🍂 Autumn has begun, and with it comes some wonderful news! Inka Lehtonen has joined the Medical Data Science team as a Data Scientist.
Inka is known for her loyalty, sense of humor, and enjoyment of social interaction. “My colleagues would describe me as a reliable person, precise in my work, invested in the task at hand, and always eager to help when someone has a question or needs support. I greatly appreciate the help I’ve received throughout my studies and career, and I’m committed to paying it forward,” Inka says.
“She chose bioinformation technology because it combined technology with topics related to well-being and patient care.“
Inka’s interest in mathematics during her school years led her to pursue engineering at university. She chose bioinformation technology because it combined technology with topics related to well-being and patient care—fields she found meaningful. Inka holds a Master of Science degree from Aalto University’s Life Science Technologies program, majoring in Bioinformatics and Digital Health. She also has a background in chemistry, which she minored in during her Bachelor’s degree. Previously, Inka worked as a research assistant in Aalto University’s Department of Chemistry and Material Science, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory work.
“During my Master’s studies, a few programming courses really resonated with me and sparked my interest in shifting my career towards data science, where I could apply my programming skills,” Inka shares. “I began my career working on Real-World Data (RWD) projects at Helsinki Biobank, gaining valuable insights from the field. After that, I worked as a Data Scientist at BC Platforms, where I gained experience with patient registry data from around the world, harmonizing data to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model (CDM), conducting data quality checks, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.”
“What I appreciate about MedEngine is the positive and friendly work atmosphere.“
When asked about a memorable moment in her career, Inka recalls, “Since the patient data I work with is always pseudonymized—patients are represented only by numbers and timelines—there’s often a disconnect from the real people behind the data. One of the most meaningful moments in my career was when I realized that my work had directly contributed to new diagnoses, positively impacting patients’ lives”, Inka recalls.
Inka found MedEngine appealing because it offered the opportunity to further her Real-World Data experience, particularly in the analysis side of RWE projects. “What I appreciate about MedEngine is the positive and friendly work atmosphere. Everyone has a great work ethic, and the Helsinki office is beautiful, welcoming, and centrally located,” Inka notes. “I’m also convinced that the work we do at MedEngine is meaningful because our projects make patient care more efficient and accessible to those in need. I’m inspired by the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from various fields and to learn from them,” she adds.
“There’s nothing like preparing food on an open fire!“
In her free time, Inka enjoys a variety of group exercise classes at the gym, including Pilates, yin yoga, and interval training. “In the autumn, I love hiking and mushroom picking in the forest. Spending time at a summer cottage with good friends or family is also close to my heart. I love cooking and experimenting with new recipes,” she says. Inka also appreciates acquiring new skills. Recently, she learned how to skipper a motorboat, read nautical charts, tie boating knots, and navigate the unpredictable weather of the Finnish archipelago. “I also take pleasure in organizing events to bring people together! Every summer, I co-host a tennis tournament and a crayfish party for a group of friends that originate from secondary school,” she shares.
One interesting fact about Inka is that she did an exchange program in Taiwan, living in Taipei in 2018–2019. “The experience taught me spontaneity and allowed me to live a carefree life for a while. It gave me a new sense of energy when I returned to Finland. I love learning about new cultures, trying different foods, and exploring beautiful landscapes. My next goal is to visit Japan in the coming years,” she concludes.
We’re thrilled to welcome Inka aboard—yet another seafarer joins the team! A warm welcome, Inka! 🌊
