We are very happy and proud to let you know that Lasse´s FISH:ing journey reached another milestone: After a decade of battling “rough seas” Lasse successfully defended his PhD Thesis on humeral shaft fractures on August 13, 2021 and brought his FISHing vessel to safe harbors. Below please find a brief summary of Lasse’s big day:
Lasse started the last day of his PhD project in the same way as most days before: multitasking. After having a sip of coffee from his favorite Frozen-cup served by two of his lovely daughters Seela and Kiira 
he got on his ”working clothes” and went to inspect and water the floor cementing he had been doing the last couple of days (a very interesting way to prepare for a PhD defense) 
After taking his “working-shirt” off again he did some fine-tuning on his lecture and got another cup of coffee served by Saaga. 
After taking his “working-shirt” off again he did some fine-tuning on his lecture and got another cup of coffee served by Saaga. 
After a hug from the youngest family member Niila, Lasse was off to Töölö hospital, getting ready to meet his PhD-opponent, Adjunct professor Petri Virolainen from University of Turku. 
After a hug from the youngest family member Niila, Lasse was off to Töölö hospital, getting ready to meet his PhD-opponent, Adjunct professor Petri Virolainen from University of Turku.
Traditional pre-PhD-defense meeting took place in professor Järvinen’s office. When the FICEBO photographer visited the office, opponent Petri Virolainen still seemed to be in a pleasant mood, while Lasse’s PhD supervisors Simo Taimela and Mika Paavola and Professors Ilkka Helenius and Teppo Järvinen were giving some last minute advice to Lasse (from left to right: Lasse Rämö, Mika Paavola, Teppo Järvinen, Petri Virolainen, Ilkka Helenius, Simo Taimela). 
The crowd at the lecture hall, impatiently awaiting the hero(es) of the day (picture 8). The Ramö family was represented by wife Hannele and the four oldest kids: Noora, Miika, Moona and Veera 
The crowd at the lecture hall, impatiently awaiting the hero(es) of the day (picture 8). The Ramö family was represented by wife Hannele and the four oldest kids: Noora, Miika, Moona and Veera 
The combatants entered the arena. 
Opening words by Prof. Järvinen 
Lasse (front right) giving his PhD lecture (lectio precursoria) with Prof. Teppo Järvinen (on the front left) and the lady with red hair (front right) listening intently. 
Time to get to the business: Opponent Petri Virolainen (front left) gets ready to rumble and kindly reminds folks from Helsinki that the first University in Finland was founded in Turku ;). 
After a 1,5-hour battle with both sides giving and receiving verbal bouts, opponent Virolainen finally announced that Lasse’s PhD thesis was accepted with “honors”.
Doctor Rämö being congratulated at the scenic backyard of Töölö hospital. 
Doctor Rämö being congratulated at the scenic backyard of Töölö hospital. 
Herr und Frau Doktor (We all know who was really behind Lasse’s success #Hannelesuperwoman) 
Even an Austrian shoulder and elbow surgeon and his wife arrived for this historical event. 
PhD Dinner, a party of fancy hats and well-dressed individuals… 
PhD Dinner, a party of fancy hats and well-dressed individuals…
The “band”. In addition to being an excellent surgeon, construction worker, husband, father, hunter and a PhD student, Lasse is also an excellent singer and a member of the world famous YL Male Voice Choir (https://yl.fi/ylchoir/). Together with a selected ensemble he provided us with first-class musical experience throughout the evening. 
The “band”. In addition to being an excellent surgeon, construction worker, husband, father, hunter and a PhD student, Lasse is also an excellent singer and a member of the world famous YL Male Voice Choir (https://yl.fi/ylchoir/). Together with a selected ensemble he provided us with first-class musical experience throughout the evening. 
Lasse laying his heart out to dear wife Hannele. Finnish people are often misconceived for being quiet and not very talkative. Exactly the opposite is true, at least when they are sitting in a sauna or giving speeches at parties. Personally, being a foreigner and thus unbiased, I dare to say that the Finns are among the best speech-givers in the world. 
After a touching speech Lasse gave us a glimpse of his veteran-husband skills (and one of the probable reasons for becoming a father of 11 kids). Giving Hannele no time to recover he topped his performance with a beautiful love-serenade. 
Although Lasse is currently working at the lower extremity department, the talented and good-looking shoulder and elbow surgeons still consider Lasse “one of their own”. (From left to right: Mikko Salmela, Jan-Magnus Björkenheim, Miia Mäntysaari, Lasse Rämö, Tuomas Lähdeoja, Eerik Hällfors, Kirsi Nyrhinen, and Thomas Ibounig) 
The absolute highlight of the evening was the speech and song by Lasse’s oldest daughter, Noora. No dry eyes left even amongst the most seasoned, cold-blooded, steel-eyed athletic veterans of the shoulder and elbow unit. 
Lasse having a “winner’s cigar” in front of the white church of Helsinki. You did it Lasse!
Completion of PhD project is a huge deal for the individual but it also lifts the spirits of our FICEBO group. Lasse, we are all very, very proud of your work and blessed to have the opportunity to work with you! Good luck in the future!