Pictured (l-r) is Prof Celine Marmion, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI & Director of the RCSI/IT Tralee IMCP; Mr Philip Curtis, Head of Admissions, RCSI; Ayedh Alhajri, IMCP student; Dr Michael Hall, IT Tralee Registrar & IMCP Academic Director; and Prof Hannah McGee, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI

The IMCP is a bespoke programme specifically tailored to provide students with the pre-requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes for entry into RCSI undergraduate programmes in medicine, pharmacy and physiotherapy.


IMCP students show off their certs

The IMCP is also an example of a highly successful inter-Institutional collaboration between RCSI and IT Tralee at a time when the HEA is calling for more initiatives of this kind.


Students smile for a photo!

This is the first cohort from the RCSI/IT Tralee IMCP to receive their RCSI, NUI Certificates in Biomedical Sciences.

On Tuesday 21st May the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) hosted a series of Neuroscience seminars as part of the 3U Partnership (a collaboration between RCSI, NUI Maynooth, and Dublin City University). The presentations were held in the Cheyne Lecture Theatre, RCSI from 2pm.


Pictured (l-r) at the 3U Neuroscience Meeting in RCSI are Prof John Waddington, Dept of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, RCSI; Prof David Cotter, Dept of Psychiatry, RCSI; Ms Ruth Davis, 3U Director; Prof David Henshall, Dept of Physiology & Medical Physics, RCSI; and Prof Jochen Prehn; Dept of Physiology & Medical Physics, RCSI.

As May is European Month of the Brain, the aim of this event was to promote neuroscience among researchers within the 3U Partnership.

The early afternoon talks were delivered by Professors Jochen Prehn, John Waddington, David Henshall, and David Cotter of RCSI, as well as a talk by Dr Stella Vlachou of DCU. Evening talks were given by Dr Mary Clarke and Dr Hans-Georg Koenig of RCSI and Drs Andrew Coogan and Richard Roche of NUI Maynooth.


Pictured (l-r) at the 3U Neuroscience Meeting in RCSI are Prof Kevin Mitchell, Trinity College Dublin; Ms Ruth Davis, 3U Director; and Prof John Waddington, Dept of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, RCSI.

The lectures focused on topics including the molecular basis of neurological and psychiatric diseases, emerging drug targets, as well as basic research into brain function. The evening guest lecture was delivered by Prof Kevin Mitchell of Trinity College Dublin at 6pm. Undergraduate students and researchers from other institutions are also welcome to attend the meeting.


Pictured (l-r) at the 3U Neuroscience Meeting in RCSI are PhD students, Suzanne Miller-Delaney, Amaya Sanz, Alba Jimenez and Karen Coughlan

Prof David Henshall, Associate Professor, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI, and organiser of the seminar said, ‘It is increasingly important to promote synergy and exploit shared strengths in the field of neuroscience and this meeting is a great opportunity to do with our 3U partners. The range of topics in todays meeting will be very interesting and hopefully stimulate discussion and collaboration in shared areas of study.


Pictured (l-r) at the 3U Neuroscience Meeting in RCSI are Dr Richard Roche, NUI Maynooth; Claire Mooney, PhD student, RCSI; and Dr Sean Commins, NUI Maynooth.

With the benefits outweighing the risks its a no brainer. If exams span 3 days or 3 weeks stack the odds in your favour. Dodge the rollercoaster highs and lows of sweet candy to coffee chaos and limit ZIP to ZAP stimulants that drain the brain (sugar, syrups, stodgy and additive rich foods). Cram goodness in by reaching for wholesome quick fix options such as soups, smoothies and protein boosters like eggs on toast or spinach mash with bacon or tuna. Get garlic, ginger and cinnamon selfish and lace your yogurt with mashed fruit, oats or nutty niceties. Snack on avocadoes, grapes or pineapple pieces for an exotic diversion. Choose protein and slow releasing carbohydrates (rice, oats) ahead of carb curveballs (pastries and biscuits).

2. Interrupt yourself purposefully:
If concentration is limited, the exam start line is near, anxiety is on the rise or moments of panic are setting in, how can you proceed to pass go?

Excessive mind chatter and worry can rise as we lose our focus because of tiredness, over trying, mental circling and in turn anxiety can disrupt engagement. If we notice we are lapsing into these loops then the key is to interrupt this by shifting attention to something short, immediate and purposely engaging during longer intervals. Get out for a quick sprint, bounce a ball, dance it out, blast a beat of motivating music, vent a rant in the journal or get in touch with your own guru or granny and seek the 10 minute wisdom of a peaceful mind. Keep the spark plugs fired by intensifying concentration for a short but focused period of time (approximately 10 minutes) on something that provides jump leads for the brain.

3. Small Rewards:
There is a balance to strike between delaying all pleasures until you pass the finish line and building them in along the way to get you there.

