RCSI DEVELOPINGHEALTHCARE LEADERS

WHO MAKEADIFFERENCE WORLDWIDE RCSI ANNUAL REPORT

2014-2015 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI KEY STATISTICS

€119m 3,733 Annual contribution to Irish Registered students exports*

1,537 438 Postgraduate students Surgical Trainees

€50m 2,196 Investment in Undergraduate education and research students

980 22,294 Staff Alumni since 1784

* €85m from direct RCSI exports with the remainder from international student expenditure in Ireland. CONTENTS

Governance 4 President’s Review 6 Strategic Plan Accomplishments 9 Council Members 10 Senior Management Team 12 Chief Executive’s Review 13 Milestones and Achievements 16

Surgical Affairs 18

Research 24

Education, Teaching and Learning 30 Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences 32 School of Medicine 34 School of Pharmacy 36 School of Physiotherapy 38 School of Nursing and Midwifery 40 School of Postgraduate Studies 42 Institute of Leadership 44 Faculty of Dentistry 46 Faculty of Radiologists 48 Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery 50 Faculty of Sports & Exercise Medicine RCPI and RCSI 52 Irish Institute of Pharmacy 54

International Campuses 56

RCSI People 62 Human Resources at RCSI 64 Development and Alumni Relations 66 Student Experience 68

RCSI in the Community 70 Initiatives in Ireland 72 Global initiatives 74

Finance 76

Appendices 82

The reporting period for the Annual Report 2014/2015 is 1st July 2014 – 30th June 2015.

1 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI developing healthcare leaders WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WORLDWIDE

RCSI has been at the forefront of educating healthcare professionals since 1784.

We began as the home of surgical training and now our College reflects the diversity of healthcare professions worldwide.

2 RCSI Developing Healthcare Leaders who make a difference worldwide

Using our core expertise, we enhance the standards of education, health and wellbeing in our communities locally, nationally and internationally.

Through our research and innovation, we translate new discoveries into patient treatments.

3 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI GOVERNANCE

4 5 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

PRESIDENT’S REVIEW

Since its foundation in 1784, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland has earned a global reputation for excellence, driven by a unique alliance of educators, researchers and practitioners who have defined RCSI’s leadership in healthcare, and built its heritage of innovation in education and research, as well as in surgical and healthcare training and practice.

Today, RCSI’s undergraduate and postgraduate surgical campuses in Dublin, Bahrain, Perdana and Penang continue to nurture that global reputation by producing the highest quality medical graduates and surgeons, armed with the knowledge and skills required to deliver the optimum quality of healthcare to patients all over the world.

During the past year, RCSI has continued to lead the way through innovation and achievement in healthcare training and practice, nationally and internationally, and this review highlights some of the most significant developments that have taken place from July 1, 2014 to June Mr Declan J. Magee, President, RCSI 30, 2015.

Strengthening Governance sciences and surgical training facility The College Board, which held its that will keep RCSI at the forefront of the inaugural meeting on Wednesday, education of doctors, surgeons and other April 9, 2014, has continued to meet healthcare professionals into the future. regularly throughout the past 12 months and has already proven itself The new surgical training facility will as an important resource for Council, provide an ideal environment for the newly the senior management team and the formed Faculty of Postgraduate Surgical College. The 13 person-strong Board’s Educators. The Faculty aims to increase range of expertise and competencies the profile and recognition of surgical extends from medicine and education education and training, while ensuring that to the management of RCSI’s property excellence in surgical training equates to portfolio, its international Colleges and excellence and safety in patient care. wider business activities and it has played a vital part in advising strategy and Surgical Training Pathway strengthening the governance of the day- Another landmark in the transformation to-day administrative, legal and business of the Surgical Training (ST) Pathway affairs of the College. was reached with the progression of trainees from ST2 to ST3 in July 2015. As The New Academic Education Building anticipated, the implementation of the RCSI is an innovative, (NAEB) new surgical training pathway continues to The NAEB is now well-advanced in be challenging, requiring hard work and future-oriented its construction phase and should be commitment from trainers and trainees completed by the end of 2016. Upon alike to ensure its success. institution with a completion, the NAEB will act as a catalyst to further enhance existing amenities at Training the next generation is, arguably, wonderful heritage. the St Stephen’s Green campus, providing one of the most important obligations on a a unique, inspiring and ambitious medical profession and a crucial factor in ensuring

6 GOVERNANCE - President’s Review

a consistent commitment to the best the following June. The appointment University Belfast and the Royal College of patient care. As Charles Mayo (1865-1939) of Professor David Adams, who took Surgeons in Ireland have been accessing of the Mayo Clinic and an Honorary Fellow up the post of Dean on August 1, 2014, undergraduate medical education in of RCSI (1921) put it: “The safest thing for is welcomed and augurs well for future the Hospital, under the guidance of a a patient is to be in the hands of a man growth and innovation at the Perdana dedicated team of medical Consultants engaged in teaching medicine. In order to University RCSI School of Medicine. within the Western Trust. be a teacher of medicine the doctor must always be a student.” Penang Medical College (PMC) received We took the opportunity to unveil a confirmation from the Malaysian Medical plaque, recognising the South West Acute Physician Associates. Council and Malaysian Qualification Hospital as a teaching hospital of RCSI and As we are all too well aware, the Irish Agency that it has been accredited until it was a real pleasure for me to be back in health system is facing unprecedented April 2018. In a substantial addition to my home county and to acknowledge and workforce challenges. RCSI has decided to the School’s physical infrastructure, a new celebrate this cross border educational explore the role which Physician Associates PMC Satellite Clinical Skills and Education collaboration. (PA’s), clinicians who are academically Centre was completed adjacent to the qualified to provide medical and surgical Seberang Jaya Hospital and officially The Out of Town meeting took place later services to patients in a range of settings opened by the Chief Minister of Penang. on the same day at the Lough Erne Resort, under the supervision of doctors, might This hospital is one of two major specialist and drew a strong attendance from both play and how they might resolve some Ministry of Health hospitals used as a north and south of the border. There was of the difficulties in fully staffing a clinical teaching resource by PMC students. an excellent response from those who service. The first four PAs to work in Ireland attended and it is evident that there is are all from North America and have now an opportunity to deepen existing been employed by Beaumont Hospital, in links. One immediate outcome has been association with RCSI, as part of a two- a decision to hold an out-of-town Council year pilot programme to evaluate the role RCSI has continued Meeting in Belfast in May 2016, to coincide of the PA in the Irish health system. In an to lead the way with the Association of Surgeons of Great additional first for the Irish health service, Britain & Ireland Annual Congress. RCSI has launched a new postgraduate through innovation training programme for PAs, which is due Landmark for global surgery to commence in January 2016. and achievement in At the Sixty-Eighth World Health Assembly on May 22, 2015, Ministers of Health from Medical and Health Sciences healthcare training around the world approved the World During the past year, RCSI continued to Health Organisation Resolution 68/31 on make a major contribution to shaping the and practice, Strengthening Emergency and Essential future of healthcare globally through our Surgical Care and Anaesthesia, which commitment to the highest standards of nationally and recognises that surgery and anaesthesia education, training and practice across are fundamental to achieving universal our four campuses. In June, our Dublin internationally. health coverage. This Resolution follows Medical School graduated its largest class consistent, long-term advocacy efforts by ever, with 282 students receiving their RCSI and the wider healthcare community. medical degrees. Engagement across Ireland The impact of such universal access to Our overseas campuses continue to Engagement with the wider healthcare surgical and anaesthesia care was recently expand their activities and make significant profession and, in particular, our Fellows highlighted by the report of The Lancet advances in education and training. In and Members is a priority for RCSI and a Commission, which stated that 1·5 million November 2014, Bahrain celebrated its crucial part of the Presidential calendar. deaths per year could be averted. The 10th anniversary, marking a decade of During the past 12 months, I have report also concluded that essential delivering undergraduate medical training. attended the Sir Peter Freyer Meeting surgical procedures rank among the most The previous month, RCSI Bahrain’s School in NUI Galway; the Waterford Surgical cost-effective of all health interventions. of Medicine underwent an intensive review Meeting; the Leonard Abrahamson Clearly, it is vital that governments provide of its undergraduate medical teaching Lecture in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, direct funding for domestic surgical programme by the Irish Medical Council. Drogheda; and the Sylvester O’Halloran training initiatives. This support is critical The School of Medicine was awarded Surgical Scientific Symposium. to the long-term sustainability and success full accreditation for the next five years of surgical training institutions in Sub- following this review. We held very worthwhile Out of Town Saharan Africa, one of which, the College Fellows and Members meetings in Cork in of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Perdana University RCSI School of January 2015 and in Enniskillen in June. Africa (COSECSA) has been a long-term Medicine, Kuala Lumpur, continues to partner of RCSI. During the Geneva event, develop the College’s long-standing The Enniskillen meeting followed an I had the opportunity to address a large educational involvement in the country academic meeting earlier in the day number of Health Ministers and First and, in a major milestone for the School, in between the RCSI School of Medicine Secretaries from Sub-Saharan Africa to excess of 50 students will enter their final and the South West Acute Hospital. advocate for resources for COSECSA. year, in September 2015 and graduate Since 2012, students from both Queen’s

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Mr Declan J. Magee, RCSI President; Mr Joe Costello, former Minister of State for Trade and Development and Mr Francis Kaikumba, CEO of COSECSA at the launch of a Mobile Surgical Skills Unit which set sail from Dublin for Tanzania to assist the surgical care crisis in Africa.

COSECSA initiative to encompass all the countries view of the exceptional and invaluable role In another important development within served by COSECSA. The provision of the which RCSI plays in the global healthcare the last 12 months, COSECSA signed unit came about as a result of the efforts arena. RCSI is an innovative, future- a memorandum of agreement with the of the ongoing partnership between RCSI, oriented institution with a wonderful Global Alliance for Surgical, Obstetric, Irish Aid and COSECSA. heritage, and its continued success is Trauma and Anaesthesia Care – the G4 driven by the exceptional work ethic of its Alliance. The Alliance, of which RCSI staff led by our Chief Executive, Professor is a member, is dedicated to building Cathal Kelly and his Senior Management political priority for surgical care as part Team. of the global development agenda. The Alliance is Professor Pankaj Jani, Secretary General of With the support of Council, Professor COSECSA, has been elected Vice-Chair of dedicated to Kelly and his team provide the strategic the Alliance Board of Directors. building political leadership and creativity that will ensure our continued success into the future. I The last 12 months have also seen a priority for surgical am very grateful to all of them, and to the strengthening of resources for the training Vice-President and the Council members, body with the arrival of the COSECSA care as part of the for their dedication and commitment to Mobile Surgical Skills Unit in Arusha this unique College. in Tanzania. The unit is equipped with global development sophisticated technology simulators and will help to train young surgeons agenda. in hospitals across five of the ten COSECSA countries: Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania. It can accommodate 10 surgical trainees at Conclusion one time and delivers surgical training My first year as President has afforded to world-class standards. Ultimately, the me a comprehensive perspective of the intention is to broaden the scope of this College’s activities and has reinforced my

8 GOVERNANCE - Strategic Plan Accomplishments

Strategic PLAN Accomplishments Excellence in Education RCSI’s strategic plan, 'Growth and Excellence', for the Faculty of Medicine ›› Construction underway for state-of- and Health Sciences 2013 - 2017 aims to the-art academic education building on build on RCSI's international reputation York Street as a centre for excellence in healthcare Student Career Development professional development, training ›› Programme expands range of and education. Work towards the structured supports for students goals outlined in the plan progressed significantly in the past year: ›› Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education Programme Highlights of what has been achieved in established 2014-2015: ›› Strategic Plan for Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) launched in September 2014

Leadership in International ›› RCSI’s Virtual Learning Environment Medical Education Moodle upgraded.

›› Fourth RCSI International Education Forum held in June 2015 ›› RCSI Bahrain celebrates 10 year anniversary › Masters Degree in Health Research › Impactful Research and established at Penang Medical College Innovation in Health Sciences Malaysia and Education ›› RCSI Bahrain’s School of Medicine awarded full accreditation for five years ›› Launch of new Research Strategy by Irish Medical Council ›› StAR (Strategic Academic Recruitment) ›› PU-RCSI highly commended following Programme to recruit 20 new Research Irish Medical Council accreditation visit. Lecturer posts ›› Launch of Horizon 2020 Strategy ›› Implementation of Industry Engagement Strategy ›› HR Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) launched. Enhanced Organisational Capabilities

›› Commencement of Leadership Development Programme ›› New strategic marketing initiatives implemented

›› Appointment of Head of Institutional Strong Strategic Partners Research and Planning ›› New IT Helpdesk and support function ›› Appointment of Director of reflecting excellence in customer Development and Alumni Relations service. ›› Strong Alumni participation in RCSI Alumni Mentor Network ›› Ongoing Development of RCSI Hospitals Group ›› 3U Pathway Programme commenced September 2014.

9 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Pictured left to right from back row

Professor P. Ronan O’Connell Mr Kevin O’Malley Mr Michael E O’Sullivan Professor Michael J. Kerin Head, Section of Surgery and Consultant Surgeon (General/ Consultant Surgeon (Trauma & Professor and Head of Surgery Surgical Specialties, UCD, Vascular), Mater Misericordiae Orthopaedic), University Hospital and Consultant Surgeon (Breast/ Consultant Surgeon, Hospital Galway/Merlin Park Hospital Endocrine/General), NUI Galway St Vincent’s University Hospital and Galway University Hospital

Mr David B. Deasy Mr Paul Burke Mr Joseph G. O’Beirne The Hon. Mr Justice Peter Kelly Chartered Accountant, Financial Consultant General and Vascular Consultant Surgeon Judge, Court of Appeal Consultant Surgeon, St. John’s Hospital and (Orthopaedic), University Hospital University Hospital Limerick Waterford

Dr. Laura Viani Professor John Hyland Professor W. Arthur Tanner Consultant Surgeon Vice-President, RCSI Medical Consultant to Leinster (Otolaryngology), Director of Consultant Surgeon (General/ Rugby, Retired Director of National Cochlear Implant Colorectal), St. Vincent’s Surgical Affairs, RCSI Programme, Beaumont Hospital University Hospital

10 GOVERNANCE - Council Members

Mr David Quinlan Mr Kenneth Mealy Mr James Geraghty Ms Deborah McNamara Consultant Urologist, St. Vincent’s Consultant Surgeon (General), Consultant Surgeon (General/ Consultant Surgeon (General/ University Hospital Wexford General Hospital Breast) and Senior Lecturer in Colorectal), Beaumont Hospital Surgery, St. Vincent’s University Hospital and UCD

Professor Patrick J. Broe Professor Kevin Conlon Mr Parnell Keeling Professor K. Simon Cross Immediate Past-President, RCSI Professor of Surgery and Consultant Surgeon (General) Consultant Vascular and General Consultant Surgeon (General), Consultant Surgeon (General & Bon Secours Hospital, Glasnevin Surgeon, University Hospital Beaumont Hospital HPB), Trinity College Dublin, Waterford St. Vincent’s University Hospital and Tallaght Hospital

Mr David Moore Mr Declan J. Magee Ms Bridget Egan Professor Thomas F. Gorey Consultant Surgeon (Trauma President, RCSI Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Consultant Surgeon (General/ & Orthopaedic), Our Lady’s General Surgeon (Retired) AMNCH Tallaght Hospital Breast/Thyroid), Mater Children’s Hospital Crumlin/ Misericordiae Hospital AMNCH Tallaght Hospital

11 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Professor Cathal Kelly Professor Hannah McGee Professor Raymond Stallings Ms Jennifer Cullinane Chief Executive/ Registrar Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Director of Research Director of Finance and Health Sciences

Mr Barry Holmes Mr Eunan Friel Mr Michael McGrail Director of Human Resources Managing Director of Surgical Director of Corporate Strategy Affairs

12 GOVERNANCE - Chief Executive’s Review

Chief Executive’s Review In the past 12 months, the College has had a phenomenal year of ‘firsts’, encompassing significant strategic developments, organisational innovation and unprecedented achievement, which as Chief Executive, I am pleased to share with you in the RCSI Annual Report for 2014-2015.

