OH2MM Ville Hiilesmaa

Team: Radio Azores Sponsored Team

Country: Finland

Age: 70

Occupation: Obstetrician, Retired

I got my first ham license in 1959. I wasn’t very active due to family commitments and studies of medicine at Helsinki University. In the late 1960’s, I started contesting at OH5SM Multi-Multi station. I got my first own decent DX/contest station as OH5SE in 1969.

CQ WW DX Contest became my favorite. Its excitement and thrill are unparalleled. For a busy obstetrician and a father of young kids, this was a good option. The last weekends of October and November were always dedicated to contesting. The rest of the year remained for other life commitments. My best friends are hams, instead of medical colleagues. This social aspect is an important (if not the most important) part of contesting and of ham radio in general.

I worked for 35 years at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital. My tasks included clinical work, teaching, and research. Finally, I became an Associate Professor and the Head of the Department of Obstetrics at the Hospital. A few of years ago, I completed my medical career in Finland and moved with my family to Brazil. I also “retired” from the 48h-no-sleep type of contesting, and currently prefer a more relaxed way to participate, suitable for the “Old Man”. I’ve recently operated several times at CR2A/CR2X on Azores.

I contributed to WRTC in 1990, 1996, 2002, and 2006, either as a judge, referee, or member of the committee, but never before as a competitor. I’m now proud to be able to represent Azores in WRTC2014.