It may feel logical to slog it out studying constantly for long periods, however as the exams get closer continue to reward yourself after each study goal or exam by giving yourself time out by doing your favourite things. List the ‘rewards for the day/week and weave them between study goals. If its time out swimming, gaming, with a pet, meeting friends, playing an instrument, keep these going. The plasticity of the brain is such that as we keep it engaged with the things that excite it, it will reward you with its ‘magnificence or magni-Efficiency! Brain networks are dynamic so when they create new connections they are stimulated. Practicing what excites you regularly excites your brain so life shouldnt stop because exams start.


Getting outside for a run can help clear the mind!

4. Vocalise and Ventilate:
Whether your exams are oral or written the chances are that most of your time is concentrated on making, reading, swapping notes or playing back lectures you recorded.

As we intensify attention on reading, writing and listening we can become acutely internal in our thoughts. Ever notice when you are studying intensely sometimes you get stuck for words when you take a break? Also maybe the last thing you want to do is talk exams. However its vital to vocalise between study periods - talk, sing, laugh, chat, joke, tell a story or call a friend. Talking ventilates the mind which keeps us on track. Its natural to be nervous getting ready for exams so talking keeps the nerves in check and the mind in balance. We are also helping others to help us without any big effort. As we chat we are releasing and gathering useful information that can be vital for our wellbeing and performance ahead.


As always, a good nights sleep is essential leading up to exam time!

5. BEYOND ABC and straight to Zzzzz: No top tip list could be complete without mentioning napping, sleeping, resting and dreaming. Remember you are not studying for the school of insomnia you are studying to contribute to the world of life. Learning is tiring and studying is exhausting so dont fight the wisdom of the body and mind when it calls out for a nap or a good nights sleep. Refreshing your mind body connection through rest is vital to supporting integrated learning during periods of intense study. When the yawning starts, set the alarm clock and take your ZZZs for optimum health.

Overall for basic performance that supports wellbeing, productivity, avoids brain drains and keeps you on track, choose good mood nutrition, stay focused between stimulation exercises, enjoy purposeful play time and talk with friends, family and good counsel and when youve got the ABCs study your way to each good Z.

The Rt Hon Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham KBE

Prof Hannah McGee, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences said "Lord Darzi was chosen to receive the RCSI honorary doctorate to recognise the outstanding contributions he has made in the fields of medicine and surgery. He has made significant contributions towards achieving best surgical practice through innovation in surgery and enhancing the safety and quality of healthcare. His contribution within these research fields has been outstanding, publishing more than 800 peer-reviewed research papers. He was knighted for his services in medicine and surgery in 2002. He retains strong links with RCSI and regularly contributes at RCSI events. We are honoured that he will join us and address our 2013 graduates on this special day in their professional lives."

Lord Ara Darzi graduated from RCSI in 1984. He holds the Paul Hamlyn Chair of Surgery at Imperial College, London and is an Honorary Consultant Surgeon at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the Royal Marsden NHS Trust Hospitals. In October 2010 Lord Darzi was appointed as Director for the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College. In 2012 he took up the role of Chair, Imperial College Health Partners.

He was knighted for his services in Medicine and Surgery in 2002 by Queen Elizabeth II. Lord Darzi was introduced to the United Kingdoms House of Lords in 2007 as Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham and appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Health. He relinquished this role in July 2009. Under appointment (July 2009 - March 2013) as United Kingdoms Global Ambassador for Health and Life Sciences, Lord Darzi took an active international role in outlining and shaping healthcare policy. Lord Darzi was appointed as a member of Her Majestys Most Honourable Privy Council in June 2009. Recently Lord Darzi was elected as Fellow of the Royal Society.

In 2010 RCSI was granted independent degree awarding status by the State. This followed a quality approval process culminating in the Government approving the bye-law, which enables the College to award degrees alongside its traditional powers to award licentiates. The first Honorary Doctorate was awarded in 2011 to former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. In 2012 Professor Fr. Michael Kelly, Jesuit and internationally renowned expert on HIV / AIDS was awarded the second RCSI honorary doctorate.

At the conferring ceremony on the 6th June candidates will be conferred with degrees in Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics (MB, BCh and BAO), degrees of Masters in Pharmacy (MPharm), degrees in Masters of Science (MSc), degrees of Doctor of Medicine (MD) and degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

In December last year, the Student Services office announced its Sports Photograph Competition for the 2012/2013 academic year. With many of the Sports Clubs activities taking place off campus, they often end up less visible than their Society counterparts. The competition provided an opportunity to promote the importance of sport at RCSI and the value it brings to student life.

Over the last number of months, entries from teams and spectators alike have been pouring in, right up to the May 17th deadline. The Student Services Office was amazed at the high quality photos submitted and the range of experiences and activities portrayed.

After careful consideration weve crowned the winners!

The First Prize was awarded to Colm OReilly from the Karate Club for this photo of a team practice session on the Silver Strand beach in Galway during their trip back in November, well done to everyone who braved the cold of the Atlantic for this shot!


The winning photo by Colm OReilly

The Second prize was awarded to Brian OMeara and the Climbing Club for this photo of some of the Clubs members on a day out in Glendalough in April.


Brian OMearas Photograph

The competition was initially advertised with only two prizes, but due to the quality of the submissions we decided to select a third place winner as well, and this was awarded to Q-En Chung from the Table Tennis Club for this photo of an RCSI player at a practice session during the year.