In alignment with the goals and objectives set out in our strategic plan, Growth and Excellence, RCSI, as a health-focused institution charting an independent course, has embarked on a series of wide-ranging initiatives, supported with substantial investment, that will enable the College to develop and expand our education of undergraduate medicine, pharmacy and physiotherapy students and postgraduate research students across the spectrum of translational health research topics.

The strategically determined initiatives outlined here, and throughout this annual report, demonstrate the clarity of focus, decisiveness in implementation and determination Professor Cathal Kelly, Chief Executive/Registrar. to succeed that drives our quest to improve research, healthcare training and, ultimately, patient outcomes, nationally and internationally. Strategic Academic Recruitment (StAR) This is another major step on the way As part of RCSI’s Growth and Excellence to furthering our reputation through strategy and our StAR Programme, the facilitating our mission “to educate, College is embarking on ambitious plans nurture and discover for the benefit of to invest in the expansion of educational human health”. and research activities over the next five years to provide impactful research, Health Outcomes Research Centre excellence in education and international As part of RCSI’s overall strategy and leadership in medical education. commitment to educate and train Supported by an investment of €50m, healthcare professionals and support StAR is intended to assist the accelerated healthcare service delivery, we are The College is transfer of research discoveries to clinical investing in the establishment of a new practice for the benefit of patients. Healthcare Outcomes Research Centre. embarking on Dedicated to research, the Centre will The first phase of this exciting project has aim to deliver outputs that will have ambitious plans to been initiated with the announcement a high impact on policy, practice and invest in the of 20 new academic posts of Research knowledge, nationally and internationally, Lecturers to complement and build in order to make a real difference to expansion of upon specific research strengths within patients and our healthcare system. The the College in the areas of advanced first recruitment programme commenced educational and biomaterials, stem cells and therapeutic in May 2015. delivery; cancer; infection, immunity research activities and inflammation; population health and Physician Associates health services; respiratory diseases; RCSI announced in June 2015 that it is over the next five neuroscience and psychiatric disorders; establishing the first Physician Associates cardiovascular disease; biostatistics, Studies programme in Ireland. Already years. bioinformatics and health economics; and an established professional group in the health professions education. US and UK, the RCSI Physician Associates

13 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

Studies postgraduate programme will commence in January 2016. As part of a two-year pilot Physician Associate (PA) project in collaboration with the General Surgery Directorate Beaumont Hospital, four PAs from the US and Canada have been recruited to act as mentors and tutors for students on the PA education programme at RCSI. Dr Pauline Joyce is the Academic Coordinator for the Postgraduate Diploma in Physician Associate Studies and Professor David Kuhns, Associate Professor, has been recruited to develop the PA programme and profession in Ireland.

Student Mentor Network The RCSI Student Mentor Network was established as a professional development tool to enable final year/ senior students to engage online with Alumni. The value of the network as a key differentiating tool for our students has been underlined by its growth since inception and 890 Alumni have now signed up to support current students through the programme.

New Academic Education Building (NAEB) RCSI awarded the main construction contract for the development of a new state-of-the-art academic education building on York Street, to Bennett (Construction) Ltd in October 2014. RCSI will invest in the region of €80 million in the development of the 120,000 sq. ft Pictured at the announcement of the award of the main construction contract for the new state-of-the-art facility. It is anticipated that construction academic and education building on York Street, to Bennett (Construction) Ltd. are (l-r) Mr Declan J. Magee, President, RCSI; Mr Paul Bruton Bennett (Construction) Ltd; Donall King, Head of Legal Affairs, RCSI; will be completed by late 2016. The NAEB will be student-centred and will promote the development of the RCSI the opportunity to study in a modern, the College’s positioning in the top community at the heart of the city. inspiring and ambitious medical sciences 50 institutions globally in terms of The building will provide students with and surgical training facility and will International Outlook in the Times Higher further strengthen our reputation locally Education University World Rankings was and internationally. a significant accolade.

The building will Increase in CAO first preferences In addition, late last year, RCSI was, for 2015 saw a 23% rise in CAO first the first time, categorised by the Times provide students preferences for RCSI, driven by the Higher Education World University College’s first strategic advertising Rankings as being in the first 400 with the opportunity campaign and a strategic communications institutions in the world in 2014-15. campaign, “Developing Healthcare Inclusion in both sets of rankings provides to study in a Leaders of the Future”, which received an encouraging signal that the College a national award at the Awards for is making significant progress with its modern, inspiring Excellence in Public Relations 2015. This is Growth and Excellence strategy. and ambitious another first for RCSI as we were the first third level institution to win such an award. RCSI Hospitals medical sciences RCSI welcomed a number of key Times Higher Education World Rankings appointments to the RCSI Hospitals and surgical training In the context of international reputation, Executive Team over the past year. In rankings of higher education institutions line with RCSI’s strategy to build strong, facility. are increasingly important and the strategic partnerships with our clinical announcement in January 2015 of partners, the College welcomes the

14 GOVERNANCE - Chief Executive’s Review

RCSI Bahrain support for our strategic objectives In what is both a major achievement for across both teaching and research while RCSI Bahrain, and a meaningful indicator developing a vibrant and engaging of the quality of education provided by programme of Alumni events in Ireland the University, the RCSI programme in and abroad. the University has been accredited by the Irish Medical Council for a period of five Outstanding contribution years following a general inspection of Looking back on a year of creative the facility. In what has been a landmark innovation and ground-breaking year, RCSI Bahrain also celebrated its achievement, I must take this opportunity tenth anniversary in November 2014 to acknowledge with genuine gratitude and, in June 2015, graduated its 1,000th the outstanding contribution that the student. patients, clinicians and staff of our teaching hospitals have made to the Perdana University RCSI School of College and to thank them for their Medicine generosity towards the College, its Perdana University RCSI (PU-RCSI) School students and trainees. In addition, I of Medicine, Kuala Lumpur, continues would like to thank every member of to go from strength to strength, as emphasised by an upcoming major milestone for the School in September, when in excess of 50 students will enter Building stronger their final year, graduating the following June. The appointment of Professor ties with our David Adams, who took up the post of 20,000-strong Dean on August 1, 2014, is indicative of the School’s intent to deliver further Alumni community growth and development in the years ahead. is central to RCSI’s Penang Medical College, Malaysia strategic goal Marking another year of substantial advances, Penang Medical College of developing (PMC), Malaysia received confirmation from the Malaysian Medical Council and strong strategic Malaysian Qualification Agency that the Carole Smillie, Construction Director at Bennett college will be accredited until April partnerships. (Construction) Ltd; and Professor Cathal Kelly, RCSI 2018. PMC was also informed that it now Chief Executive/Registrar. is the only medical school outside the EU whose graduates are eligible to apply for the staff of RCSI for their hard work and appointments as important advances in internship in Ireland. dedication; the pioneering ‘firsts’ of the formation of the new group entity. the past 12 months that move us ever- RCSI Dubai closer to the realisation of our Growth RCSI Professor is new Master of Rotunda The last 12 months has seen RCSI Dubai and Excellence goals could not have Professor Fergal Malone, Professor and continue to grow and innovate in a been accomplished without our staff’s Chairman of the RCSI (Royal College rapidly developing environment. This boundless energy and unwavering focus. of Surgeons in Ireland) Department of year, RCSI Dubai graduated 69 students; Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the 41 graduates were conferred with an MSc In conclusion, I also want to thank my Rotunda Hospital, has been appointed in Healthcare Management, 22 with an colleagues on the senior management as the next Master and Chief Executive MSc in Quality and Safety in Healthcare team and the Council, led by Mr Declan Officer of the Rotunda, for a seven- Management and six were conferred with Magee as President. I am indebted to year term. Fergal, a Waterford native, a Postgraduate Diploma. them for their prudent advice, consistent will be the 39th consecutive Master of support and sustained commitment to the Rotunda since its inception in 1745. Key strategic appointment RCSI’s strategic vision. Professor Malone will take up the position A key strategic appointment this in January 2016. year has been Aíne Gibbons as Director of Development and Alumni International activities Relations. Building stronger ties with Our overseas campuses continue to our 20,000-strong Alumni community steadily progress with many notable is central to RCSI’s strategic goal of highlights during the past 12 months. developing strong strategic partnerships. Aíne will lead the College’s efforts to secure transformative, philanthropic

15 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI milestones and achievements

Pictured anticlockwise from top

July Mr Francis Kaikumba, CEO of COSECSA speaking at the launch of a Mobile Surgical Skills Unit which set sail from Dublin for Tanzania to assist the surgical care crisis in Africa.

August RCSI ran a series of historic public talks and tours as part of National Heritage Week including lectures from (l-r) Mr Joe Duignan, former RCSI Council Member; Meadhbh Murphy, RCSI Archivist; and Professor Clive Lee, Professor of Anatomy, RCSI.

September RCSI students Farah Adamali, Alison Cameron-Vendrig, Justin Greco and Jodie Odame at the White Coat Ceremony which took place as part of Orientation Week.

October Keith Duffy was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the RCSI Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery in recognition of his work for autism awareness at part of the Faculty’s 40th Anniversary celebrations.

November All Ireland GAA football winner Donnchadh Walsh (BSc Physiotherapy) was among 750 students conferred at the November Conferring Ceremonies.

December Maureen McSweeney is pictured at the annual Christmas lunch for senior citizens of the local community hosted by RCSI.

16 GOVERNANCE - RCSI Milestones and Achievements

Pictured anticlockwise from bottom

January Niamh Connolly pictured at the annual RCSI Open Day.

February Professor John O’Byrne, Abraham Colles Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, RCSI and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital, Dublin speaks at the RCSI Charter Day meeting.

March RCSI students practice their dance routines ahead of International Night, the culmination of a month-long series of events that took place as part of RCSI Cultural Diversity Month.

April Finalists compete the RCSI National Surgical Training Competition.

May Chelsea Garcia from Trinidad and Tobago, celebrating with her baby girl Cianna Mary Garcia, was among 282 medical students who received their results at Final Medicine Results Day 2015.

June Mark Pollock, explorer, adventurer and collaboration catalyst, was awarded an honorary doctorate and delivered an inspirational speech to the graduating students at the RCSI School of Medicine Conferring Ceremony in the RDS.

17 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI SURGICAL AFFAIRS

SURGICAL AFFAIRS FACTS

Core Surgical Trainees 102

BST in Emergency Medicine 50

Specialty Surgical Trainees 71 Higher Surgical Trainees 215 Professional Development Programme 390

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RCSI Surgical Affairs

Surgical Training

In another year marked by ongoing change and innovation, RCSI, under the Leadership of Professor Oscar Traynor, has continued to support and nurture surgical leaders of the future through the continued development of the new surgical training pathway, while providing surgeons in practice with an array of services specifically designed to enhance professionalism throughout every career phase. Professor Norman Williams, Director, National Centre for Bowel Research and Surgical Innovation, UK, receives an Honorary Fellowship at the RCSI Millin Meeting 2014.

Training Pathway context of the current service delivery strengthen the precision of this approach, The new Training Pathway was initiated in model. To mitigate these pressures, our the College has invested in a new Quality January 2013. We have now completed strategy has been to support the new Assurance Office within Surgical Affairs. two years of the new programme for pathway with structured learning and Its role is to provide valuable oversight on surgical trainees and our Emergency skills interventions covering both clinical our assessment processes to ensure they Medicine specialty has recently migrated expertise and important human factors are robust and rigorous. to the seamless training pathway. It was encouraging that more than 90% of RCSI wishes to acknowledge ongoing new pathway surgical trainees secured support for our training objectives from their preferred specialty positions in 90% of new pathway HSE National Doctors Training and Surgical Training (ST) 2, affording them Planning (NDTP) which has helped to the opportunity to compete for training surgical trainees ensure seamless continuity in our training in their preferred specialty in ST3. At cycles, accommodating trainees on the end of January 2015, the first cohort secured their the new Surgical Training Pathway and of the new Surgical Training Pathway trainees completing the previous training competed for entry to the specialty preferred specialty path. We also continue to foster close training programme in ST3 to commence collaboration with NDTP in relation to in July 2015. positions. the development of manpower planning within the healthcare system. The successful progression of trainees from ST2 to ST3 has been a further 2014 saw the appointment of Hospital positive step, but implementation of the capabilities, including decision-making, Based Programme Directors to support new pathway remains challenging in the communication, team work, conflict Core Training. We thank these and all our resolution and error management. trainers for all that they do to support The new pathway will continue to be and deliver training as well as the team adapted to meet the needs of trainees in our Faculty and the RCSI Anatomy and specialties, as well as the challenges Department. of the changing healthcare environment which it serves. Excellence in surgical National Surgical Training Centre (NSTC) training is a key factor in the delivery of The ongoing progress in the construction high-quality patient care in the future of the New Academic Education Building and, guided by that principle, we remain (NAEB), will enable a step change in the steadfastly committed to the success development of our skills and behaviour of the Surgical Training Pathway, as well training for both Surgery and Emergency as the objectives that shape it, i.e., the Medicine trainees. The new NSTC will imperative to continue to attract the best form part of the top three clinical learning candidates to the surgical profession and floors in the building, which will be to train them to the highest standards. dedicated to the provision of a state of the art learning environment. Mr Eunan Friel, A crucial factor in ensuring the Managing Director, Surgical Affairs effectiveness of the new pathway is As a pioneer in the development of the measurement of progress based structured learning and human factors on assessed competency. To further curricula, RCSI is delighted that the NSTC

20 SURGICAL AFFAIRS

Professor Carol-Anne Moulton, University Health Network/University of Toronto (centre) who gave the Johnson Surgeons try out SurgiQuiz, a Surgery and Anatomy & Johnson lecture, entitled “The Vulnerability of the Surgeon in Shining Armour” at the RCSI Charter Day quiz game developed by RCSI, at its launch during meeting, pictured with Professor John Hyland, Vice President, RCSI and Mr Declan J. Magee, RCSI President. the RCSI Millin Meeting 2014. became one of the first training centres Mr Gareth Quin as Dean to lead the chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, in Europe to be awarded accreditation by development of this large training President of DCU, addressing a range the Network of Accredited Clinical Skills programme. of issues relating to the training and Centres of Europe (NASCE) in February recruitment of doctors in the Irish public 2015. Accreditation health system. The Working Group, which As a postgraduate training body was supported by the Forum of Irish After a rigorous accreditation process, accredited by the Medical Council, RCSI Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies, the NSTC received full, unconditional, participates in a cycle of accreditation completed its work at the end of June multi-specialty accreditation for four by the Council of all its surgical specialty 2014 and made valuable and insightful years, in what is a notable coup for training programmes individually. An recommendations, relating not only to RCSI. The assessor complimented the accreditation review of the Trauma the training structures supporting junior continuous renewal ethos within the and Orthopaedic Surgery training was doctors, but also to the employment NSTC and identified particular strengths completed this year as well as that of and retention challenges at both junior of the centre including: use of technology the new Vascular Surgery specialty. We doctor and consultant levels. The to support learning; the high output of would like to acknowledge the positive Department of Health has established quality research/publications related to and constructive engagement of the Irish an Implementation Monitoring Group, skills acquisition; and a well-developed Medical Council in this process. comprising key stakeholders to monitor human factors curriculum. implementation of recommendations. Publications Faculty of Postgraduate Surgical The publication of the Irish Medical Educators Council’s first national trainee experience Surgical Practice June 2015 saw the launch of the Faculty survey, Your Training Counts, is an of Postgraduate Surgical Educators, important development in the process RCSI and Surgical Affairs prioritises the which will work to maximise the quality of of continuously improving the quality of enhancement of surgical practice to postgraduate surgical education in RCSI both postgraduate and undergraduate optimise patient care as a core value, and to define future learning content as medical training in Ireland. This important its primary objective being to help we prepare for the training opportunities and comprehensive survey of the trainee surgeons achieve the highest standards presented by our new academic building. experience at both intern and specialty of professionalism in an ever-evolving and The Faculty also aims to ensure that level provides valuable insights into high pressure environment. Under the excellence in surgical training equates to the experiences of our trainee doctors stewardship of Professor Sean Tierney, excellence and safety in patient care. across the specialties in both hospital Dean of Professional Development and The Faculty of Postgraduate Surgical and general practice. The College and Practice, Surgical Affairs engages with, Educators will encourage new initiatives the Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical and supports our Fellows and Members, and new ideas in terms of how we can Trainee Bodies are committed to a as well as service and regulatory stake- deliver excellence in surgical training. careful assessment of the issues raised holders, to enhance patient care. Initially, the Faculty will comprise 18 in this report and delivery of considered members, who will be involved in responses that will address them National Clinical Programmes in Surgery teaching, assessments and curriculum effectively. (NCPS) Surgery Programme development across surgical training in The National Surgery Programme, led RCSI. Medical training and career structures jointly by Professor Frank Keane and Mr The College welcomes the publication of Ken Mealy, is a joint initiative between In our Emergency Medicine Programme, three reports by the Working Group on the Clinical Strategy and Programmes we congratulate the appointment of Medical Training and Career Structures, Division of the HSE and RCSI. The

