Merja Kokki

Merja Kokki is a part-time (50%) Professor of Anaesthesiology at the University of Eastern Finland (appointed November 2024) and Chief Physician of the Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Department at Kuopio University Hospital. Her research focuses on pain management during labour, postoperative care, analgesic efficacy in vulnerable patient groups, and optimizing recovery processes. She has pioneered studies on oxycodone use in labour and postoperative pain, replacing pethidine, and explored NSAIDs in pediatric surgical pain. Her work emphasizes evidence-based practices for pain relief tailored to individual needs.

Education & Qualifications:

• Licentiate of Medicine (Lic. Med.), University of Oulu, 1993
• PhD, University of Helsinki, 2007
• Docent in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University of Eastern Finland, 2013

Key Roles:

• Chief Physician, Kuopio University Hospital, 2016–present
• Deputy Chief Physician, Kuopio University Hospital, 2013–2015
• Clinical Researcher, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 2011–2015 and 2017

Her research integrates clinical practice with translational science, aiming to improve patient outcomes through safer, more effective pain management strategies. Current projects include studying postoperative recovery quality, pain after cardiac and soft-tissue surgeries, and collaborations with well-being service counties to enhance care effectiveness.