Hard to ignore Q-En Chungs pic!

Congratulations to the winners who take home All for One Vouchers. The Student Services Office would like to thank everyone who took part in the competition. Look out for the competitions return in 2013/2014.

Unveiled at the dinner was a commemorative RCSI alumni video to congratulate the graduands and to inspire them on their career paths. The video highlights RCSIs international network of more than 20,000 alumni working in 70 countries worldwide which is invaluable to RCSI students and alumni as they pursue careers of excellence.


Pictured (l-r) are Professor Michael Walsh, ENT, Beaumont Hospital; Professor Mary Leader, Pathology, RCSI & Beaumont Hospital; and Professor Pat Manning, Bons Secours Hospital, Dublin & Mullingar Regional Hospital.

The inspirational video includes testimonies from highly successful RCSI alumni from Ireland and around the world who speak about their experiences of RCSI and the advantages of attending a College with a diverse student base that retains strong links amongst its alumni after graduation. This network has opened up a wealth of career opportunities for the graduates.

To view the video visit: http://www.rcsi.ie/rcsi-class2013-celebrating-alumni-network


Pictured (l-) is Prof Rhona Mahony, Master of National Maternity Hospital, Holles St, Dublin and Dr. John F. Murphy, Holles Street Hospital, Dublin.

The conferring week celebrations will continue with the conferring ceremony in the National Concert Hall on Thursday 6th June when approximately 260 candidates will be conferred with degrees in Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics (MB, BCh and BAO), degrees of Masters in Pharmacy (MPharm), degrees in Masters of Science (MSc), degrees of Doctor of Medicine (MD) and degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The Rt Hon Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham KBE will receive the third RCSI honorary doctorate at the ceremony.


Pictured at the Conferring dinner (l-r) are Mr. David Bouchier Hayes, Galway Clinic; Dr. Shane ONeill, Beaumont Hospital and Professor Cathal Kelly, CEO/Registrar of RCSI.

Pictured (l-r) are RCSI students Deirdre Horan, Alison Deasy, Anna McGettigan, Recie Davern, Catherine Dillane, Vivienne Sullivan and Niamh Wheeler.

Dr. Paul Tibbitts, Surgical tutor, RCSI, checks out the new RCSI Alumni Video at the Conferring Dinner.

226 future doctors from 29 different countries around the world will don caps and gowns to graduate from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) today. Medical degrees and postgraduate awards will be presented to graduands at the annual conferring ceremony in the National Concert Hall, Dublin.

Vivienne Sullivan, Sarah Pilon and Dalal Al-Shammaa with Kenny Batsakijan, 2 years old from Smithfield, Dublin.

The RCSI conferring ceremony sees the largest number of doctors in Ireland graduate each year. The conferring ceremony is a celebration for students and their families who have travelled from all over the world to attend the ceremony.

Professor Patrick Broe, President, RCSI congratulated all those graduating on their success. "Today is a day of great joy and a celebration of achievement. It is a culmination of many years of hard work and dedication and it is a wonderful tribute to each and every one of you to reach this important milestone. Your education at RCSI has grounded you in all the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes for a fulfilling and successful career," he said.

An honorary doctorate will be awarded to the Rt Hon Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham KBE at the conferring ceremony. This is the third RCSI honorary doctorate to be awarded since RCSI received independent degree awarding status in 2010. Lord Darzi, an eminent surgeon, currently working at Imperial College London, was chosen to receive the RCSI honorary doctorate to recognise the outstanding contributions he has made in the fields of medicine and surgery. He has made significant contributions towards achieving best surgical practice through innovation in surgery and enhancing the safety and quality of healthcare. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services in medicine and surgery in 2002. Lord Ara Darzi is a graduate of RCSI.

Vivienne Sullivan and Dalal Al-Shammaa

This year, 226 candidates will be conferred with Honours Degree of Bachelor of Medicine, NUI, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Obstetrics MB, BCh, BAO (NUI,RCSI), LRCP & SI; 15 degrees of Masters in Pharmacy (MPharm); 12 degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD); 5 degrees in Masters of Science (MSc); 3 Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences; 1 MSc in Healthcare Management; 1 degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD).

RCSI is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving human health through education, research and service. Founded in 1784, originally to train surgeons, today it provides extensive education and training in the healthcare professions at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. RCSI operates the largest medical school in Ireland, and it provides undergraduate courses in pharmacy and physiotherapy. The College provides an extensive range of postgraduate training and education programmes in the medical sciences, surgery, medical and nursing specialties, international health, tropical medicine and leadership and healthcare management. The College has its headquarters in Dublin and is a recognised College of the National University of Ireland.

Sarah Pilon, Nur Hafizah, Dhanhanasekaran Thanapal, Vivienne Sullivan and Art Malone

A milestone in Irelands role as an international partner in medical education was reached on Sunday 16th June, with the conferral of the 1000th student from Penang Medical College (PMC), a joint venture between the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and University College Dublin (UCD).

Founded in 1996, Penang Medical College is one of Malaysias leading providers of medical education. It is approved by the Irish Medical Council (IMC), Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and recognised by numerous regulatory bodies throughout the world.

