also gained confidence in performing pediatric neurological status examination. Dr Haataja and Dr Leino received thanks for teaching.”)
• ”Muutamat luennoitsijat saivat erityiskiitoksia: Niinikoski, Heikkinen, Ruohola, Haataja.” (”Few lecturers received special thanks for teaching: Niinikoski, Heikkinen, Ruohola, Haataja.”)
• ”Neuron viikon opepoli ja päänsärky+ adhd/asperger/ autismi pienryhmäopetukset olivat hyviä.” (”The teaching in outpatient clinic of neurology and group teaching of headache, ADHD/Asperger/infantile autism were good.”)
• ”Yl Leena Haatajalla opettaminen hallussa.” (”The chief consultant Leena Haataja had a grip on teaching”)

5.2. Awards and recognition

I have been nominated "the best supervisor of scientific studies" by the Medical Students Association, Turku University, in May 2014.           

6. Teaching demonstration

I received my first docentship in experimental child neurology in 2002. As a part of the process I gave a public lecture which was graded by the faculty board as “excellent”.

 

Summary of the present reserach activities

A central objective of my research activities is to study fetal and neonatal risk factors (e.g. prematurity, different brain injuries, inflammation) and potential protective factors (e.g. genetic mechanisms, early parent-infant interaction) and their possible long-term neurodevelopmental effects. Another important research focus is to standardize clinically applicable developmental assessment methods and compose treatment guidelines which would harmonize clinical treatment processes at national level (e.g. care processes of children with CP) in order to make intervention studies and bench marking possible.

www.utu.fi/pipari

www.cp-hanke.fi