Arvo Henrik Ylppö was born in 1887 in Akaa, Finland into a farmer family. He was apparently stillborn and remained small in stature in his later life. He entered the University of Helsinki 1906 and decided to specialize in pediatric medicine. 1912 he moved to Kaiser’s children hospital in Berlin, Germany where he wrote his thesis about infants’ bilirubin metabolism in 1913. It was printed in Germany. He graduated as a medical doctor in March 1914 in Helsinki.
Back in Germany, Ylppö concentrated on research about children’s pathological anatomy and attracted international recognition. When he returned to Finland 1920 he became teacher in Helsinki university hospital. 1925 his post became a post for professor of pediatry.
Ylppö continued his research, wrote extensively to medical journals and about childcare. He supported efforts to expand Finnish nurse training, Finnish pharmacy industry and public awareness about medical matters. From 1920 to 1963 he was a chief physician for the Helsinki Children’s Castle hospital. He also had a private practice in Helsinki.
Arvo Ylppö retired 1957 but still sponsored many childcare initiatives. He died in January 1992 at the age of 104.