Mentor and Father Figure
During his nearly 60 years at Boston City Hospital, Finland rose from the position of Medical House Officer of the Second Medical Service (Harvard) through the ranks, spending 23 years as an Associate Physician of the Thorndike Medical Laboratory (1941-1963) and 16 years as Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School (1946-1962).
Dr. Finland was a superb clinician and enjoyed patient care and bedside teaching. Making the rounds on patients on the wards of the Boston City Hospital was always a treat for students and residents-subtle signs were identified, and seen by those who gathered around the bedside and never forgotten.
Although he owned a home in Squantum, Mass., he maintained an apartment at the hospital where he was available to students, patients, staff and fellows. Never married, his extended family consisted of his more than 100 fellows to whom he was a professional role model, mentor, and father-figure.
There were social occasions that Dr. Finland reveled in sharing with his fellows and colleagues. He took delight in preparing Brandy Alexander (a potent brew of heavy cream, rum, nutmeg, and other spices) for the Thorndike Christmas party.