21 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

Programme has continued to initiate and an online reporting tool which allows those in vascular surgery in the UK. The develop important measures to improve hospital staff to review and analyse finalisation of a vascular surgery training performance in relation to the safety their surgical performance on in-patient programme is currently underway, with and efficiency of surgical delivery. It is procedures. a view to the College welcoming its first encouraging to see the planned move cohort of vascular surgery trainees in July towards integrated care programmes that Under the leadership of Mr Paddy Kenny 2016 pending its accreditation by the better reflect patient pathways, allowing and Mr David Moore, the Orthopaedic Irish Medical Council. a more co-ordinated approach across Surgery Programme will launch the Model specialties which will further encourage of Care for Trauma and Orthopaedic the evolution of more patient-centred Surgery by the Minister for Health Leo solutions. Varadkar, in July 2015. The Model of Care for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery has It is vital that The National Clinical Programmes in been developed as a blueprint for the the drivers of Surgery (NCPS), were pivotal to the future of the specialty, the largest and development and implementation of the busiest surgical specialty in Ireland, with clinical outcomes Irish Hospital Redesign Programme (IHRP) the objective of increasing the safety and in Tallaght Hospital. This programme is accessibility of trauma and orthopaedic are analysed, supported by the Minister for Health Leo care to patients through the consistent Varadkar and the Acute Hospital Director provision of streamlined trauma and understood and Mr Liam Wood, and has provided orthopaedic services across the country. valuable insights on cross-specialty interpreted to inform care. At individual hospital visits, NCPS National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA) issued individual hospital data reports One of the many valuable initiatives future best practice. and analyses from the national Hospital to emerge from the National Surgery InPatient Enquiry dataset. Programme, the National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA) is an essential The Productive Operating Theatre source for detailed, reliable data on Professional Competence Scheme (PCS) (TPOT), a work stream of the NCPS, surgical outcomes and a vital support in Now well-established as a key support wrote two TPOT improvement manuals enabling surgeons to assess and address tool for the surgical profession, the and delivered training workshops to 23 professionalism levels. PCS, run by the RCSI at the designation Irish hospitals in 2014/2015. RCSI hosted of the Medical Council, is in its fourth the Health Pricing Office (HPO) Activity As we enter a world of increased year. Under the leadership of Professor Based Funding Conference in May 2015 health outcomes reporting, the value Sean Tierney, the scheme helps both with over 400 attendees from the HSE, of NOCA will only increase. It is vital surgical and emergency medicine the Clinical Professions and Hospital that the drivers of clinical outcomes are practitioners meet their regulatory Management. analysed, understood and interpreted requirements for continuing professional to inform future best practice. NOCA development. The College continues to In April 2015, RCSI’s Council endorsed was established in 2012, through the work closely with the Medical Council the launch of the National Quality collaborative efforts of RCSI and the HSE to expand professional development Assurance Intelligence System (NQAIS) Quality Improvement Division, with the activity offerings that support enhanced specific purpose of creating sustainable provision of essential lifelong learning structures to develop and support clinical opportunities. audit nationally. Professional Development Programme Led by Mr Ken Mealy, Clinical Director, The 2014/2015 Professional Development NOCA, has overcome many obstacles Programme for non-consultant hospital since its launch and is now firmly doctors, working in the fields of surgery positioned as a credible enabler of and emergency medicine, at RCSI quality improvement. Its influential role provides an expanded suite of technical was further underlined when it hosted a skills and human factors modules. The highly informative inaugural conference in Programme, now in its fourth year, is RCSI in May 2015. funded by the HSE NDTP and is intended to facilitate NCHDs within the public Vascular Surgery health service, who are not on training RCSI and the Surgical Affairs Department schemes, to maintain their professional welcomes the formal recognition by the competence in line with Medical Council Medical Council of vascular surgery as requirements, and provides a structured a specialty in its own right in Ireland. means of achieving external CPD credits. It is an essential step in facilitating the enhancement of vascular surgery practice with consequent benefits for Mr Conor Deasy, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, patient care and enables us to bring our Cork University Hospital addresses the RCSI Charter structures here into full alignment with Day meeting.

22 SURGICAL AFFAIRS

Increased candidate numbers are expected for both programmes in 2016.

Medical Validation Ireland (MVI) 2015 has been a significant year for MVI with the successful completion of the Qatar Revalidation Programme in February. This project assessed almost 800 Consultants working in Hamad Medical Corporation and the Primary Healthcare Corporation. It concluded with a Revalidation Awards Ceremony in Doha in February. This unique event was attended by all Presidents and Deans of MVI’s seven partner Training Bodies. MVI also exhibited at the 2015 Arab Health Summit and is currently working with Professor Oscar Traynor, Director, RCSI National Surgical Training Centre with Natalie Sheung, RCSI medical Enterprise Ireland to expand its customer student, winner of the RCSI National Surgical Skills Competition 2015. base in the Gulf Area. MVI is also en- gaging with partner Training Bodies International coming months. RCSI is also contributing to enhance and expand its portfolio of Activities to the international roll out of the Joint assessment products. Surgical Colleges Fellowship Examination RCSI’s Surgical Affairs International in specialties such as General Surgery, Court of Examiners activities have had an exceptionally Trauma & Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery, Launched in 2014, RCSI’s Court of successful year through a combination Cardiothoracic Surgery and Urology. Examiners has since established itself as a of examinations , courses as well as platform of recognition for the College’s innovative new programmes. International Medical Graduate MRCS and FRCS Examiners. During the Programmes last 12 months, the Court has recruited Overseas Surgical Exams and Skills Surgery International at RCSI has an additional 70 members. The Inaugural Courses successfully established two surgical Annual Meeting and Dinner of the Court Significant progress has been made in the training programmes for International was held at the College in May 2015. This last year with overseas surgical exams and Medical Graduates (IMGs) in partnership meeting focused on contemporary issues skills courses. RCSI has now moved to the with other postgraduate training bodies, relating to examining generally and to the MRCS Part B OSCE at exams centres in the HSE and overseas sponsoring Intercollegiate Membership Examinations Bahrain, Jordan and Penang. New MRCS bodies. Pilots for the Academic and in particular. The Court will continue exam centres have also been established Clinical Fellowship Programme and the to focus on recruiting MRCS and FRCS in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and in Collaborative Residency Programme were examiners in Ireland. RCSI also intends Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The College has launched in 2013 and 2014 respectively. to set up Chapters of the Court in the begun offering an MRCS Part B (OSCE) Both programmes provide academic and Middle East and Malaysia in 2016. preparation course, both in Ireland and, clinical training to IMGs from international for the first time in September 2015, partner organisations, who return to their in Bahrain. New Basic Surgical Skills sponsoring countries on completing courses will be launched overseas in two years of clinical training in Ireland.

Awards 2015 The following received awards in 2015: ›› The RCSI-Anthony Walsh/Ipsen Urology The College is committed to encouraging Travelling Fellowship, James Forde the acquisition of additional training ›› The RCSI Colles Travelling Fellowship in and skills outside its own structured Surgery, Zahraa Al-Hilli and John Burke ›› Irish Travelling Fellowship, RCSI/ programmes and provides a range of RSM Section of Coloproctology, scholarships and grants in postgraduate ›› The joint RCSI/Gussie Mehigan Travel Michael R Boland surgery to assist surgeons-in-training and Grant, Joseph Baker recently appointed consultant surgeons ›› Millin Lecture, Aoife Lowery to gain additional expertise in centres of ›› The Joint ACS/RCSI Resident Exchange excellence overseas. programme, Rory Kennelly ›› Dr Richard Steevens Fellowship for 2015, Anne Collins ›› RCSI/Ethicon Foundation Travel Grants, Joseph Baker, Anne Collins, James ›› The Brian Lane Medal, Anthony Hoban Forde, Helen Heneghan, Rory Kennelly, Barry McGuire, Seamus McHugh, ›› The Professor W.A.L. MacGowan Medal, Shirley Potter and Mira Sadadcharam Desmond Toomey

23 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI RESEARCH

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Investment of 50m €in education and research

Publication of 375 PubMed indexed articles

Launch of Improving Human Health: RCSI’s Strategy for Excellence in Translational Research 2014-2020

Discovery of new pathways for treatment of schizophrenia

Breakthrough in treatment of hereditary emphysema

24 25 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI RESEARCH

The launch of a new strategy for excellence in translational research and the announcement of a €50m investment in both its educational and research activities were among the highlights in a hugely significant year for research at RCSI. As an exclusively health sciences-focused institution with strong links to acute hospitals and institutions that reflect the wide diversity of healthcare facilities and needs, RCSI is uniquely placed to develop and enhance translational research for the benefit of patients and the healthcare system. Its new five- year investment plan is set to create 100 research jobs, including 40 full-time academic posts, and will provide new laboratories and facilities to support their work. Professor Ray Stallings, Director of Research, RCSI, and Minister Damien English T.D., Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation at the launch of the College’s new research strategy.

New research strategy expand its educational and research Communication of high-impact research Improving Human Health: RCSI’s Strategy activities by establishing a Strategic In this annual reporting period (July 1, for Excellence in Translational Research Academic Recruitment (StAR) 2014 to June 30, 2015), researchers at 2014-2020 was launched at an event programme. These plans include the RCSI published a total of 375 PubMed attended by Minister for Skills, Research establishment of 20 research lectureships indexed articles, communicating research and Innovation, Damien English, in and 20 associate professorships, findings in a very broad range of health November 2014. The strategy will focus science disciplines. This is a brief sample on innovative research that leads to selected from the array of articles better diagnostics, therapeutics and published in exceptionally high-impact devices. It will also tackle important The strategy will journals where the senior author was an healthcare delivery issues, inform policy RCSI staff member. and clinical practice, and enhance focus on innovative the quality of education of healthcare Research to guide GP management of professionals. The plans for developing research that leads multimorbidity research and innovation at RCSI are Researchers from RCSI have conducted based on RCSI’s current strategic to better diagnostics, a new clinical review that provides roadmap, Growth & Excellence 2013- guidance for doctors on how to best 2017. therapeutics and organise and prioritise care for patients who suffer from multiple chronic medical Strategic initiatives in research and devices. conditions (multimorbidity). The study innovation was carried out by the Health Research RCSI will invest in a major drive to Board (HRB) Centre for Primary Care Research at RCSI’s Department of along with additional methodological General Practice, in collaboration with and biostatistical supports, PhD and researchers from the University of Bristol MD studentships and infrastructural and the University of Dundee, UK. The developments. This significant study, entitled “Managing patients with investment in our people and our multimorbidity in primary care”, was infrastructure supports the College’s published in the BMJ (2015 January; 350: aims to deliver excellence in education h176). The first author on the paper was for our students and to transfer research Dr Emma Wallace, with Professor Susan discoveries more quickly into clinical Smith as senior author. practice for the benefit of patients. The College will also create a Health Impaired bacterial killing by neutrophils Outcomes Research Centre that will in cystic fibrosis focus on how the Irish health system Professor Gerry McElvaney, and impacts upon healthcare outcomes. his team of researchers from RCSI, The centre will initially focus on surgical made an important breakthrough in Professor Ray Stallings, outcomes and identify ways of improving understanding the mechanisms behind Director of Research patient care by evidence-based best impaired bacterial killing by neutrophils practice. in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). The research was carried out by RCSI in

26 RESEARCH

Pictured (l-r) are Dr Helena Kelly, (Deputy Co-ordinator of DRIVE), Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutics at RCSI and Dr Garry Duffy (Co-ordinator for DRIVE), Department of Anatomy and Tissue Engineering Research Group at RCSI and AMBER Investigator. DRIVE was awarded €8.9m in EU funding to develop materials and cell based treatments for diabetes. collaboration with the National Institute Board. Professor David Cotter and Dr 13 countries, measured the efficacy for Cellular Biotechnology (NICB) in Gerard Cagney from Conway Institute of of augmentation therapy over a four- Dublin City University and King’s College Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, year period. A total of 23 patients from London, UK. Their research findings University College Dublin, were senior Ireland were involved in the study, the were published in Blood (2014 August; authors on the paper. majority of whom are still receiving the 124[7]). The first author on the research treatment today. The research findings was Dr Kerstin Pohl, with Professor Gerry Breakthrough in treatment of hereditary were published in The Lancet (2015 May; McElvaney as senior author. emphysema S0140-6736[15]: 60860-1). Professor Gerry McElvaney led a team of Breakthrough in understanding gene international colleagues to scientifically Funding Awards activity in epilepsy The total external funding awarded for Neuroscientists from RCSI have made the calendar year 2014 was €23.2m. a breakthrough in understanding what Details of a number of the larger awards controls gene activity in epilepsy. The Researchers are included below. findings may also help to explain why epileptic states can be so persistent. from RCSI, made ›› Dr Garry Duffy (Co-ordinator), The research, entitled “Differential Diabetes Reversing Implants with DNA methylation profiles of coding and an important enhanced Viability and long-term non-coding genes define hippocampal Efficacy (DRIVE). EU/H2020 ‘DRIVE’ sclerosis in human temporal lobe breakthrough in project. Total award €8.9m, of which epilepsy”, was published in the leading €1.3m to RCSI. neurology journal, Brain (2015 March; understanding the 138: 616-31), with Dr Suzanne Miller- ›› Professor Jochen Prehn and Dr Markus Delaney as lead author of the study mechanisms behind Rehm, Development of personalised and Professor David Henshall as senior medicine approaches for the clinical author. impaired bacterial application of IAP antagonists in killing by neutrophils metastatic and high-risk early stage Clues to new pathways for treatment of colorectal cancer. SFI Investigator schizophrenia in individuals with Award: €1m. RCSI researchers led the first research study to identify specific post-synaptic cystic fibrosis. ›› Professor Fergal Malone, HRB Ireland density (PSD)-associated genes and Perinatal Clinical Trials Network, 14 proteins linked to schizophrenia. The partners in total (seven hospitals and study, entitled “Proteomic and genomic their affiliated third-level institutions). evidence implicates the postsynaptic validate that alpha-1 proteinase Total award €1.8m, of which €702k to density in schizophrenia”, was published inhibitor augmentation therapy is RCSI. in the journal, Molecular Psychiatry (2014 successful in slowing the progression Apr; 20: 424-432), the highest-impact of emphysema and loss of lung density, ›› Professor Tom Fahey, HRB Centre for journal in psychiatry. Lead author, Dr signalling an important breakthrough Primary Care Research. Total award Melanie Föcking, was supported by in the understanding and treatment of €3m, of which €2.5m to RCSI. a 2012 NARSAD Young Investigator hereditary emphysema. The study, which Grant and by the Health Research was carried out in 28 centres across ›› Professor Richard Costello, INCA Sun:

27 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

In June 2015, Trinity College Dublin and RCSI launched a consortium partnership to enhance output in technology and knowledge transfer through research collab- orations. Pictured (l-r) is Diarmuid O'Brien, Director of Trinity Research and Innovation, TCD; Aoife Gallagher, Head of Innovation, RCSI; Gordon Elliott, Technology Transfer Case Manager, TCD and RCSI; Margaret Woods, Technology Transfer Manager, TCD; and Professor Ray Stallings, Director of Research, RCSI.