(L-R) Dr Maurice Manning, Chancellor, National University of Ireland; Mr. Brendan Lyons, President, Penang Medical College in Malaysia; Dr Hugh Brady, President, University College Dublin & Prof Paddy Broe, President, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland with graduands at the conferring ceremony in Penang.

Graduates of the Penang Medical College are conferred with MB BCh BAO degrees of the National University of Ireland (NUI) as well as the Licentiates of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland; awards that are recognised worldwide as a mark of excellence.

The conferring ceremony, which took place at Penang Medical College, Malaysia, was attended by senior representatives from UCD, RCSI and Penang Medical College; including Dr Hugh Brady, President, UCD, Professor Patrick Broe, President, RCSI, Professor Cathal Kelly, Registrar and CEO of RCSI, and Professor Amir Sharifuddin Mohn Khir, Dean of Penang Medical College, Professor Hannah McGee, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences RCSI.

Congratulating the assembled graduands, and their families, Professor Cathal Kelly, Registrar and CEO of RCSI, said: "Today is a day of great joy and a celebration of achievement. It is a culmination of many years of hard work and dedication and it is a wonderful tribute to each and every one of you to reach this important milestone. Your education has grounded you in all the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes for a fulfilling and successful career".

Penang Medical College is wholly owned and managed by RCSI and UCD and delivers an undergraduate medical education programme which delivers the best of Irish and Malaysian medical education and experience. Students benefit from a world-class pre-clinical education in Dublin and then return to Penang to undertake their clinical training at PMC and in Ministry of health hospitals in Penang and surrounding Malaysian states.

Speaking at the conferring, Dr Hugh Brady, President, University College Dublin, spoke of the educational and cultural tradition that underpins the two-decade old partnership. "For nearly two decades, life at UCD and RCSI has been enriched and enlivened by the participation of Malaysian students in our programmes. Todays graduates join the ranks of a distinguished group of medical professionals, who have experienced a combination of the best that Irish medical education has to offer and a local, clinical education that is second-to-none."
"The impact of our partnership, in Malaysia and in Ireland, is a source of immense pride for all of us who have had the privilege to teach, mentor and work with our Malaysian cohort. We wish the 13th cohort of graduates success and happiness in their careers," Dr Brady continued.

Speaking on the success of the Penang Medical College twinning programme, Professor Amir Sharifuddin Mohn Khir, Dean of Penang Medical College said "This is now the 17th anniversary of your medical school. Its success is a marvellous example of what can be achieved by collegiality and co-operation of groups including the Malaysian people and its government, Penang Medical College, RCSI, NUI and UCD. I would like to take this opportunity to salute those founders."

The class of 2013 is the 13th cohort of medical students to graduate from Penang Medical College. PMC medical graduates obtain full registration following internship at a hospital or hospitals recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Health and the Malaysian Medical Council. Graduates of the PMC programme enjoy excellent career prospects, equipped with a world class medical degree, recognised in Malaysia, Ireland and in the best international healthcare systems.

Penang Medical College class of 2013

The 3U Partnership comprising the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin City University (DCU) and NUI Maynooth (NUIM) are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for a new Masters of Engineering in Healthcare Technologies.

This exciting new programme will produce engineers capable of designing and developing electronic devices and systems for the medical and healthcare communities. These individuals will become flexible technologists who can work within the health services, hospitals and indigenous and international companies, providing products and services to frontline medical and healthcare providers.

The programme is designed for engineering professionals with a strong background in electronics and computer technologies, and will provide them with advanced education in medically relevant engineering technologies. They will be immersed in the cultural and professional ethos of medical and clinical practice. The programme will provide them with the relevant concepts, methodological tools and knowledge of medical legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks.

The graduates of this programme will be building and creating new tools and solutions to solve relevant problems facing the healthcare sector today.
Closing date for EU Applications is 11th July 2013 and for non-EU applications the 30th June 2013.

For further information on the programme and entry requirements, download the PDF brochure here

On Friday 21st June, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) marked the first anniversary of the establishment of the 3U Partnership (a collaboration between RCSI, NUI Maynooth, and Dublin City University) by holding a reception at the College Hall . The event celebrated 12 months of progress, teamwork and engagement between the three institutions.


Pictured (l-r) at the 3U Anniversary in RCSIs College Hall are Prof Cathal Kelly, CEO/Registrar, RCSI; Dr Ruth Davis, 3U Director; and Prof Brian MacCraith, President of DCU.

In June 2012, the 3U Partnership was launched which aimed to bring together three distinctive and leading institutions, working mutually on shared initiatives while delivering world-class education and research opportunities. Since then the 3U Partnership has set out on a journey to be a force for change and development in education and research both in Ireland and globally over the coming decades.


Dr Ruth Davis, 3U Director addresses the audience

Staff and academics from each of the three organisations were briefed on current progress and news emerging from the partnership on topics such as 3U academic programmes, 3U education initiatives and 3U Research. Prof Cathal Kelly, CEO/ Registrar of RCSI and, recently appointed 3U Director, Dr Ruth Davis addressed attendees.


