Eino Sandelin

Eino Sandelin, the son of a vicar and county governor, graduated from a Swedish lyceum in his hometown Vasaa in 1885. He then studied medicine at the University of Helsinki and earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in 1888, a Master of Philosophy and Bachelor of Medicine in 1890. In 1894 he became a licentiate in medicine and two years later made his PhD in medicine and surgery. During this time he made study trips to Germany and the Scandinavian countries.

From 1894-95 Sandelin worked as a municipal physician in Virtai and subsequently at the surgical department of Helsinki General Hospital until 1902. In 1902 he was appointed chief physician at the surgical department of Maria Hospital and additionally as a physician at Eira Hospital. From 1900-21 he was a lecturer of surgery at the University of Helsinki and was awarded the title of professor in 1919. He held honorary positions as chairman of the board of the Helsinki City Hospitals and as secretary of the Hospital Physicians’ Association.

Sandelin was a crew member of the Finnish boat “Heatherbell” that placed third and last in both races of the 12 metres class at the Stockholm Olympic Games in 1912. With only three yachts competing, the crew still took bronze. He was the brother of two-times Olympian and gymnastics medallist Torsten Sandelin. Eino Sandelin was also interested in gardening and, like his brother, a member of the Swedish People’s Party of Finland. He was married to Sigrid Elisabet Hartman since 1891. The couple had two sons and two daughters.