A prospective randomised multicentre infection. SFI Career Development of Pharmaceutics, RCSI School of study to optimise the management of Award. €593k. Pharmacy, and Jonathon Morrissey, a symptomatically uncontrolled asthma graduate of RCSI School of Pharmacy, patients. HRB/Health Research Award ›› Dr Ann Hopkins, Understanding the €800k. mechanistic role and drugability of JAM-A, an emerging upstream ›› Dr Markus Rehm, Exploiting regulator of breast cancer tumourigenic MELanoma disease comPLEXity to signalling, using in vitro and in vivo Neuroscientists from address European research training methodologies and a novel small RCSI have made needs in translational cancer systems molecule inhibitor. SFI Investigator biology and cancer systems medicine. Programme (IvP) Award. €516k. a breakthrough in EU-H2020/Marie Curie ITN. Total award €2.8m, of which €831k to RCSI. ›› Professor Jochen Prehn, Angiogenin understanding what protein delivery for the treatment of ›› Dr Steve Kerrigan, Endothelial motoneuron diseases. SFI/Industry controls gene activity dysfunction in severe blood stream Research Partnership. €515k. in epilepsy. ›› Professors Sally-Ann Cryan, Gerry McElvaney, Fergal O’Brien, Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM). SFI Research Centre Award (seven were among those honoured at the partners in total). €485k to RCSI. 10th annual Helix Health Pharmacist Awards. Professor Cryan received Awards, Honours And Prizes the Professional Excellence Award, ›› Professor Aidan Bradford, RCSI sponsored by KrKa, for her work in Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI in pharmacy education and her was awarded the degree of Doctor contribution to drug delivery research. of Science (DSc) by the National Jonathon Morrissey won the Patient- University of Ireland. The DSc is the Nominated Award, sponsored by Teva, highest academic qualification that can for his work in community practice in be awarded by an Irish university. It is Marron’s Pharmacy, Clane, Co Kildare. based on submitted published work and is awarded to scholars who have, ›› Professor Fergal O’Brien (Anatomy) was over a sustained period, published a presented with the Anatomical Society substantial body of groundbreaking New Fellow of the Year Award at the and influential work in a field of AGM in the University of Birmingham, specialisation and who have achieved UK, by Professor Clive Lee, President of Ms Zaitun Zakaria, neurosurgery trainee who was outstanding distinction internationally the Anatomical Society. announced as the winner of the Mr Kamal Sayed in that field. Prize in Neurosurgery at RCSI Research Day 2015. The Prize, which is generously supported by Dr ›› Professor Dermot Kenny (RCSI MCT) Yacoob Kadwa, RCSI Class of 1965, is a prestigious › Professor Sally-Ann Cryan, Research and Professor Elaine Kay (RCSI award of RCSI and is run in conjunction with the Irish › Institute of Clinical Neuroscience. Convenor and Associate Professor Pathology), research team, won

28 RESEARCH

both the DCU President’s Award Appointments ›› Professor Brian Harvey has been for Innovation and a DCU Invent ›› Professor Fergal Malone, Professor and appointed as the President of the Life Commercialisation Award for their Chairman of the RCSI Department of Sciences Council of the French National project which focuses on biochip array Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and the Research Agency, ANR. assay for the detection of colorectal Rotunda Hospital, has been appointed cancer antibodies. The research team as the next Master and Chief Executive ›› Professor Mary Leader, RCSI received the award for an innovation Officer of the Rotunda, for a seven-year Department of Pathology, has become partnership with Randox Teoranta. term. President Elect of the British Division of the International Academy of ›› Dr Alice O’Farrell (Physiology and Pathology. Mary will be President from Medical Physics and Centre for Systems November 2016 for two years. Medicine) was awarded the 2015 Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland Professor Mary (RAMI) Barcroft Medal at the Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Sciences Cannon appeared Section, which was held at RCSI on on the Thomson June 18. The Award was made for Alice’s presentation entitled “Cardiac Reuters Highly metabolic pathway remodelling in response to sunitinib malate: potential Cited Researchers role for positron emission tomography in the cardio-oncology setting”. website and in the

›› Professor Fergal O’Brien (Anatomy) was 2014 World’s Most announced as the incoming President of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Influential Scientific Ireland Bioengineering Division. Minds report. ›› Professor Mary Cannon, Department of Psychiatry and Beaumont Hospital, appeared on the Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researchers website and ›› Professor David Henshall (Physiology in the 2014 World’s Most Influential and Medical Physics) has been Scientific Minds report which has been named as the incoming President of recently launched. Inclusion means the Neuroscience Ireland. Dr Mary Clarke person’s research is listed in the top 1 (Psychology and Psychiatry) also joins per cent for the number of times their the Neuroscience Ireland board as its work has been cited by other scientists. new Vice President.

Seán Quinlan, Mariana Alvez and Alba Jimenez pictured at RCSI Research Day 2015. Dr Eva Jimenez Mateos and Dr Tobias Engel who were recipients of Science Foundation Ireland’s (SFI) Starting Investigator Research Grant (SIRG).

29 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI Education, Teaching and Learning

Education, Teaching and Learning

Faculty of Medicine and Health Services 32

School of Medicine 34

School of Pharmacy 36

School of Physiotherapy 38

School of Nursing and Midwifery 40

School of Postgraduate Studies 42

Institute of Leadership 44

Faculty of Dentistry 46

Faculty of Radiologists 48

Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery 50

Faculty of Sports & Exercise Medicine, RCPI and RCSI 52

Irish Institute of Pharmacy 54

30 31 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Through its schools and academic and administrative departments, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences has implemented a series of innovative initiatives in 2014/2015 that are intended to make a significant contribution to RCSI’s international leadership in teaching and learning within the health professions. RCSIsmj editorial team launch the 8th edition of the journal.

In a significant acknowledgement of the and simulated training in what will be more quickly into clinical practice for the College’s ongoing work in advancing a transformative advance in education benefit of patients. standards of excellence in education, infrastructure within the College. RCSI was ranked in the top 50 institutions International Education Forum in the world in terms of International Student Career Development The fourth RCSI International Education Outlook in the Times Higher Education Programme Forum took place in June 2015. The World University Rankings announced The Student Career Development theme was “Leadership in International early in 2015. The announcement was Programme, led by Ms Fionnuala Education” and focused on contemporary made following on from the Times Higher Rahilly continues to expand its range developments in health professions Education World University Rankings in of structured supports designed to education and significant projects October 2014 which listed RCSI in the top primarily assist our full-time students underway across the Faculty of Medicine 400 institutions in the world for the first at the Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Health Sciences. time. Physiotherapy and Postgraduate Studies in critical career planning and For the first time, the Forum included New Academic and Education Building management processes. a one-day expert symposium, (NAEB) The RCSI Alumni Mentor Network, a which focused on the theme of The opening of the NAEB in 2017 will key professional development tool “Interprofessional Education”. The create meaningful new learning spaces that enables students to engage with symposium enabled international experts for twenty-first century medical education Alumni online, continues to go from and keynote speakers to engage with the in RCSI, including the addition of over strength to strength with 890 Alumni now Faculty, to share their experiences and 500 library spaces, a 540-seat lecture participating. perspectives, facilitate discussion and theatre, and a suite of technology- inform the Faculty’s strategy development enabled smaller rooms for tutorials Strategic Academic Recruitment processes. Programme As part of RCSI’s StAR (Strategic In addition, the School of Medicine Academic Recruitment) Programme, the curriculum and assessment review, College has embarked on an exciting, planning and business meetings were expansionary phase which will see the incorporated within the Forum. Over 130 recruitment of 20 new academic posts of attendees from RCSI Dublin, together Research Lecturer and associated PhD with 28 colleagues from Perdana studentships: 20 Associate Professors; University (KL, Malaysia) and RCSI Bahrain and new staff to complement existing attended the meeting. colleagues in developing a Biostatistics Unit. Health Professions Education Centre (HPEC) The programme aims to build upon HPEC delivered a significant advance RCSI’s areas of research strength and it in staff professional development with also enhances our teaching Faculty for the establishment of the Postgraduate the benefit of students. Diploma in Health Professions Education Professor Hannah McGee, Programme. The Postgraduate Diploma Dean, Faculty of Medicine and This significant investment supports supports the development of leading- Health Sciences the College’s Research Strategy which edge educational skills grounded in aims to transfer research discoveries appropriate theoretical frameworks. The

32 Education, Teaching and Learning - RCSI Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

programme commenced at St Stephens’s Research Strategy was launched as part of studies in association with the School of Green in September 2014 with 22 the RCSI Research Strategy in November Postgraduate Studies in Dublin in Autumn academic participants and will continue 2014. The HPE Research Strategy will 2015. with another intake this September 2015 build on organisational capability and at Beaumont Hospital. The programme enhance partnerships with: Penang Medical College (PMC), Malaysia has also commenced with 10 staff ›› RCSI international sites, such as RCSI PMC continues to strengthen its members in RCSI Bahrain. Bahrain, Penang Medical College and contribution to the advancement of HPEC also now supports the roll-out of a Perdana University; healthcare through excellence in medical Peer Observation of Teaching Programme ›› national partners, such as NUI education, training, research and practice. across the College. The model used is Maynooth and Dublin City University; In an exciting new development for collaborative and formative; 84 members and, PMC, the first year of a Masters Degree of Faculty have attended the training ›› existing international links, such as in Health Research, led by Professor workshops and over 50 have been actively Maastricht University, the Mayo Clinic Dr Abdul Rashid Khan (PMC) and engaging with the process of peer and McGill University. Professor Ronan Conroy (RCSI), was observation over the past academic year. delivered during the last 12 months. Best evidence in medical education This innovative two-year programme is Educator in Residence International Collaborating Centre tailored to the career development needs Our second Educator in Residence was (BICC) of health professionals in Malaysia and Professor Clarence Kreiter, a Professor at In March 2014, HPEC was awarded neighbouring countries in the region. the University of Iowa Carver College of the status of BICC, joining 12 other Medicine, USA. He took up the position institutions globally. As a BICC, HPEC has Perdana University RCSI School of of Fulbright Scholar in RCSI in Spring been collaborating with other centres to Medicine (PU-RCSI), Malaysia 2015. Professor Kreiter has a doctorate promote the creation of a culture of best The appointment of Professor David in quantitative psychology, measurement evidence among individuals, institutions Adams to the post of Dean in August and statistics, has published extensively and national bodies in the production 2014, marked the beginning of a new on innovative cognitive and clinical skills of systematic reviews which present and phase in the development of PU-RCSI assessment designs, statistical selection make accessible the best evidence and and another significant milestone will be methods and research design. The support for stakeholders in adopting an reached in September 2015, when the Fulbright assignment involved research evidence-informed approach to teaching first group of students will enter their final and development of both traditional and practice. year. computer-based simulation assessment methods, as well as a teaching Faculty-level Vice Dean Developments The Fourth International Conference collaboration with the RCSI graduate A series of new Vice Deans have for Healthcare and Medical Students programme in Health Professions been appointed with specific areas of (ICHAMS) Education. responsibility, signalling development The undergraduate biomedical priorities within the Faculty over the next conference, aimed at students and run Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) four years. by students took place in October 2014. Strategy for RCSI 2014-2017 The highly successful event was attended The RCSI Strategic Plan for provision of The appointments are: by 110 students from 15 countries. The TEL services and support for teaching ›› Dr Mary Clarke as Vice Dean for meeting not only gives students the and learning at RCSI was launched in International Citizenship; opportunity to present research findings September 2014. The Strategy has been ›› Dr Frances Horgan, as Vice Dean for and have their abstracts published, but informed by an action research study and Interprofessional Education; also highlights the importance of research developed by HPEC, in consultation with ›› Professor Kieran Murphy, Vice Dean for and provides career information on key stakeholders, utilising the expertise Professionalism; and, specific research topics. and experiences of the teaching and ›› Dr Orna Tighe, as Vice Dean for Student learning community at RCSI. Support and Development. RCSI Student Medical Journal (RCSIsmj) This journal is a student-led initiative, In line with the RCSI TEL Strategy, a Leadership in International Medical inspired by research-active staff and TEL pilot initiative has been established Education provided with essential back-up and through collaboration between HPEC support by Ms Margaret McCarthy at and RCSI’s IT department to develop RCSI Bahrain the Dean’s Office (www.rcsismj.com). sustainable best practice models for In an exciting development, RCSI Bahrain The eighth edition of the RCSIsmj was blended learning programmes at RCSI. has established the Dilmun PhD Scholar published in May 2015. The RCSIsmj The first cycle of pilot projects ran from Programme, a new structured PhD aims to provide a forum for RCSI student September 2014 to March 2015. A second programme encouraging collaborative contributions to the field of medicine cycle of TEL Innovation pilot projects research, on projects of significance to in any discipline. It provides inspiring is planned to commence in September healthcare needs in Bahrain, between evidence of the great students we have 2015. research staff in RCSI-Dublin and RCSI- and will be proud to host as Alumni in a Bahrain (one year in Dublin and four few years from now. The Health Professions Education years in Bahrain). The first competitive Research Strategy application process has been completed The Health Professions Education and three PhD students will start their

33 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI School of Medicine

In the past 12 months, RCSI’s School of Medicine, managed and supported by the staff of RCSI’s Clinical Science and Health Science Departments, has seen significant progress in the implementation of strategic initiatives to strengthen delivery and continuous improvement of the core medical degree programmes, ensure excellence in medical education and training, and enable the continued, structured evolution of the core medical curriculum. The School of Medicine Conferring Ceremony took place in the RDS in June 2015.

International Education Forum opportunity to meet face-to-face, review the culmination of a substantial amount With a remit that extends globally across the challenges to be addressed and plan of work by the School of Medicine, based three time zones, the primary objective of future innovation that will consolidate on College-wide consultation with key RCSI’s School of Medicine is to be rated RCSI School of Medicine’s place in the personnel. as the best in clinical teaching, medical vanguard of clinical teaching, medical practice and research, both nationally practice and research at an international The resulting list of competencies are and internationally. In that context, RCSI’s level. defined within eight primary categories: International Education Forum plays a vital role in promoting a vibrant exchange This year’s Forum also facilitated wider ›› Effective Communication; of ideas that informs the School’s work in engagement through the establishment ›› Clinical Examination; optimising the quality of the programmes of a one-day international Medical ›› Competency in Practical Procedures; it delivers and the success of its Education Symposium, as part of ›› Scholarship; graduates and postgraduates. the overall event. The Symposium ›› Healthcare Delivery explored the latest developments in ›› Interprofessional Practice and Personal The fourth International Education Forum Interprofessional Education and enabled Professional Development; took place from June 22 to June 26, 2015. external, invited international experts ›› Social Change; The Forum facilitated a comprehensive and keynote speakers to engage with the ›› Prescribing and Drug delivery. review of the curriculum of three Faculty. The sharing of experiences and Medical Schools in Dublin, Bahrain and perspectives that resulted will help shape The list has been formally agreed and is Perdana University in Kuala Lumpur. future strategy development. now ready for implementation. The strong attendance at the Forum, including colleagues from PU-RCSI and Enhancing vertical integration Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) RCSI Bahrain, provided an invaluable The process of enhanced vertical Prescribing is a complex process integration within the core medical requiring knowledge of medicines and curriculum continued, with the goal the diseases they are used to treat, as of ensuring that those responsible for well as balanced judgement of the risks teaching delivery in individual cycles are and benefits of treatment and painstaking fully informed of what’s being taught attention to detail. A Prescribing Safety across junior, intermediate and senior Assessment is intended to ensure that cycles, thereby intensifying continuity doctors are well-prepared to prescribe and consistency, while strengthening safely and appropriately by measuring efficiencies. competencies across a range of clinical contexts. RCSI 50 In a major new initiative, forming A pilot Prescribing Safety Assessment a key element within the vertical is currently under development at the integration enhancement strategy, School of Medicine, led by Professor RCSI has compiled a list of 50 Clinical David Williams, and is planned to be Competencies that all doctors should completed and ready for introduction in Professor Arnold Hill, possess. 2016. Head of the School of Medicine Developed according to the principles Medical Professionalism of the Delphian Method, the RCSI 50 is The development of a cohesive