Prof Cathal Kelly opens the 3U anniversary event

Speaking on the first anniversary of the 3U Partnership, Dr Ruth Davis, said, ‘It is important that we celebrate this milestone for the 3U Partnership. The past 12 months have seen the 3U take many strides forward with regards to the promotion of collaborations between DCU, NUI Maynooth and RCSI in the areas of education and research. This has been down to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved across the three institutions. We have to also remember that this partnership is in its infancy, so there is so much more to look forward to in the future. I think that the mantra of the 3U Partnership, still shines through one year on in that together, we truly can achieve more!

The strategy addresses five strategic goals that will provide a clear roadmap for RCSI to achieve its mission to educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health. These five goals are:

1. Excellence in Education

2. Leadership in International Medical Education

3. Impactful Research and Innovation in Health Sciences & Education

4. Enhanced Organisational Capabilities

5. Strong Strategic Partnerships

Speaking at the launch of the new strategy, Professor Cathal Kelly, CEO / Registrar, RCSI said "The foundations of our strategy are growth and excellence because we see our future as contingent on our ability to grow RCSIs international presence and reputation as a centre of excellence in healthcare professional education. The successful implementation of RCSIs ‘Growth and Excellence strategy supports the Higher Education Authoritys ‘National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030, and its objective to position Ireland as a leading higher education centre with a strong reputation of strength and excellence."

Professor Patrick Broe, President of RCSI said "One of RCSIs greatest strengths has been its ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. As we look to the future, we find ourselves with increasing challenges in the healthcare profession and higher education sector. Our ‘Growth and Excellence strategy provides a roadmap of how we will meet the challenges of the future to become internationally recognised as a leading centre for professional education, research and innovation in healthcare."

"Our strategic priorities are central to our ambition to provide our students with an outstanding student experience and inspire them to be future world leaders in healthcare and innovation," said Professor Hannah McGee, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI. "For our staff, we are committed to investing in and developing our people as leaders in healthcare education and research. For our communities, we are committed to enhancing the standards of health, education and life chances among our Irish and international communities, Prof McGee continued.

The RCSI Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences ‘Growth and Excellence strategy is a significant step towards achieving our vision to be recognised as a leading centre for professional education, research and innovation in healthcare. "The goals of this strategy are ambitious, but I have no doubt that with the support of the RCSI community we can achieve these objectives and realise our shared vision, Prof Kelly concluded.

View of a copy of the Growth and Excellence Strategy here

RCSI/ COSECSA Collaboration Programme approved as ESTHER Alliance partnership

Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello T.D. today launched the ESTHER Ireland programme, part of a European alliance of hospitals and healthcare institutions partnering with the developing world.


Pictured (l-r) is Tony OBrien, Director General Designate, HSE; Minister Joe Costello; and Declan Magee, Vice-President, RCSI.

The European ESTHER Alliance is a network of governments working in synergy to tackle major diseases and improve healthcare for women and children. It involves twinning of European hospitals and healthcare institutions with similar institutions in developing countries to strengthen healthcare services by building expertise and sharing experience. ESTHER Ireland is an initiative between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Irish Aid.


Pictured (l-r) is Nadine Ferris France, ESTHER Ireland secretariat; Minister Costello; Leonie Corcoran, ESTHER Ireland secretariat and David Weakliam, ESTHER Ireland Chair.

Ireland joined the ESTHER Alliance in 2012 and has approved its first two partnerships: the collaboration programme between the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA); and Cork University Maternitys Hospitals partnership with the Omdurman Maternity Hospital in Sudan.

Pictured (l-r) is Minister Costello and Dr Sami Ahmed.

Speaking at the launch in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Minister Costello said: "This initiative will foster strategic partnerships in countries with the greatest health needs. It will contribute to the Governments new Policy on International Development by harnessing the capacity of Irish health experts and institutions to improve access to quality essential health services."

Ireland will focus on partnerships in Africa and draw upon the extensive first-hand experience that many health workers in Ireland have gained from previous work overseas.

Commenting on the launch, Tony OBrien, Director General Designate of the HSE said: "ESTHER Ireland builds on links already established by Irish health institutions with developing countries. The partnership approach means there are benefits on both sides, and the programme will contribute to improving quality of health care in Ireland as well as in the partner countries."

For more information on ESTHER Ireland, see www.esther.ie
For more information on the ESTHER Alliance, see www.esther.eu

The changes apply to:
• National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)
• Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland (RCSI)
• Trinity College, Dublin (TCD)
• University College, Cork (UCC)
• University College, Dublin (UCD)

Change 1: Revised Weighting of HPAT- Ireland Test Sections. Effective from 2014
The revised weighting scheme as outlined in Table 1 below will be implemented for the 2014 HPAT-Ireland test. The change in weighting of the 3 sections aims to reduce the potential benefits of repeating the examination, as an evaluation of HPAT-Ireland has shown that Non-Verbal Reasoning scores can be improved through repeating the exam.

