Jussi Hirvonen, MD, PhD

Professor of Radiology, Tampere University

Teaching & Medical Education

I am passionate about medical education and committed to training the next generation of radiologists. My work spans curriculum development, educational innovation, and leadership at local, national, and international levels.

Interested in Becoming a Radiologist?

If you're considering a career in radiology, the European Society of Radiology has published an excellent guide: Becoming a Radiologist (PDF).

Pedagogical Training

I have completed 328 hours (12.2 ECTS) of formal education in university-level pedagogy at the University of Turku (Faculty of Education and Faculty of Medicine, 2000–2020). This comprehensive training provides the theoretical foundation for evidence-based teaching practices.

Teaching philosophy: I strive to be an enthusiastic and inspiring teacher who conveys complex concepts clearly and concisely while adapting content to the audience level, from medical students to international subspecialty experts. I actively implement novel technologies in teaching, including polling tools, online platforms, and AI-enhanced learning environments.

ETAP 2.0 Gold Certification - A Transformation Story

In 2021, I led the transformation of the radiology residency program at Tampere University to meet European standards set by the European Society of Radiology (ESR) and the European Board of Radiology (EBR).

Following an international auditing process (European Training Assessment Program, ETAP 2.0), our residency program was awarded gold certification - the only currently certified radiology residency program in Finland.

Impact: After this transformation, Tampere has consistently been the most popular radiology residency program in Finland. The applicant-to-position ratio increased dramatically, demonstrating that evidence-based curriculum design and quality assurance attract top talent. This achievement demonstrates that systematic quality improvement in medical education produces measurable outcomes in program attractiveness and resident satisfaction.

ETAP 2.0 Gold Certification Impact - Applicant-to-Position Ratio in Finnish Radiology Programs

National Leadership in Radiology Education

EPAs and Logbooks for Finnish Radiology:

I currently lead two national working groups developing competency-based education tools for all radiology residents in Finland:

These tools represent a shift from time-based to competency-based training, aligning Finnish radiology education with international best practices. The EPAs define the core activities that residents must be able to perform independently by the end of training, while the logbook tracks progressive development of these competencies.

Other National Roles:

International Educational Leadership

European Society of Radiology (ESR):

As a member of the ESR Education Committee, I participate in harmonizing professional radiology education across EU member states. This work includes updating the European Training Curriculum (ETC) with a focus on implementing EPAs and competency-based assessment frameworks. Beginning in 2026, I was appointed Chair of the Undergraduate Education Subcommittee.

European Society of Head and Neck Radiology (ESHNR):

I serve as Chair of the Education Committee and member of the Executive Committee. We provide a diverse portfolio of educational activities:

Educational Innovation & Technology

Hands-on Learning Environments:

At Turku University Hospital, I worked in a group that implemented modern hands-on teaching classrooms with 16 Mac workstations each. This work received the annual faculty award for best educational material in 2018.

Online Learning Platforms:

I actively implement digital learning tools including:

AI in Medical Education:

As an AI researcher and educator, I am uniquely positioned to integrate artificial intelligence into radiology training:

Social Media & Open Education

I am a strong advocate for global dissemination of educational material through social media and open-access platforms.

ESHNR Social Media Committee: We promote education through "Tweetorials" (educational Twitter/X threads), virtual journal clubs, and live coverage of educational events. The committee has thousands of followers across platforms.

Personal Educational Outreach: Through X/Twitter (@jussihirvonen), I disseminate educational content in neuroradiology and head and neck imaging.

Published Work on Medical Education

My commitment to evidence-based education is reflected in peer-reviewed publications addressing educational topics:

Additional publications available in my publications list

Teaching Experience & Student Feedback

Estimated total teaching experience: 700+ hours across undergraduate, resident, fellowship, and continuing medical education

Teaching levels:

Student evaluations:

Supervision & Mentoring

PhD Supervision:

MD Specialization Studies:

International Mentorship:

More information for prospective PhD students is available on the PhD Opportunities page.

Future Vision for Radiology Education

Medical education is a lifelong journey. I continue to develop as an educator by:

Educational Awards & Recognition

Teaching Materials & Resources

Educational materials I've developed are used nationally and internationally:

Contact

For inquiries about educational collaborations, teaching opportunities, or educational research projects: jussi.hirvonen@utu.fi