34 Education, Teaching and Learning - RCSI School of Medicine

Medical student Sami Backley carries out an examination on the SimMan 3G adult patient simulator. The simulators have demonstrated their effectiveness as teaching tools, energising trainers and trainees alike. framework to shape the concept of The deployment of these simulated development is encouraged and medical professionalism for students patients will contribute significantly to supported. advanced significantly in the past 12 the definition of the evolving role of The undergraduate Deans are: months, with the establishment of simulation in education. essential fundamental principles, under Professor Garry Courtney, St Luke’s the leadership of the Vice Dean for Nationwide clinical engagement Hospital, Kilkenny Professionalism, Professor Kieran Murphy. In parallel with the implementation of the Dr Clare Fallon, Midland Regional A specific definition of the concept of vertical integration strategy, the School Hospital, Mullingar medical professionalism for students, of Medicine continues to promote deeper Professor Peter Gillen, Our Lady of both its cognitive foundation and its engagement with clinical colleagues in Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda required skills, has been established multiple clinical sites across Ireland in Dr James Hayes, Cavan General Hospital and key principles have been developed Professor Riona Mulcahy, Waterford to ensure the effective allocation of Regional Hospital professionalism training appropriate to Professor Seamus Sreenan, Connolly each year of the Medical School cycle. Hospital, Dublin The work being done in this area A specific definition underlines the commitment of the School Ongoing curriculum development of Medicine to the advancement of the of the concept The RCSI School of Medicine is concept of medical professionalism and of medical committed to an ongoing process of its recognition of the critical importance curriculum evaluation and development. of professionalism to all doctors. professionalism for The range of evaluation measures this year included five intensive Focus Group Simulation solutions for training students, both its sessions, which were organised with the The SimMan 3G simulators, key elements objective of gaining insights from across in the School of Medicine’s simulation cognitive foundation the Faculty of Medicine and Health technology strategy, have demonstrated Sciences to assess current perceptions their effectiveness as teaching tools, and its required skills, of the curriculum’s effectiveness and to energising trainers and trainees alike. highlight areas requiring attention. These Working with leading edge technology has been established. Focus Groups have proved particularly has been an immersive process for all useful and it is planned to hold more in concerned and SimMan 3G’s utility is the future to support the next phase in particularly evident in the way it allows the evolution of the curriculum. trainer and trainee to isolate particular order to further strengthen its teaching procedures for further practice. programme. A collaborative initiative has been set up, in conjunction with In a complementary development, undergraduate Deans, to accelerate under the direction of the Health the creation of leadership roles in Professionals Education Centre (HPEC) clinical teaching at each of the clinical and Professor John O’Byrne, a cohort of sites. Furthering closer engagement, trained, simulated patients — individuals Professor Arnold Hill has established a trained to replicate symptoms, traits and schedule of bi-monthly meetings with behaviours of real patients for assessment the undergraduate Deans to discuss purposes — has now been established. relevant issues and ensure leadership

35 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI School of PHARMACY

The RCSI School of Pharmacy is currently in an exciting phase of growth, with increasing student and staff numbers, an innovative National Pharmacy Internship Programme, a new integrated five-year Master of Pharmacy programme and success in research. Key agreements with national and international institutions have been signed, including a Memorandum with Soochow University in China. The School also relocated to bespoke offices and adopted a new management structure to enable its continued ‘growth through excellence’. Aislinn Farrington pictured at her BSc (Pharm) graduation in RCSI in November 2014.

Student achievements of both the students who are seeking programme. In June 2015, the School also In November 2014, BSc (Pharm) graduate places and the diverse range of training signed an agreement with Boots whereby Sarah-Jane O’Connor brought distinction establishments that offer placements, and the School will manage an ongoing review to the School by being awarded the Michael Cresswell oversaw the successful of the new Boots alcohol detox service. National University of Ireland (NUI) Dr HH implementation. Stewart Scholarship (Pharmacy). New office space Five-year integrated Master of Pharmacy The staff offices of the School have National Pharmacy Internship Programme programme moved to Ardilaun House. The bespoke The School introduced a completely The School will deliver a new, fully offices were opened in February 2015 updated and revised National Pharmacy integrated five-year Master of Pharmacy and are a representation of the School’s Internship Programme (NPIP) in programme from September 2015. This continued growth. 2014/2015. Following accreditation by programme, which was designed by the the NUI and RCSI, this programme was Curriculum Design Group (Dr James Research: Pharmaceutical Science subject in June 2015 to an accreditation Barlow, Ms Michelle Flood, Professor The Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) process of the Pharmaceutical Society of Paul Gallagher, Mr John Hayden, Dr Translational Research in Nano-medical Ireland (PSI). The School, in collaboration Samuel Maher, Dr Ben Ryan and Dr Devices (TREND) Investigator Programme with IT, developed and implemented the Judith Strawbridge), supported by the led by Professor Andreas Heise and Central Application and Selection Process Operations Team (Ms Siún Aherne, Ms Professor Sally Ann Cryan received €1.9m (CAASP), a purpose-built IT solution Aurea Conroy, Ms Bernadette Kearney in funding. Professor Cryan also led RCSI’s designed to match NPIP students with and Mr Darragh Scannell), has successfully participation in the new €50m SFI Centre training establishments. Mr Matthew undergone RCSI accreditation. The for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM). Lynch and Ms Michelle Flood designed programme will provide our students the process to balance the demands with the personal and professional skills Dr Steve Kerrigan received a prestigious required to practise as a pharmacist in the SFI Career Development Award of contemporary and constantly evolving €593,138. professional environments. The DRIVE consortium received €8.9m International collaborations funding as part of the Horizon 2020 In April 2015, RCSI signed a Memorandum research and innovation framework of Academic and Research Collaboration programme. DRIVE is coordinated by with Soochow University (SU; China). The Dr Garry Duffy (Department of Anatomy) collaboration was further advanced with and Dr Helena Kelly is the deputy the first International Research Summer coordinator. School. In June 2015, Nicola Kavanagh (School National collaborations of Pharmacy, Molecular and Cellular RCSI signed a strategic partnership with Therapeutics [MCT] and Tissue Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Engineering Research Group [TERG]) in May 2015. In June 2015, the School was awarded the Robert Mathys prize for Professor Paul Gallagher, signed an agreement with the Institute Best Research Project and Presentation Head of the School of Pharmacy of Technology Sligo, which will provide at the eCM XVI International Conference: a pathway to IT Sligo graduates to Bone and Implant Infections (Davos, progress to the new Master of Pharmacy Switzerland).

36 Education, Teaching and Learning - RCSI School of Pharmacy

of the International Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association, Antiviral Therapy and the International Journal of Pharmacy Practice.

Appointments Appointments included: Ms Siún Aherne (Academic Quality and Operations Manager); Mr John Bourke (Practice Liaison Pharmacist); Dr Liam Burke (Project Manager); Ms Aurea Conroy (Senior Operations Co-ordinator); Dr Eoin Cotter (Technical and Laboratories Manager); Mr Michael Cresswell (Project Manager); Mr Paul Dillon (Senior Demonstrator); Dr Samuel Maher (Lecturer); Mr Cian O Leary (Lecturer); Dr Joanne Ramsey (Lecturer); The launch of the five-year Master of Pharmacy programme in December 2014, at PSI House, are (l-r): Ms Leonie Clarke Ms Seona Rossi (Senior Demonstrator); Dr (then President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland); Mr Leo Varadkar (Minister for Health); Professor Hannah Cristín Ryan (Senior Lecturer); Mr Darragh McGee (Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences); and Professor Sally Ann Cryan (Lead in Research). Scannell (Operations Co-ordinator); A host of other research grants have also A study in paediatric critical care sedation and Mr John Bourke (Practice Liaison been awarded to School researchers in was funded by Temple Street Children’s Pharmacist). the past academic year, including Irish Fund for Health. The study was led by Dr Research Council Studentships and Dermot Doherty (Temple Street Hospital) A new management structure has been Fellowships, SFI/EI Technology Innovation in collaboration with Mr John Hayden, established with the formation of the Development Awards (TIDA) and EMBO Dr Gráinne Cousins and Professor Paul Leadership Team: Ms Siún Aherne, Dr Short Term Fellowships. Gallagher from the School and Drs Eoin Cotter, Professor Sally Ann Cryan Cormac Breatnach and Martina Healy (Lead in Research); Professor Paul The School was delighted in April 2015 Gallagher (Head of School); Dr Helena to co-host, with the Department of Kelly (Lead in Development); and Mr Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics and Matthew Lynch (Lead in Education). the 3U Partnership, the 2015 Bill Bowman The School will Lecture of the British Pharmacological Outreach Society, which was delivered by Dr Alexis deliver a new, fully Dr Helena Kelly led on a Mini-Med Bailey (University of Surrey, UK). Series event in February 2015 examining Key publications included articles in integrated five-year benzodiazepine usage in Irish society. A high-impact journals including Journal lecture entitled “Mammy’s Little Helper of Controlled Release, Molecular Master of Pharmacy – the Irish Relationship with Anxiety Pharmaceutics, Tissue Engineering, Medication” was delivered by Dolores Advanced Healthcare Materials and programme from Keating, Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer Platelets. September 2015. and Head of Pharmacy Services at St John of God Hospital. Professor Gallagher Research: Clinical Practice and Education chaired a multidisciplinary panel debate. Increased activity in education and clinical research was evident in 2014- from Crumlin Children’s Hospital. Dr Steve Kerrigan is project lead on the 2015. Research training was provided Continued key collaborations in clinical “RCSI MyHealth” app project which to both tutors and clinical partners practice research include: HRB, HRB aims to provide easy access to credible to assist with research development Centre for Primary Care Research, the health information in a clear and focused and data collection, while funding was Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, with manner. Following a showcase night received by Dr Judith Strawbridge and clinical partners including the Mater with Ireland’s largest national health Ms Michelle Flood for two educational Hospital, Crumlin Children’s Hospital and associations, foundations and societies, research projects as part of the 3U St John of God. and in association with NHS Choices, N-Step programme. A national cohort there are now over 700 conditions study of adherence to antihypertensive A doubling of undergraduate summer included in the app, which is due to be medications in older Irish adults co- researchers was seen in the School this launched in September 2015. ordinated by Dr Gráinne Cousins is in the year across the pharmaceutical sciences Dr Kerrigan is also the Academic final stage of data collection. Dr Cousins and clinical practice research, supported Coordinator of the Transition Year Mini- also received funding from the Health by both external and internal research Med. This year, the programme attracted Research Board to author a number of studentships. over 450 applications from TY students papers in relation to alcohol dependence representing 300 schools nationally, who using data from a national study on Key publications included articles in the were interested in knowing more about alcohol consumption. Irish Journal of Medical Science, Annals of what life is like being a pharmacist, doctor Family Medicine, HPB: the official journal or physiotherapist.

37 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI School of PHYSIOTHERAPY

The School of Physiotherapy’s vision is to be recognised as a leading centre for physiotherapy education, research and scholarly activity. It aims to educate professionally safe, competent, reflective and analytical physiotherapists who possess a sound scientific knowledge base. It also aims to provide these physiotherapists with an understanding of the value of research and analysis, to ensure they are responsive to the needs of clients and carers, and are aware of the dynamic diversity of healthcare environments in which they practice. Dr Helen French instructs undergraduate physiotherapy students in a practical teaching session.

The School recognises the need of Physiotherapy and clinical staff and networks and increasing funding to remain proactive to changes in students in Beaumont Hospital. successes. healthcare provision and the evolving At the end of the process, the role of physiotherapy practice. It Accreditation Board notified the School Research is a fundamental part of also appreciates the pivotal role of that they would be recommending contemporary physiotherapy clinical research and a sound evidence base, re-accreditation of the RCSI BSc practice and the School was successful in underpinning professional and Physiotherapy programme for another in receiving funding from a number of educational developments. five years. The excellent quality agencies including: the Health Research of students and graduates of the Board; the Disability Authority; the Irish Five year strategic plan physiotherapy programme and the Research Council; and the Irish Society of The School of Physiotherapy’s five-year quality assurance process for both clinical Chartered Physiotherapists. strategic plan was launched in May 2014. and academic aspects of the programme There have been several key advances were commended. The School was also Additionally, Paul Kirwan will investigate since the strategy’s implementation. commended for actively responding to the use of eccentric exercises and topical The Irish Society of Chartered changes in the educational environment, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) in the treatment Physiotherapists’ (ISCP) re-accreditation including the use of technology- of the RCSI BSc Physiotherapy enhanced learning. programme took place on September 22 and 23, 2014. During a two-day visit, Initiatives and placements the ISCP accreditation team, consisting A simulated education initiative was Research is a of national and international academic piloted in the BSc Physiotherapy and clinical members, met with the curriculum (cardiorespiratory module) in fundamental part of Dean, staff and students of the School collaboration with the Health Professions contemporary Education Centre (HPEC) to develop students’ skills in the assessment and physiotherapy clinical treatment of patients in the critical care environment. Student feedback was practice and the very positive and the initiative will be formalised for the next academic year. School was successful In recognition of the increasing demands on current clinical capacity, new clinical in receiving funding placement opportunities were developed in the Rotunda and Connolly hospitals from a number of and in primary care sites, expanding the variety of clinical placement opportunities agencies. available to students.

Research activity The School of Physiotherapy’s Research of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. Professor Marie Guidon, Strategy was completed and its Rory O’Sullivan will conduct a cohort Head of the School of Physiotherapy implementation is ongoing with a study on the progression of crouch gait in particular emphasis on building research diplegic cerebral palsy.

38 Education, Teaching and Learning - RCSI School of Physiotherapy

RCSI School of Physiotherapy staff pictured with the ISCP Accreditation Team during the two-day reaccreditation site-visit in September 2014.

Research throughout the year comprised Stroke Teams (NIMAST) in May, 2015. 2014, with a reciprocal visit by two academic and clinical collaborations, Honorary lecturer, Dr Ailish Malone won physiotherapy lecturers to RCSI in May as well as collaborations with external best paper presentation at the Clinical 2015. institutions such as: Beaumont Hospital; Movement Analysis Society (CMAS) UK Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown; and Ireland conference, while Mairead Appointments Temple Street Children’s University McDaid, postgraduate MSc student, won Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy, Frances Hospital; St James’s Hospital; Our Lady’s best poster at the Irish Heart Foundation Horgan, was appointed Vice Dean for Hospice and Care Services in Harold’s Annual Stroke Day. Interprofessional Education in September Cross; the Central Remedial Clinic; and 2014 and Dr Ailish Malone and Dr Rose the School of Health Sciences, University Galvin were appointed as Honorary of Southampton. Lecturers in recognition of their ongoing contribution to academic and research Publications The School was activity in the School. Thirteen research articles have been published, and 14 oral/poster commended for Other activities presentations were delivered during Musculoskeletal injury prevention the year. Research publication topics actively responding education was delivered to trainee included: cerebral palsy in children; hip surgeons in the Surgical Boot Camp 2014. osteoarthritis; and stroke. to changes in the educational Physiotherapy staff provided support to Research was presented at a number of RCSI staff on race day at the Great Pink national and international conferences environment, Run 2014. including: the Irish Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation Annual Conference, including the use of held in Dublin in February 2015; the Osteoarthritis Research Society technology-enhanced International Conference, which took place in Seattle, USA; and the learning. International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics – European Region (IAGG – ER) Conference held at the Convention Centre in Dublin from April 23 to April Educational developments 26, 2015. Research was also presented at A number of staff members from the the School of Physiotherapy, University of School were part of some exciting Bergen, Norway. educational developments. Dr Helen French became a member Prizes of the European Region World Prizes were awarded to staff and Confederation of Physical Therapy postgraduate students for presentations (ER-WCPT) Education Working Group. at a number of conferences. Research Funded by the Erasmus programme, Fellow Colm Brannigan won the prize for staff embarked on a mobility visit to best poster presentation at the Northern Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences, Ireland Multidisciplinary Association of Savonlinna, in Finland in September

39 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI School of nursing and Midwifery

It has been a formative year for the School of Nursing and Midwifery as it separated, in September 2014, from the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery. Now under the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, the School has established a solid strategy for its continued development. The School of Nursing and Midwifery Conferring, Convention Centre Dublin, November 2014.