Change 2: HPAT-Ireland Examination Results Valid for One Year Only. Effective from 2013
The results of HPAT-Ireland examinations sat in 2013 and subsequent years will only be valid for a single year for admission to undergraduate medical courses. This means that it will not be possible to present results achieved in the 2013 sitting of the HPAT-Ireland test for admission to undergraduate medical courses in 2014. Applicants who sat the HPAT-Ireland exam in 2012 will still be able to present their 2012 HPAT-Ireland result when applying for admission to undergraduate medicine in 2013.

Change 3: HPAT-Ireland Practice Material Being Made Available to All Applicants. Already effective.
Students who registered for the HPAT-Ireland 2013 test received, as part of their registration, a copy of the HPAT-Ireland Practice Test booklet, which contains worked answers to assist them with their test preparation. This change will continue to apply in subsequent years.

Background:
These changes are based on a number of recommendations made in July 2012 by a National Research Group which evaluated Revised Entry Mechanisms to Medicine. The following recommendations were considered and approved in Spring 2013 by the academic councils of all institutions with undergraduate medical courses.

On the basis of three years of evidence of the performance of HPAT-Ireland, the recommendations of the National Research Group were as follows:

1. A redistribution is applied to the weighting of HPAT-Ireland sections (as outlined in Table 1) to reduce the contribution of Section 3 scores to the overall score in order to reduce the impact of repeat effects;
2. HPAT-Ireland scores be valid for a period of one year only;
3. Further practice material be made available to all HPAT-Ireland applicants which also includes some examples of correct responses and the rationales to these to ensure adequate opportunities for all to become familiar with the test format and sample items.

The full report of the National Research Group is available on http://www.iua.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/HPAT-report-July2012.pdf

This new study led by Dr David Hughes, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI, was recently published online in the journal Colorectal Disease. The research involved using a new two-part screening test called an Immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test or FOBT (FIT) instead of the original Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) which is a widely used screening tool for colorectal cancer used to detect blood in a persons stool.

The FIT test, when used twice over consecutive days, is used to indicate the presence of both pre-cancerous growths and cancers in the colon by detecting a minute sample of blood in the stool at a cut off of 100 nanograms of blood per millilitre of stool (100 ng/ml). When compared to a one-test FIT, researchers found that the duplicate FIT screening test detects presence of up to one third (27.5%) more significant colorectal neoplasias (advanced colorectal growths and cancers).These precancerous growths can advance to cancerous stages if they are not detected early. Just one of the two FIT tests needs to be positive for the patient to be referred for a colonoscopy.

They also discovered that a cut-off threshold of 100ng/ml is suitable to optimise colorectal cancer screening in Ireland and any lower cut-off would increase the required colonoscopy numbers to a rate that would over-burden capacity in the Irish health system.

The two-test protocol had a positivity rate of 10.2%, which means that approximately one in ten people tested positive for cancer. One third had screen relevant growths in the colon and the remainder had minor issues such as haemorrhoids or else had no abnormalities.

Principal Investigator of this study, Dr David Hughes said, The miss rate estimated for a single FIT test of nearly 30% is unacceptably high when the goal is to maximize the discovery of advanced lesions in an initial population screening round. The FIT test is vital for the detection of pre-cancerous growths in the colon and is cost-effective. However, the rates from this study have found that additional colonoscopy services will be required for a national screening programme

The Adelaide and Meath hospital, incorporating the National Childrens hospital/ Trinity College Dublin Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme (TTC-CRC-SP) has used the two sample FIT protocol for colorectal cancer screening on residents aged between 50-75 years within the AMNCH hospital catchment area of Dublin 24 since 2008.

A team of researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the University of California (UC Irvine) have discovered how oestrogen can reduce the risk of liver and heart disease. The study was recently published in the Science journal Science Signalling. 

The research shows the beneficial effect that oestrogen (the female hormone) has on liver metabolism by revealing a new type of oestrogen receptor which controls oestrogen-responsive genes that regulate cholesterol and fatty acid production.
 

Pictured (l-r) outside RCSI is the father-son team of Harry and Prof Brian Harvey.

Speaking on the study, Professor Brian Harvey, RCSI Principal Investigator, said ‘Oestrogen tends to protect women against high cholesterol and heart disease during the child-bearing years. Our research has allowed us to gain important insights into how oestrogen may suppress some genes and prevent excessive accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood that can progress to heart disease and liver cancers. This leaves the door open for the development of drugs that can decrease the incidence of liver and heart disease in women.

This female-specific study showed that oestrogen binds to a new type of oestrogen receptor at the cell membrane and not in the nucleus of the cell. This activates a network of enzymes which slows down a regulator of genes (SREB) which usually drive the build-up of cholesterol in the liver. Oestrogen was also found to supress lipid metabolism in general, including the accumulation of fatty acids and harmful triglycerides.

The RCSI team included post-doctoral fellow Fiona O‘Mahony, a Marie Curie fellow working between Dublin and California, and the father-son combination of Prof Brian Harvey and Harry Harvey. Brian is Professor of Molecular Medicine and Harry recently completed a PhD in cancer genetics at the College.
 
