Obituary: Arno Hollmén, Internationally Recognized Medical Pioneer

Emeritus Professor Arno Hollmén, a distinguished figure in medicine, passed away on April 16, 2026, in Espoo at the age of 95. Born in Helsinki in 1930, Hollmén's early life was marked by frequent moves during the war years, learning Finnish at age eight while his native tongue was Swedish. After graduating with a medical degree from Turku in 1956, Hollmén specialized in anesthesiology, earning his doctorate in Helsinki in 1967. He dedicated a significant portion of his career to the Oulu University Hospital, serving as chief physician and professor of anesthesiology until 1992. Notably, his work included establishing an intensive care unit in Kuopio "without asking for permission" following a 1964 fire, and he played a key role in founding the intensive care department in Oulu, elevating Northern Finnish anesthesiology to international prominence. Hollmén's career was characterized by a strong international outlook. His time as a physician in Copenhagen and as a visiting professor at Stanford University and UCLA were formative experiences for his family, fostering his development into a multilingual global citizen. Despite his achievements, he remained modest, emphasizing the value of an open and inquisitive world. Beyond his professional life, Hollmén found strength in his faith, nature, and time spent with his wife, Ulla. He was also an enthusiastic sports fan, particularly following the Kärpät ice hockey team and the Finland-Sweden international matches. His morning runs in Oulu symbolized his life philosophy: encouraging others to pursue their own pace while offering support. Hollmén's legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, remembered as a man who taught the importance of caring for others, education, enjoying life, and finding strength during difficult times. He is remembered as a timeless gentleman, sharp-witted, humorous, and deeply respectful of life.