The School has expanded its team and of excellence. It intends achieving this registered to undertake the Masters welcomes two new lecturers, Ms Julie through greater engagement in research, programme. Furthermore, six PhD Jordan O’Brien and Ms Rosemarie both clinical and educational, whereupon students have registered, as well as two Derwin. The administration team has the School will be enabled to lead best Masters by research. also grown and is now led by Mr James practice thorough the incorporation Hayes, Operations Manager; two new and evaluation of latest technologies Reaccreditation members of the team are Ms Anne Marie and methods in the education of One of the key events during the year Lyons and Ms Ruth Kelly. students. Furthermore, it will continue has been the reaccreditation and to work closely with key stakeholders to streamlining of many of the School’s Strategic management ensure that the programmes it delivers courses, which was led by Dr Tom The development of a strategy for the are responsive to the ever-changing O’Connor, Director of Academic Affairs School, which follows the exemplar demands within the healthcare arena. and Deputy Head of the School of strategy of RCSI, is a first in its new Nursing and Midwifery. As a result, format and was strongly supported Another important development was students have a number of education by senior management at RCSI. It the establishment of a strong team to options, such as completing stand- addresses the key pillars of education, deliver the vision and ambition of RCSI, alone modules, or three modules which research, team development, and as well as implementing the strategy. will earn a certificate, or, alternatively, internationalisation. In doing so, it The strategy’s focus is on the students’ six modules as part of a postgraduate focuses on three components: people, experience, providing an environment diploma. After that, students can processes and outputs. In keeping where the student feels nurtured and continue on to study at a Masters level. with the RCSI Strategy Growth and supported, while also ensuring that they All programmes are accredited by the Excellence (2013-2017), the School’s recognise the value of their time at RCSI. NUI/RCSI and are approved by the vision is to grow its reputation as a centre Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. Research The flexibility in the course options Dr Declan Patton, Director of Nursing is designed to facilitate a more user- and Midwifery Research has been friendly approach to education delivery, instrumental over the past year in which enhances a positive work-life drafting a strategy around research, balance as many students undertake which addresses five pillars: wound postgraduate training while also working healing, older persons, education, full-time. mental health and paediatrics. In year one, there was a strong focus on the Clinical outcomes area of wound healing, with four Masters The School has long-established links by research completed in the area of with hospitals within the RCSI group wounds and wound outcomes. As the and beyond, which enables the delivery School continues to develop, it will of clinically focused education. The expand its other areas of expertise and main research focus is on clinical, will actively target outcomes such as patient-centred outcomes, with the increased numbers of research students aim of demonstrating the invaluable Professor Zena Moore, and increased impactful publications and contribution that nurses and midwives Head of the School of Nursing and conference presentations. The School is make to the cost-effectiveness and Midwifery well-positioned to achieve these goals efficiency of health service delivery. in 2015-2016 with the largest group ever The School looks forward to actively

40 Education, Teaching and Learning - RCSI School of Nursing and Midwifery

Pictured at the November 2014 Conferring Ceremony were (l-r) Lenora Fitzgerald, winner of the Mary Frances Crowley Award; Professor Zena Moore, Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery; and Mr Declan J. Magee, RCSI President. contributing to RCSI’s new Healthcare Science Without Borders and the Dilmun on “Sustaining Pressure Ulcers to Zero Outcomes Research Centre. Scholarship Using Evidence to Guide Practice”, while The School was successful in receiving the second, led by Ms Mary O’Neill, Education a grant from Science Without Borders, focused on “Adult Respiratory Health: Last year, some 450 people completed a Brazilian student mobility programme. The Latest Evidence for Contemporary full programmes. Applications to date are This has enabled a student from Brazil to Care”. Over 150 people attended the very strong for 2015-2016. The School carry out PhD research at RCSI focusing masterclasses over the two events. This successfully delivered the first Graduate on pressure ulcers. The School was also will become a set part of the Schools Nurse/Midwife programme, under the awarded the RCSI Dilmun Scholarship, calendar with master-classes planned to leadership of Ms Chanel Watson. Chanel run between April and June. was very ably assisted by four Nurse Tutors, Niamh Rohan, Bridget Murray, Wound Management Association of Maryam Hussain and Anne Marie Burke. Ireland Biennial Conference The programme is currently under The strategy’s focus On October 2 and October 3, 2015 the evaluation, but preliminary feedback is is on the students’ School will host the Wound Management that the programme has been a great Association of Ireland Biennial success. experience, providing conference. Some 400 people are expected to attend the two-day event, International Links an environment which will welcome both national and Horizon 2020 international speakers and exhibitors. As well as working within the RCSI where the student hospital network, the School has established direct links with international feels nurtured and bodies. In early 2015, it submitted its First Horizon 2020 application, along with supported, while also applicants in Belgium, Germany, Norway, Denmark, the UK and Northern Ireland. ensuring that they The application is for funding in the area recognise the value of self-management of disease. The School was supported in its work for this of their time at RCSI. application through Enterprise Ireland funding.

The School is currently working with international and national industry which is funding research into the partners in the field of wound healing and epidemiology of diabetic foot disease in tissue repair, for example addressing the Bahrain. question of patients being able to self- assess their risk of developing pressure Masterclass series ulcers. In 2015, the School launched its first masterclass series, hosting two masterclasses in April and May. The first, led by Ms Julie Jordan O’Brien, focused

41 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI School of Postgraduate studies

The School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) aims to be a leading centre for postgraduate education, research and scholarly activity, nationally and internationally. Ongoing innovative research at RCSI contributes to an improved understanding of the mechanisms of disease, tackles important healthcare delivery issues, informs healthcare policy and improves clinical practice. The aim of the School is to ensure that graduates are of the highest academic quality and are responsive to the needs of employers in academia, health sciences, and industry. Dr Adam Ruben, Writer, Comedian, and Molecular Biologist at Johns Hopkins University, USA was the keynote speaker at the Postgraduate Career Days event in September 2014. The objectives of the School are driven The School is responsible for ensuring the facilitate the establishment of stronger by a dedicated core team including: highest standards of quality and training links with national and international peer for research postgraduate candidates institutions in the pursuit of postgraduate Head of School - enrolled for higher degrees in RCSI. excellence. Professor Niamh Moran To be awarded a masters or doctorate degree, the students must demonstrate Programmes Manager - that they have made an original and Dr Anthony Chubb impactful contribution to knowledge and their work must be of publishable quality. The School International Business Officer - Justina Senkus MBA Strategic Developments coordinates activities In the 2014/2015 academic year, two new of the three SPGS Coordinator - deputy heads of schools were appointed, Elaine Carton MA with responsibilities for the PhD and MD International Strategic programmes: Dr Gianpiero Cavalleri and In the academic year 2014 - 2015 the Dr Emer Reeves (respectively). They are Cooperation Awards School graduated 46 candidates with committed to reflecting the National research higher degrees, comprising 27 Framework for Doctoral Education, which from Science PhDs, 6 MDs, 12 MScs and one MCh. In aims to: facilitate consistent excellence the same time, the School enrolled 69 in the quality of postgraduate education Foundation Ireland new students, including 35 PhDs, 16 MDs and training; ensure the delivery and 18 MScs. of an excellent learner-experience to explore research and outcome; and to maximise the employability of graduates across a broad synergies with range of employment sectors. healthcare scientists The School has also launched a bespoke joint doctoral programme, the Dilmun in Brazil, China and Scholar programme, with RCSI-Bahrain. The School welcomes the appointment Japan. of Professor Davinder Sandhu, Head of the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research in RCSI-Bahrain, and looks forward to working with him to establish Brazil high impact, collaborative research across Since July 2014, seven RCSI researchers RCSI campuses. met with their counterparts in Brazilian universities in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo Internationalisation Activities and Santa Maria. There have been six The School coordinates activities of the return visits to RCSI from professors, three International Strategic Cooperation postdoctoral fellows and PhD students Professor Niamh Moran, Awards (ISCA) from Science Foundation from Brazil to collaborate on research Head of the School of Postgraduate Ireland (SFI) to explore research projects with the following RCSI Studies synergies with healthcare scientists in departments: Anatomy, Physiology, Brazil, China and Japan. These awards Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry,

42 Education, Teaching and Learning - RCSI School of Postgraduate Studies

Valedictorian, Dr Eithne Sexton (centre) with fellow PhD graduates, Dr Ciara O’Dwyer, Dr James Reck and Dr Emmet Thompson, at the Higher Degree Conferring Ceremony in June 2015. and Molecular & Cellular Therapeutics. visit, RCSI has signed a memorandum of a graduate from the Department of A range of collaborative initiatives such understanding with Hoshi University to Physiology and Dr Eithne Sexton, a as joint PhD programmes, students collaborate in a number of joint activities graduate of the Population Health and exchanges and joint research grant such as student, staff and faculty Health Services Research (SPHeRE) PhD applications have emerged from such exchanges. programme. interactions. In addition, two SPGS staff attended a high profile CONFAP Postgraduate Students’ Union (PGSU) New initiatives to monitor, mentor meeting in Brasília, where they presented PGSU coordinated a Careers Week in and support all MD candidates were RCSI research opportunities to all the April 2014, with the help of Fionnuala introduced to ensure the delivery of presidents of the 26 major funding an improved learner experience and agencies from each state in Brazil, at outcome. These initiatives included a the invitation of Research Brazil Ireland rigorous annual progress review of all (RBI) and funded by Science Foundation MD students and corresponded with the Ireland (SFI). The School also hosted Students must increased numbers of students that enrol a day-long symposium in February, in on this important programme. Other new tandem with an RBI conference entitled demonstrate that initiatives will include a change in the Collaborative Research for a Better examination format and the introduction Future, which took place in Dublin Castle they have made an of supervisor training for all postgraduate and was attended by academics from all original and impactful programmes in 2015/16. higher education institutes in Ireland. contribution to China Since July 2014, ten RCSI researchers knowledge and their have visited their collaborators in top- ranked and research-active universities work must be of in China and Hong Kong such as Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) Hong Kong publishable quality. and BGI Shenzhen, Soochow University the Hong Kong University and industry, collaborators in Sinnowa (Nanjing) and Lee’s Pharmaceuticals (Beijing). Three Rahilly, RCSI’s Career Manager, to reciprocal academic visits from Chinese address the career-readiness of final year researchers were hosted by RCSI. In degree candidates. The event comprised March 2015, eight RCSI researchers the following workshops: Get Prepared, participated at the ISCP/ISCA China How to Present Yourself and Behavioural biomedical workshop hosted by the Interview Techniques. Guanghzou Medical University. Other developments Japan This year, the School introduced a The School facilitated an academic visit valedictorian speaker for the conferring by Professor Hiroko Ikeda and Naomi ceremonies. In the November and June Yonemochi (Hoshi University) supported graduations, the valedictorian addresses by ISCA-Japan funding. As a result of this were delivered by Dr Karen Coughlin,

43 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI institute of leadership

In the past year, the Institute of Leadership has continued to build its portfolio of academic and executive development programmes. The Institute has increased its engagement with the Irish healthcare system and has also worked in partnership with the RCSI Hospitals Group to develop the Group’s new strategy. Justice Peter Kelly speaking at the RCSI Institute of Leadership Lecture Series in June 2015.

Academic Programmes development programme for pharmacists of a two-year programme that will see This year, 75 health professionals in Ireland, two new professional some 1,250 Directors and Assistant graduated with Masters degrees in development programmes for the Directors of Nursing and Midwifery Ireland, 46 in Bahrain and 69 in Dubai. Primary Healthcare Corporation in Qatar receive training in leadership. Co- In response to increasing concerns and three leadership programmes for the designed with the Directors themselves, about patient safety in Ireland, the College of Anaesthetists of Ireland. the programme includes a number Institute launched an MSc in Quality and Safety in Healthcare Management. This RCSI Hospitals Group programme, which is also delivered in The Institute designed and facilitated a Bahrain and Dubai, will make a strong series of workshops to assist the senior positive contribution to improving the executive team to identify the core values As part of its strategy quality and safety of patient care. and to develop the mission and vision of the Group. The Institute will, over the of engaging more Executive Development Programmes coming years, partner with the Group to comprehensively As part of its strategy of engaging develop the leadership and management more comprehensively with the Irish capabilities of its workforce. Core faculty with the Irish and international healthcare sectors, from the Institute are currently involved the Institute has increased its focus on in the design of the Group’s Clinical and international delivering short intensive programmes Directorate Leadership Programme as well as providing coaching for middle and also a Clinical Directorate Team healthcare sectors, and senior healthcare professionals. Leadership Programme, both due to Programmes this year included the commence in the autumn 2015. the Institute has first accredited IIOP professional The Institute continues to deliver the increased its focus Rotunda Leadership Programme. This is an innovative, multidisciplinary on delivering programme designed to develop short intensive ‘leadership capacity’ in the hospital. The first programme (15 participants) programmes as well concluded in November 2014 with the second cohort (14 participants) due to as providing coaching complete the programme in September 2015. A key feature of the programme for healthcare is that, in addition to participating in professional development master-classes, professionals. the participants complete strategic quality improvement projects in cross- functional, multidisciplinary teams. of modules: a future nurse leaders Professor Ciaran O’Boyle, National Leadership Development programme for the Directors of Nursing; Director of the Institute of Leadership Programme for Directors and Assistant an executive coaching programme; Directors of Nursing and Midwifery master-classes in business planning, In October, the Institute began delivery healthcare procurement; quality

44 Education, Teaching and Learning - RCSI Institute of Leadership

Pictured are MSc Leadership graduates at the November 2014 Conferring Ceremony (l-r) Maeve Corcoran, David Browne and Marianne McQuaid Kelly. improvement programmes for primary social media industry in order to increase care and community and continuing the protection of children online. care; and a programme designed for In October, the midwifery professionals. The Nursing In addition, the Institute is exploring and Midwifery Board of Ireland and Institute began novel approaches to leadership in RCSI have accredited all these courses. healthcare. Projects include research Since October 2014, 318 nurses delivery of a two-year on the relationship between staff work have completed at least one of the engagement and patient satisfaction, programmes. The Institute is also rolling programme that will models of distributed leadership and the out a national competency framework, impact of technology on leadership and supported by an online portfolio, across see 1,250 Directors management. all Irish hospitals. and Assistant Given the RCSI’s mission to “educate, RCSI Leadership Lecture Series Directors of Nursing nurture and discover for the benefit The Institute once again ran a successful of human health”, the Institute is also public lecture series exploring ‘Lessons and Midwifery planning a project that will assist in Leadership’. This year’s notable educational institutions in educating speakers included: Mr Micheál Martin TD, receive training in children and young people about leader of Fianna Fáil and spokesperson engaging safely and effectively with on Northern Ireland; Ms Dearbhail leadership. digital media. McDonald, Associate Editor and Legal Editor of the Irish Independent; The Honourable Mr Justice Peter Kelly; and Fr Leonard Moloney SJ, Head Master of COSECSA leadership workshop for Clongowes College. anaesthetists and surgeons in Blantyre, Malawi. 22 participants attended from Training in Africa six countries including Ireland, Malawi, The Institute continues to contribute Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia to the RCSI/ COSECSA (College of and Burundi. The workshop was also Surgeons of East, Central and Southern attended by the College of Anaesthetists Africa) collaboration programme. This in Ireland’s President, Ellen O’Sullivan and year it expanded its Train the Trainer CEO, Fintan Foy. programme by training Master Trainers who will now be capable of delivering the Research programme locally. The goal is to embed, The psychology of cyberspace, and in in Africa, the Institute’s expertise in particular, its impact on organisational training. The first programme took place development and online leadership is a in June 2014 in Nairobi and was run by Mr major strand in the Institute’s research. At Dermot O’Flynn for 15 Master COSECSA the CyberPsychology Research Centre, Trainers from Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, the Institute is continuing its work with Tanzania, and Kenya. At the end of June, Middlesex University on an EU-wide Professor Ciaran O’Boyle and Dermot project aimed at optimising interfaces O’Flynn delivered the first ever joint between policing organisations and the

45 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI faculty of dentistry

The Faculty of Dentistry was founded in 1963 with the core mission of advancing the science, art and practice of dentistry by the promotion of education, study and research.

The Faculty is responsible for the maintenance of the highest standards of postgraduate training in both Ireland and other centres around the world. With more than 2,000 Fellows and Members globally, the Faculty’s international role, through the provision of programmes and examinations at Membership and Fellowship level, is expansive and encompasses, in particular, the Middle East and Gulf Region, New York and Sudan.