The team at UC Irvine was led by chief endocrinologist Dr Ellis Levin, who said ‘Oestrogen may be a deterrent to liver cancer, as men get this type of cancer at a rate of four-to-six times more than women. The team is now testing compounds that target the membrane oestrogen receptor to see the impact for such diseases.
 
The study was conducted over four years and was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs USA, the EU Marie Curie Actions, the Higher Education Authority Programme for Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) and the National Biophotonics Imaging Platform Ireland.

Journal Reference: Sci. Signal., 21 May 2013, Vol. 6, Issue 276, p. ra36

Researchers at the HRB Centre for Primary Care Research based in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland have completed systematic reviews of validation studies on two clinical prediction rules and found one (the Probability of Repeated Admission Score) to be useful in certain circumstances while the other (the Triage Risk Stratification Tool) was of limited value when used in isolation.

The first rule evaluated was the Probability of Repeated Admission (PRA) risk score in community dwelling older adults. The PRA score was developed in the United States in 1993 and is a questionnaire comprising of eight questions relating to age; gender; presence of chronic medical conditions; health care use and hospital admission in the previous year, etc.

The review found that the PRA score performs well in predicting hospital admission in people categorised as high risk by the score and so has potential for identifying people at increased risk of hospital admission.

However in people categorised as low risk by the score it performs poorly in identifying subsequent admission indicating it is not a reliable way of excluding hospital admission in those categorised as low risk.

Commenting on the review lead author Dr Emma Wallace, a GP and HRB research fellow at the centre, said, ‘Hospital admissions account for a large proportion of healthcare expenditure and have high personal costs for affected individuals. Identifying older people at high risk of hospital admission could allow targeted interventions to occur in the community setting. From a total nine studies, incorporating 8,843 older people, our research found that the PRA score performs well in identifying those at higher risk of hospital admission in the next year.

A second systematic review carried out at the centre examined the predictive ability of the Triage Risk Stratification Tool (TRST) in identifying older adults at risk of adverse outcomes (namely a return to the Emergency Department and hospitalisation) within one and four months following discharge from the Emergency Department. The TRST score was developed in the United States in 2003, and is made up of five items (history or evidence of cognitive impairment; difficulty walking, transferring or recent falls; five or more medications; emergency department use in the previous 30 days or hospitalisation in the previous 90 days; and a registered nurses concern).

This review combined results from six studies and involved 3,233 older adults. The analysis of these results indicated that the TRST is of limited clinical utility in identifying older adults at risk of adverse outcomes following discharge from the emergency department.

Commenting on the review Dr Gráinne Cousins, the lead researcher, said, ‘The provision of optimal assessment and discharge planning for older patients in Emergency Department settings is challenging given the complex needs of older patients, time pressures, and the need to maintain rapid patient turnover. Risk stratification tools capable of identifying high-risk patients could inform patient care, and reduce overcrowding. A triage tool seeks to rule out disease or adverse events, identifying those patients who do not require further testing. Our research found the TRST rule to be limited in its ability to discriminate between those with or without an adverse outcome following discharge from Emergency Departments and should not be used in isolation as a risk stratification tool.

The Clinical Predictions Rules (CPRs) are being investigated as part of a larger HRB-funded project to compile an international register of CPRs relevant to primary care. This register contains details on 433 CPRs that are relevant to primary care, across 17 different clinical domains. These will be incorporated into a computer-based Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) for use by clinicians at the point of care.

More information about the specific findings on these two rules is available at the HRB Centre for Primary Care website at the link below. [insert link]

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) will bid a fond farewell to one of its stalwarts today as Jim Sherlock retires from his position of Head Porter at the College. Jim started at RCSI in July 1983, almost 30 years to the day when he will complete his final day.

Jim with the Deans Award which he won in 2012

More than 100 staff from the College will attend a reception this evening in the Board Room to honour Jims contribution to RCSI over the past 30 years.

Originally beginning life in RCSI as a porter, Jims popularity and hard work saw him become the Deputy Head Porter after just four years. In 2001, Jim was appointed Head Porter, a position he has held until today. Jims tireless dedication was apparent to any person who ever had any dealings with the College and, in 2012, Jim was presented with the prestigious Deans Award.

Jim was involved with the RCSI soccer team for 20 years and accompanied the soccer, rugby and hockey teams on numerous overseas trips. The annual Sherlock Cup Challenge match is a nod to Jims dedication to soccer in the College. He is an active member of the Sports and Social Committee and plays the demanding role of Santa as the annual kids party! He also represents staff as a member of the pensions trust.

Professor Hannah McGee, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI said, ‘Jim goes that extra mile delivering above and beyond normal duties in his role as RCSI Head Porter. He is hugely popular with staff and students alike, and exemplifies the word ‘nurture in terms of his care and attention to students through the years, and he deserves all the plaudits he will get. I wish him well in his retirement.

Professor Cathal Kelly, CEO/Registrar, RCSI added, ‘I would like to commend Jims commitment, endeavour and enormous contribution to the College over the past 30 years. His kindness and collegiality is inspirational and his passion, loyalty, hard work and dedication to RCSI has been immense. Although I am sad to see him go, I wish him and Ellen the very best for the future.

