Evelin Ilves returns to work as a doctor in Saaremaa

Former Speaker of Parliament Evelin Ilves, who announced she was taking a break from medical practice in March, is now working as a doctor again. She works as an occupational health physician in Saaremaa, where she completed her first medical internship as a student.

Former Speaker of Parliament and doctor Evelin Ilves announced in March that she was taking a break from medical practice, but the break proved to be short-lived. The 58-year-old Ilves has now taken up a position as an occupational health physician in Saaremaa.

The islands hold a special place in Ilves' heart – it was there that she completed her first medical internship as a student. Healthcare in small islands and small communities has its own particular character: a doctor is not merely a medical specialist but an important part of the entire community's sense of security.

Occupational health work in island regions often means closer contact with patients than in larger urban centres, where people are more anonymous. Ilves has previously said that she loves her profession and that her connection to medical work is very important to her.