Academic activities As a result of this new relationship, Annual Scientific Meeting Exams for the Membership of the Faculty there has been an exchange of lecturers The 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting drew of Dentistry (MFD), the Fellowship of the between the two countries, with a a very large audience. Considerable Faculty of Dentistry (FFD), the Diploma in number of Swedish speakers coming to attention was given to the topic of Primary Care Dentistry (DipPCD) and the Dublin to present at the Postgraduate fluoride at the Annual Meeting and its use Membership in General Dental Surgery Dental Education Programme. in dentistry. As a consequence, a number (MGDS) continue at RCSI Dublin and in of radio interviews were conducted that examination centres abroad including Postgraduate Dental Education dealt with the issue of fluoride, as well New York and Malmö in Sweden, as well Programme as the prevention of dental disease in as Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Sudan and The Postgraduate Dental Education children. Ajman. Programme continues with monthly Saturday lectures taking place in RCSI. This year, the FFD exams in Oral Surgery These lectures are designed to prepare were held in New York University (NYU) candidates to sit MFD, DipPCD and FFD With more than and the University of Khartoum, in Sudan. examinations. These sessions attract an audience comprised of general 2,000 Fellows and International activities practitioners, postgraduate students and A new relationship has been established final year dental students. The lectures Members globally, between RCSI and the University of are also streamed online to universities in Malmö’s dental school, and as a result, Kuwait, Malmö and New York. the Faculty’s the MFD examination took place there in May 2015 for the first time. Nally Lecture international role, The biennial Nally Lecture, named after distinguished RCSI alumnus Dr Fergal through the provision Nally, took place in February 2015. One of the most prestigious lectures to take of programmes and place in RCSI, it is a calendar highlight for examinations at the Faculty of Dentistry every two years. The tradition is that the Nally Lecture Membership and topic is non-dental related. Broadcaster, Dr Myles Dungan, gave this year’s lecture Fellowship level, is entitled ‘Selling the Great War in Ireland’. He gave a fascinating insight into the PR expansive. tactics employed to attract volunteers from Ireland to fight in the Great War. Following his excellent lecture, the Vice President of the College, Professor John Another highlight of the meeting was Hyland, presented Dr Dungan with the the Sheridan Lecture delivered by two Nally Medal. Dr Dungan’s name joins a speakers: Dr Brian Schmidt from NYU Dr John Walsh, distinguished list of other Nally Medal and Mr Eugene David Vaughan from the Dean, Faculty of Dentistry recipients including British historian and UK. A capacity audience witnessed two explorer Tim Severin and poet Brendan excellent presentations on the topic of Kennelly. head and neck cancer.

46 Education, Teaching and Learning - RCSI Faculty of Dentistry

Pictured (l-r) are Ms Marie O’Neill and Ms Eimear McHugh who were awarded Fellowships of the Faculty of Dentistry (Oral Surgery) at the December 2014 Fellows, Members and Diplomates Conferring Ceremony.

Honorary Fellowships ›› Leo Heslin Memorial Medal 2015, Faculty Board Mr Eugene David Vaughan and Dr Brian Mr Joshua Smyth Dr John Walsh, Dean; Dr John Schmidt received honorary fellowships at Marley, Vice-Dean; Professor David the Annual Scientific Meeting. This is the ›› John McGimpsey Prize 2014, Ryan, Honorary Secretary; Dr Gerry highest honour that can be conferred on Ms Kerry Hobson Cleary, Honorary Treasurer; Professor an individual by the Faculty of Dentistry. Christopher Lynch, Honorary Editor; ›› Seamus Keating Prize 2014, Professor Gerard Kearns, Education Exciting Development Mr TJ Horgan Committee Chair; Mr Sean Sheridan, RCSI Faculty of Dentistry is in the process Inspections and Recognition Committee of finalising a contract with Hamad ›› Fourteenth Edward Leo Sheridan Chair; Board Members: Dr Kieran Daly, Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar. The Medal 2014, Mr Eugene David Dr Billy Davis, Dr Albert Leung, Mr Peter purpose of this contract is to facilitate Vaughan and Dr Brian Schmidt Ramsay-Baggs, Dr Alan McMichael, RCSI Faculty of Dentistry providing Dr Sean Malone, Professor Osama Omer, postgraduate educational programmes Future plans Dr Christine McCreary, Dr Edward Cotter. in both MFD and FFD. This collaboration The Faculty of Dentistry is currently will take place over a five-year period, exploring the possibility of setting up an commencing in October 2015. examination hub in Perdana University, Malaysia. The Postgraduate Dental Education Programme will be delivered in Dublin Appointments/retirements and streamed online to Qatar. In Dr Osama Omar completed his term as addition, extended visits from RCSI Vice Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry. Dr Faculty of Dentistry Lecturers to Qatar to provide intensive courses throughout the five-year period will also take place. This represents the largest single contract that A new relationship the Faculty of Dentistry has put in place to date. has been established Conferrings between RCSI and A record number of conferrings took place between July 1, 2014 and June 30, the University of 2015: 134 MFD and 32 FFD candidates were conferred. Malmö’s dental

Awards promoting excellence school. The Faculty of Dentistry presented a number of awards to promote excellence in the science and clinical practice of John Marley took up the position of Vice dentistry: Dean. Mr David Ryan retired from his position as a long-standing member of ›› Adrian Cowan Medal 2014, the Board of the Faculty of Dentistry. Mr Cian Henry

47 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI faculty of radiologists

The past year has been a busy and challenging year for the Faculty of Radiologists, beginning with a move to new accommodation on the fourth floor of RCSI House, with dedicated and specially designed teaching facilities. Pictured at the July 2014 Conferring (l-r) Dr Max Ryan; Dr Edel Kelliher (Fellowship of the Faculty of Radiologists, Radiodiagnosis); and Patrick Molloy. Scientific Meetings organised for May 2015. It focused on External relationships The Annual Scientific Meeting was early recognition and management of The Forum of Postgraduate Training held in RCSI in September 2014, a doctor in difficulty by their trainers. Bodies again provided a highly effective which included a three day Diagnositc Expert speakers emphasised the platform for communications with other Radiology Programme with one day of importance of identifying those affected colleges and facilitated a consistent parallel sessions in Radiation Oncology. as early as possible. approach to postgraduate medical Scientific sessions and a poster exhibition education, training and policy. formed an important part of the The Combined Spring Meeting in April meeting. Over 300 delegates attended, 2015 focused on Diseases and Dilemmas. including Radiologists, Radiation It was preceded by a seminar on Oncologists, Radiographers and industry “Management in Radiology”. Speakers representatives. addressed medico-legal issues, open The Faculty’s disclosure, management principles and The theme of the January 2015 Irish the results of a recent HSE survey of Scientific Meetings MRI Meeting was Abdominal and Pelvic radiology services in Ireland. are recognised MRI. Radiologists, Radiographers and Physicists attended sessions that The 2nd Irish Society of Neuroradiology for Professional covered Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic; Meeting took place in May 2015 in RCSI, Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Tract; attracting Radiologists from Ireland, Competence Scheme and Cancer Imaging. the UK and beyond. Speakers included investigators of the ESCAPE Stroke (PCS) certification A one-day seminar on “Identifying and Thrombectomy trial (including Dr John Managing the Doctor in Difficulty” was Thornton FFRRCSI of Beaumont Hospital). within Ireland and

The Faculty’s Scientific Meetings are with other Radiology recognised for Professional Competence bodies in Europe and Scheme (PCS) certification within Ireland and with other Radiology North America. bodies in Europe and North America. Irish Radiologists can obtain all annual External Category PCS points from these meetings. Relationships between the Faculty and the National Doctor Training and Planning Selection and feedback (NDTP) Unit of the HSE continued to be The Faculty’s current selection and productive and constructive. Following feedback process combines metrics extensive consultations, the Board took from past academic, clinical and the first steps to extend the training interview performance with an Objective programme to all the Level 4 hospitals/ Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) NCCP Cancer centres in the newly Professor Dermot Malone, and focuses on three key capabilities – formed Hospital Groups. An accreditation Dean, Faculty of Radiologists academia, decision-making and visual visit to University Waterford Hospital perceptiveness. resulted in its recognition for general radiology training.

48 Education, Teaching and Learning - RCSI Faculty of Radiologists

Pictured at the Diagnostic Radiology meeting which took place during the Annual Scientific meeting are (l-r) Professor William Torreggiani, Dr Barry Kelly (Dean of the Faculty 2012-2014), Dr Peter McMahon, Dr Eugene McKenna and Dr Patricia Cunningham.

The National Quality Improvement the Faculty. Dr Seamus Looby is now our (Radiation Oncology) retired from the Steering Committee, based in RCPI, was Neuroradiology UEMS representative. Board. Dr Jerome Coffey left his post of an important focus of activity this year, Two previous Deans are Examiners in the Treasurer and his position on the Board culminating in a highly successful QI European Diploma in Radiology (EdiR) to take up the post of Interim Director of workshop in June 2015 where version 3 of examination of ESR. the NCCP. Our best wishes go with him. the National QI Guidelines for Radiology Before Dr Coffey’s move was final, Dr and a Faculty Guidance Document for In 2014, the Faculty entered discussions Patricia Cunningham took on the duties Radiologists on Open Disclosure were with the Icelandic Society of Radiology to of Honorary Treasurer as well as her roles presented. explore how it could assist with a range as Chair of the Scientific Committee and of developments including curriculum Vice Dean. In January, Dr James Clarke International activities and examinations. A Faculty team visited took over the role of Honorary Treasurer. The Dean of the Faculty of Radiologists is Iceland in spring 2015 and the Annual a member of the Specialty Training Board Scientific Meeting in 2015 will contain a Faculty Board of the Royal College of Radiologists, session titled: The Faculty meets Iceland. Officers: Professor Dermot Malone, London. This role provides unique Dean; Dr Patricia Cunningham, Vice-Dean; insights, and opportunities for the The Faculty now sponsors the MacErlaine Dr Niall Sheehy, Honorary Secretary; exchange of ideas on all training matters. Scholarship in Translational Imaging, Dr James Clarke, Honorary Treasurer The Faculty of Radiologists worked which allows an Irish trainee to spend Board Members: Dr Carol McGibney, with Medical Validation Ireland in the three years in clinical and research Dr Timothy Scanlon, Dr Colin Cantwell, revalidation of medical practitioners training at the Massachusetts General Dr Anthony Ryan, Dr Niamh Hambly, working for Hamad Medical Corporation Hospital and the Institute of Cell Biology, Dr Declan Sheppard, Dr John Feeney, (HMC) in Qatar. The Dean presented Harvard University. Dr Barry Kelly. certificates to successful Radiologists at the MVIRL/HMC ceremony in Qatar.

In Kuwait, the Dean and the Kuwait Programme Coordinator performed Strong links continue annual assessments for all SpRs. An accreditation visit by a Faculty team to be maintained followed, and the existing programme was re-accredited. A third training with the European hospital was also approved. Trainees from Society of Radiology. Kuwait are now receiving Higher Training in Ireland in collaboration with the International Medical Graduate Training Initiative of the Forum of Postgraduate Training Bodies and NDTP. Board changes Dr Barry Kelly’s term as Dean ended and Strong links continue to be maintained Professor Dermot Malone succeeded with the European Society of Radiology him. Dr John Feeney (Radiology) and Dr (ESR) and European Union of Medical Carol McGibney (Radiation Oncology) Specialists (UEMS), where the Dean joined the Board, while Dr Max Ryan Emeritus, Dean and others represent (Radiology) and Dr Maeve Pomeroy

49 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI faculty of nursing and Midwifery

In September 2014, following governance changes and the separation of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, the Faculty began implementation of its five-year strategic plan. The focus of that strategic plan is on maintaining professional competence, continuous professional development (CPD), Fellowships, project management and the annual international research and education conference. Minister for Health Leo Varadkar at the 34th RCSI Annual International Nursing and Midwifery Research and Education Conference. Continuous Professional Development Mr Thomas Kearns, Executive Director Fellowships The Faculty’s CPD curricula are of the Faculty, has devised a set of In October 2014, Professor Marie Carney, continuing to evolve, reflecting the standards that enables the Faculty to Dean of the Faculty, recommended to the needs of the professions and the health quality assure and accredit CPD courses Board, six Fellowships of the Faculty of sector. The Faculty created a range of delivered by partner programmes Nursing and Midwifery by examination at CPD courses and is being commissioned nationally and internationally. the RCSI. to provide courses in a broad range of areas. It has developed collaborative The Faculty has also developed service-level agreements for education international collaborations with, for training and project management example, the European Council of with both private and public partners, Nursing Regulators, the Croatian Nursing The Faculty’s including the HSE, the PNA, private Association and the Jordanian Nursing CPD curricula are hospital association members and Council. nursing homes. continuing to evolve, Honorary Associates The Faculty has also been working with By June 2015, 28 senior nurses and reflecting the needs various departments in RCSI to create a midwives were appointed as Honorary strategic internal alliance that will support Teaching, Research, Clinical and of the professions it in its application to the Nursing and Education Associates to the Faculty of Midwifery Board in relation to the tender Nursing and Midwifery for the first time, and the health sector. to deliver Maintenance and Professional to support the Faculty agendas in those Competency Schemes, by offering areas and to strengthen CPD provision. interdisciplinary and electronic solutions. Research The Faculty also conferred an Honorary The main piece of research that the Fellowship on Keith Duffy, singer- Faculty has been involved in over the past songwriter, actor, television and radio year is the Research Excellence Across presenter and autism awareness Clinical Healthcare (REACH) project. The campaigner for his work for children with faculty received funding in the region of autism in Ireland, during the ceremony €150,000 to appoint Dr Linda Nugent to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the as a post-doctoral research fellow. Her Faculty in October. work involves research capacity building, working in 17 research projects that are In February 2015, the Dean conferred taking place across clinical services in three Honorary Fellowships. HRH north Dublin, in areas such as community, Princess Muna Al-Hussain of Jordan was care of the elderly, midwifery service, and recognised for her contribution to nursing acute hospital service. and society internationally, and her life- time commitment to establishing nursing The two-year project got underway in as a profession for women in Jordan and Professor Marie Carney, November 2014, and has delivered in the Middle East. Dean, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery practice change, peer review publications and national and international conference Rachel McCloud Spring, a nurse and presentations. midwife, was honoured for her life-long

50 Education, Teaching and Learning - RCSI Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery

Pictured (l-r) Mr Thomas Kearns, Executive Director of the Faculty; Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein of Jordan, who was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of Faculty in recognition of her lifetime commitment and contributions to nursing; and Professor Marie Carney, Dean of the Faculty. dedication to mothers and babies in coordinated an interdisciplinary Responsibilities and Outcomes Malawi where she has worked for the past Educational Masterclass on patient safety, from an International Perspective”. eight years. She is a dedicated member quality improvement, measurement and Professor Carney also addressed the of the Rose Foundation. clinical outcomes in the Albert Lecture Croatian National Nursing Council 5th Theatre in November. The Masterclass Paul Gallagher, a nurse who has served was opened by Professor Cathal Kelly and nursing at national and international level, closed by Professor Marie Carney and was also conferred. Paul is Director of was attended by 80 professionals from The conference Nursing in St James’s Hospital, Dublin policy, practice, regulation, academia and and is currently President of the Nursing practice. is the longest and Midwifery Board of Ireland. 34th International Nursing and running of its kind in 40th Anniversary of the Faculty of Midwifery Conference Nursing and Midwifery Advancing Nursing and Midwifery Europe. In October, the Dean marked the Practice Linking National and Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery’s 40th International Perspectives was the title anniversary by launching the History of of the 34th International Nursing and the Faculty. Co-authored by Professor Midwifery Conference, which took place International Conference in Zagreb on Marie Carney, Dean; Mr Thomas Kearns, in February. Professor Marie Carney May 11 on “Nursing and Midwifery: From Executive Director of the Faculty; and and Mr Thomas Kearns opened the Undergraduate to Advanced Practice: Dr John Adams, Cambridge University, conference and Mr Leo Varadkar, Minister Interventions and Outcomes”. Fellow of the Faculty of Nursing and for Health delivered the Ministerial Midwifery and noted historian, the address. The conference is the longest Faculty Board publication celebrates 40 years of the running of its kind in Europe. Some Professor Marie Carney, Dean; Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery in RCSI. 180 delegates and speakers from the Ms Mary Jacob, Vice Dean; Ms Catherine Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the UK, Clune-Mulvaney, Honorary Secretary; Also, as part of the 40th anniversary the US, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Croatia, Dr Theresa Frawley, Honorary Treasurer; celebrations, a series of interviews Malaysia, Portugal and Ireland attended, Board Members: Professor Edna with Faculty Board members, key as well as representatives from the Woolhead, Ms Mary MacMahon, Dr Áine personnel, professional leaders and Department of Health, Health Service Colgan, Ms Maeve Dwyer, Ms Jacinta notable influencers were recorded. Executive, the Nursing and Midwifery Kelly; Ms Helen Walsh. The interviews review the legacy of Board of Ireland, FEPI (European the Faculty and explore its potential Regulatory Board) and representatives future based on changes in professional from RCSI partner and new cluster legislation, education, practice and hospitals. healthcare reform: past, present and future. Recordings are available on the Overseas Conference participation RCSI YouTube channel and the Faculty Professor Marie Carney, Dean, presented Facebook page, which went live in May. Key Note Addresses to the Jordanian Nursing Council 5th International Nursing Interdisciplinary Education Masterclass and Midwifery Conference in Amman The Faculty, in collaboration with the on April 22 and 23 on “Advanced School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nurse Practice: Role Dimensions,