Mr Declan Magee, RCSI Vice-President and Prof Frank Murray, RCPI Pro-President look on as Franks son Timothy Murray receives his MRCSI. 
 

Some of the RCSI Membership of the Faculty of Dentistry (MFD) group 2013

Fellowships of RCSI in Cardiothoracic Surgery; General Surgery; Neurosurgery; Ophthalmology/ Ophthalmic Surgery; Oral and Maxillofacial, Otolaryngology; Paediatric, Trauma and Orthopaedic and Urology were awarded at the ceremony along with five Fellowships of RCSI Ad Eundem. Memberships of RCSI including Ophthalmology were also awarded. 
 

Pictured (l-r) is Mr David Moore, RCSI Council Member; Dr Brent Eastman, President of the American College of Surgeons; Dr Sarita Eastman; and Professor Patrick Broe, RCSI President.

Fellowships of the Faculty of Radiologists and the Faculty of Dentistry were conferred. Additionally the Faculty of Dentistry awarded three Fellowships Ad Eundem. Fellowships and Memberships of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine were also awarded to six candidates. 
 

Pictured (l-r) is John Doherty, Chair of RCSI Student Union, 1971 and Prof Hannah McGee, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI.

Dr. Brent Eastman, President of the American College of Surgeons was awarded with the Honorary Fellowship of RCSI. Honorary Fellowship of RCSI was established to "award distinguished surgeons whom the College wished to honour." It was first conferred on 11th December 1784 on Robert Adair of London, Benjamin Bell of Edinburgh, and Richard Haughton of Dublin. 
 

Pictured (l-r) is Rory McConn Walsh, his mother Patricia, his wife Kathy, Prof Patrick Broe, RCSI President, and Rorys children, Rebecca, Hannah and Jessica.

Since RCSIs has extended its remit beyond surgical education into the wider sphere of medical education, the criteria for Honorary Fellowship was extended to include those who have made a substantial contribution to society. The Honorary Fellowship of the College is the highest distinction and award the College can confer. Previous recipients of this award include former Presidents of Ireland, Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese; former President of the USA James Carter; the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta; noble laureate Professor Seamus Heaney and Sir Bob Geldof.

This week, 25 primary school teachers from around Ireland have been participating in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) ‘Come to Your Senses summer course. The initiative helps support the teaching of the primary science curriculum.

Pictured (l-r) is Cathy Glynn, St. Marys National School, Sandyford and Peter McCabe, St. Columbanus National School, Loughlinstown taking part in the Sense & Environment Workshop on St Stephens Green

The course uses the theme of the human senses to enable primary school teachers to develop their interest and enthusiasm for teaching science with direct relevance to the primary science curriculum for Social Environmental and Science Education (SESE).

Pictured (l-r) is Jonathon Holmes from Holy Family National School, Rathcoole, Co.Dublin and Lisa Wymbs, St. Brigids National School, Castleknock, Dublin.

The course promotes learning through doing and provides teachers with alternative, hands-on and fun ways of teaching science to children, without the need for expensive materials or equipment.

Pictured is Aoife Hughes, from St. Vincents Girls National School, Dublin.

Professor Hannah McGee, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at RCSI said, ‘At RCSI, we are committed to advancing healthcare education and research, building on a core of scientific training. Enthusiasm for science needs to begin at primary school. The ‘Come to Your Senses course is a novel way for our academic staff to work across the educational sectors by supporting primary school teachers to develop their science teaching skills. This course gives them the confidence and enthusiasm to conduct hands on activities and experiments in the classroom and in doing so, inspiring the next generation of primary school leavers to value and maintain an interest in science subjects and careers in science and healthcare. This is the 5th year of a very successful programme run by our Foundation Year and Junior Cycle colleagues which always has excellent feedback from teachers and I complement our staff on the on-going success of the programme.

Pictured is Sorcha Maguire from Bray School Project National School.

‘Come to Your Senses is part of RCSIs Primary Science for Teachers Initiative (PSTI) which supports the teaching of science in the classroom. The initiative is a component of the REACH RCSI programme which promotes Recreation, Education and Community Health. It is approved by the Department of Education and is fully funded by RCSI.

The RCSI PSTI team are Dr Jacqueline Daly, Dr Marc DeVocelle, Ms Maria Kelly, Dr Maria Morgan and Dr Kenny Winser. 25 primary school teachers completed this summer initiative. 20 per cent of the places on the course were reserved for schools that are part of the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) programme.

Pictured is Sinead Nestor from Walkinstown Junior Boys National School (JBNS).

Dr Jacqueline Daly, Director of the Primary Science Initiative, RCSI said ‘As well as providing an important opportunity for teachers to network and share experiences with their peers, the ‘Come to Your Senses course empowers teachers to bring new techniques back to their own school and pass these valuable skills on to their colleagues.
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REACH RCSI works in partnership with primary and post primary schools, youth and community groups together with the local community on the design and delivery of educational initiatives including Homework Clubs, Science Workshops, Sports & health programmes and an Education Information Service.

Primary Science group of 2013 along with RCSI staff (back row)