51 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

faculty of sports & exercise medicine, rcpi and rcsi

It has been another busy year for the Board, Committee and staff of the Faculty of Sports & Exercise Medicine (FSEM). In the reporting period July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015, the Faculty has held or participated in a number of successful events, including its Annual Scientific Conference and second Spring Study Day. Education continues to be a key focus for the Faculty, with the HST SEM programme, SEMSEP Modules, SPoRTS Immediate Care course and ICGP/FSEM Joint Diploma in musculoskeletal (MSK) Examination and Injury Management, among its educational activities. At the FSEM Annual Scientific Conference 2014, the FSEM Organising Committee with guest speakers including keynote speaker Professor Per Hölmich (3rd from right). HST SEM programme specialty, and who wish to gain additional feedback gathered so far from delegates The Faculty is currently finalising its expertise in the new specialty of Sports over the past two years has been really submission to the Medical Council for & Exercise Medicine, leading to dual- positive. accreditation of its Higher Specialist certification. Successful completion of Training (HST SEM) programme in Sports the programme will see trainees being ICGP/FSEM Joint Diploma in MSK & Exercise Medicine. This accreditation awarded with a Certificate of Completion Examination and Injury Management visit will have enormous ramifications of Specialist Training (CCST) in Sports & This diploma is one of the most popular for the Faculty’s training body, and the Exercise Medicine. diplomas in the Irish College of General Faculty is hopeful that it can bring this Practitioners (ICGP), and its success is project to a positive outcome. Annual Scientific Conference 2014 due to the high calibre of the tutors The FSEM’s Annual Scientific Conference involved. More than 120 people have The Faculty has received provisional (ASC) 2014, on “The Sporting Hip, approval of its training programme by the Groin and Hamstring”, took place on HSE for funding, and it hopes to be in a September 4-6, 2014, in the Helix, Dublin position to advertise for its first specialist City University (DCU). ASC 2014 was a registrar (SpR) intake in the next 12 to joint venture with the World Federation The Faculty is 18 months, provided its postgraduate of Athletic Training and Therapy (WFATT), currently finalising training programme has been formally which was also holding its World accredited. Congress in Dublin, thanks to the support its submission to of Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland This programme will be open to (ARTI). the Medical Council candidates who have already completed specialist training in a recognised Mr Paul Kimmage opened the for accreditation of conference, which was followed by the awarding of honorary fellowships to its Higher Specialist Professor Per Hölmich, Professor Lyle Micheli, Mr Bernard Donne and Dr Ken Training programme. Kennedy. More than 300 delegates registered for lectures, workshops and keynotes. The Faculty would like to take this opportunity to thank DCU colleagues completed the diploma so far, and for their valuable support under the 3U FSEM is also currently discussing future Partnership. collaborative projects with ICGP. FSEM would like to thank the following FSEM SEMSEP Fellows for their continuous involvement The Faculty ran six Sports & Exercise in the running of this course: Dr John Medicine Structured Educational O’Riordan, course principal, as well as Programme (SEMSEP) modules in the Dr Joe Conway, Dr Mick Griffin and Dr past academic year and produced a short Laoise Griffin, course tutors. Dr Padraig Sheeran, promotional video which may be viewed Dean, Faculty of Sports & Exercise on the Faculty’s YouTube channel. The SPoRTS course Medicine, RCPI and RCSI Faculty is currently planning four modules The Standard Principles of Resuscitation for the academic year 2015/2016. The and Trauma in Sport (SPoRTS) immediate

52 Education, Teaching and Learning - Faculty of Sports & Exercise Medicine, rcpi and rcsi

Workshop at FSEM Annual Scientific Conference 2014 “The Sporting Hip, Groin and Hamstring”. care course is going from strength to summer with Kilimanjaro Achievers – truly third Spring Study Day outside of Dublin strength, with two courses now running inspiring. again in Spring 2016. every year (Dublin and Cork). The Faculty is looking at bringing this course to The Spring Study Day is highly focused Galway and Limerick in the coming years, on the next generation of Sports & and also to Northern Ireland, with the Exercise Medicine specialists and other assistance of FSEM Fellows and Members The Standard practitioners who have an interest in based around Belfast. This course is Sports & Exercise Medicine, and the the only course in Ireland accredited by Principles of Faculty welcomes the undergraduate the Faculty of Pre-hospital Care (Royal Resuscitation and community to this meeting. College of Surgeons of Edinburgh). Trauma in Sport Journal Clubs and Grand Rounds The Faculty is in the process of These sessions take place in Dublin, introducing its refresher course for all (SPoRTS) immediate Galway and Mayo once a month during candidates who have already successfully the academic year, and on a quarterly completed the SPoRTS course over the care course is going basis in Cork. This year saw a new Journal past three years, and it is developing Club being set up in Northern Ireland. All a new “SPoRTS course for all” at level from strength to sessions are approved for 2 CPD credits. 1, for anyone from the general public. The Faculty hopes to further develop strength, with two Faculty Board training in immediate care for children courses now running Dr Padraig Sheeran, Dean; Professor (management of serious injuries/trauma in W. Arthur Tanner, Vice-Dean: Dr Suzi schools) and it has met with Department every year. Clarke, Honorary Secretary; Dr Adrian of Health and Children and Department McGoldrick, Treasurer; Professor of Education representatives over the Frank Murray, RCPI President ex past few months in that respect. officio; Professor Michael G. Molloy, RCPI Representative; Professor Sean RCSI Mini-Med Open Lecture Series Injury prevention in MMA fighting Gaine, RCPI Representative; Mr Declan 2014/2015 This event was organised by RCSI Society Magee, RCSI President ex officio; Mr The Faculty was delighted to be selected of Neurosciences in January 2015, under John Quinlan, RCSI Representative; for, and take part in, the RCSI Mini-Med the leadership of Professor Dan Healy Mr Paddy Kenny, RCSI Representative; Open Lecture Series in January 2015, from Beaumont Hospital. The Faculty Dr Rod McLoughlin, Irish Institute of with its Concussion Working Group supported the students involved with Sport Representative; Lt Col. Tim Swan Chairman, Professor Michael G Molloy, the organising of this event on the day at and Dr Rod Jaques (Alternate), FSEM delivering a lecture on the “Management registration and by promoting the event (UK) Representatives; Ms Una May, Lay of Concussion”, while Dr Padraig Sheeran on social media. Member; Mr Kieran Collins, Lay Member; gave a presentation on “Emergency Care Mr Ruairi Harvey, Lay Member; Board in Remote Areas – Wilderness Medicine Second Spring Study Day Members: Dr Alan Byrne, Dr Philip in Kilimanjaro”. Dr Sheeran was delighted The Faculty’s second Spring Study Day Carolan, Dr Martin Daly, Dr Eanna Falvey, that Shane Dunphy could attend the took place in University College Cork Dr Michael Griffin, Dr Gerald Kerr, Dr meeting; Shane is a remarkable young (UCC) in April 2015. This was a successful Nick Mahony, Dr Mick Molloy, Dr Pat man with cystic fibrosis who climbed meeting, with nearly 100 delegates O’Neill, Professor John Ryan, and Dr Mount Kilimanjaro with Dr Sheeran last attending. The Faculty hopes to hold its Michael Webb.

53 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

irish institute of pharmacy

During its second year of operation, the Irish Institute of Pharmacy (IIOP) has made considerable strides in establishing a new continuing professional development (CPD) infrastructure for pharmacists. This has included development of an online IIOP ePortfolio, engagement with the profession, delivery of a suite of training programmes and the development of a strategy for the next four years. Peer Support Pharmacist Jenny Smyth presents an ePortfolio Information Event in RCSI in March 2015.

IIOP ePortfolio Peer Support Pharmacists The IIOP presented at a range of In March 2015, the IIOP launched its In January, we welcomed 30 of our Peer conferences, including those of the ePortfolio to over 5,500 registered Support Pharmacists (PSPs) to RCSI for Hospital Pharmacists Association of pharmacists and pharmaceutical a two-day event. There was a packed Ireland; the Irish Pharmacy Union; assistants. agenda, including training sessions, Pharmacists in Industry, Education and workshops, debates and discussions, Regulation, the Irish Pharmacy Students This ePortfolio is one of the central as well as opportunities for networking Association; the European Mentoring components of the new CPD system and socialising. The PSPs serve as an for pharmacists. It helps pharmacists to important and valuable conduit for identify and address their development communication between the IIOP and needs in a reflective and patient- the profession and help to shape the Feedback from focused manner. It also supports them work of the IIOP. in meeting the CPD requirements set by pharmacists has the pharmacy regulator. Information Events An important aspect of the IIOP’s work been overwhelmingly Feedback from pharmacists has been is to engage the profession in the new overwhelmingly positive, with the CPD system. Information events have positive, with the ePortfolio’s usability and applicability to been delivered throughout 2014 and practice being particularly welcomed. 2015 to support this objective. ePortfolio’s usability User experience was at the heart of the ePortfolio’s development, with focus In 2014, the PSPs delivered 60 and applicability groups and pharmacist involvement at nationwide events, both face-to-face to practice being every stage. and virtually. These sessions provided an overview of the new CPD model for particularly pharmacists and outlined how the IIOP will support pharmacists as they engage welcomed. with the new system.

The 2015 events focus on how the ePortfolio could be used to support and Coaching Council; and the CPD, and include live demonstrations of International Pharmaceutical Federation. the ePortfolio, as well as information on The IIOP were also joint organisers of the supports available to pharmacists. the All Ireland Pharmacy Conference in January 2015. Engagement with the Pharmacy Profession A newsletter was developed to keep While the information events are pharmacists up-to-date on the progress vital in disseminating information of the IIOP and on new courses and about the IIOP and pharmacists’ CPD events. The IIOP aims to build on Dr Catriona Bradley, requirements, in the last 12 months, the this newsletter and our use of social Executive Director, Irish Institute of IIOP has worked to initiate a national media platforms to develop a hub Pharmacy conversation amongst pharmacists of community engagement for the about CPD and the role of the IIOP. pharmacy profession.

54 Education, Teaching and Learning - Irish Institute of Pharmacy

Peer Support Pharmacists attend IIOP Training in January 2015.

Training Programmes popular, with feedback indicating strategy which will guide the activities The IIOP also provides a range of that self-directed online training of the IIOP until 2018. The strategy sets accredited training programmes to programmes are seen as convenient for out the vision, mission and values of the pharmacists and pharmaceutical busy professionals. IIOP and outlines the key strategic paths assistants. which will be taken over the coming The IIOP also delivered a series of years. Most significantly, in September two-day Superintendent Pharmacist 2014, we launched an online influenza training courses and one-day Personal vaccination training programme for Development training courses. More experienced vaccinators, which was training programmes will be added each completed by over 450 pharmacists. year. Online courses were developed in antibiotic stewardship, anticoagulation, Strategy Development cardiovascular disease, diabetes and The IIOP Steering Group participated medicines management in the older in a number of facilitated workshops person. These courses have proved which resulted in the development of a

55 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI International Campuses

In 2014/15, RCSI continued to deliver premium medical and healthcare education programmes in the Middle East and Southeast Asia from its international campus locations in Bahrain, Malaysia and Dubai.

56 57 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI International Campuses

Newly opened synthetic outdoor sports pitch at RCSI Bahrain.

RCSI BAHRAIN first of its kind in Bahrain and will be open to Bahraini postgraduate students. The The Dilmun PhD Since opening in 2004, RCSI Bahrain has first three projects have been approved strived for, and achieved, ever-higher and recruitment for candidates has research scholarship standards of excellence in academia, already begun. programme is the research, training activities and community engagement. School of Medicine first of its kind in In October 2014, RCSI Bahrain’s School of RCSI Bahrain is continuously building Medicine underwent an intensive review Bahrain. its network of international hospitals of its undergraduate medical teaching and facilities to advance healthcare programme by the Irish Medical Council standards and promote student and, subsequently, was awarded full elective opportunities and student and accreditation for the next five years. For postgraduate research collaboration the second year in a row, RCSI Bahrain worldwide. This year agreements were graduates also received a 100% pass signed with Johns Hopkins Singapore; rate in the Bahrain Medical Licensure Global Health City, Chennai, India; and Exam conducted by the National the University of Medical Sciences and Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) – Technology, Sudan. To enhance its showcasing the University’s reputation for international community engagement excellence. The School also launched its programme for its students, the first Intern and Tutor awards this year. University has also further developed links with centres including Vikas School of Nursing and Midwifery Hospital, Delhi, India and Children’s The School of Nursing and Midwifery Hospital No.2, Ho Chi Minh City, successfully completed a BSc Bridging Vietnam. programme with Saudi Aramco and Johns Hopkins in 2014. Nursing research Academia projects on clinical teaching have In November 2014, RCSI Bahrain continued to progress and a number of celebrated its 10th anniversary, new collaborative projects with partner representing a successful decade of hospitals, and interprofessional education delivering undergraduate medical projects, involving medical students and training in Bahrain. As part of this nursing students, have been established. celebration and in collaboration with The founding of the Sigma Theata Tau RCSI Dublin, it launched the Dilmun PhD Honours Society, in collaboration with research scholarship programme. This is a other nursing institutions, is a major

58 INTERNATIONAL CAMPUSES

development for the School, as it is the from 17 different schools this year, pitch, which caters for both recreational first in the Gulf Region. The University bringing the total number to 2,222 and competitive sport. This new Centre also hosted the inaugural Bahrain children since the unit started its is a popular addition to the University National Nurses Day in May 2015. MSc operations. The University’s bi-annual campus. Nursing is a key programme within the blood donation drive, in collaboration School and has graduated 68 students with the Central Blood Bank of Bahrain, since 2010. In addition, two MSc was another major achievement, with programmes of RCSI Bahrain graduates over 100 units of blood donated this year. PERDANA UNIVERSITY, have been hosted by the Al Jawhara The University also donated a significant MALAYSIA Centre at the Arabian Gulf University. amount to charities again this year, including the Bahrain Red Crescent’s Toy Since its inception in 2011, Perdana School of Postgraduate Studies and Drive for displaced children in Syria, and University (PU) has steadily built Research a new clothing appeal for the Nepalese momentum academically, offering a five- In 2015, Professor Davinder Sandhu, a earthquake victims. The launch of the year undergraduate medical education former Postgraduate Dean of Severn Community Engagement Health Call for programme and training designed to Deanery and Professor of Medical Action video, sees specific health issues ensure students broaden their medical Education University of Bristol, UK, was addressed, relevant to the region. The knowledge and gain experience and appointed as the Head of School of videos, which are in Arabic, will support training in community and hospital care. Postgraduate Studies and Research – an community and health developments. The University’s two inaugural medical important senior appointment for the The first video on ‘Hands-only CPR’ was programmes: the Doctor of Medicine, School. SBI Pharmaceuticals also funded launched this year, and is being featured offered through the Graduate School of three Research Fellows in 2015, to work on Gulf Air (Bahrain’s National Carrier) Medicine, and the Bachelor of Medicine, on projects between RCSI, SBI and King flights, through its onboard health conducted by the Perdana University- Hamad University Hospital (KHUH) in channel. RCSI (PU-RCSI) School of Medicine, Bahrain. showcased PU as a new educational In recognition of the extensive work centre for medical excellence for both Professional Development Unit carried out by University volunteers, RCSI local and international students. The Since its inception a year ago, the Bahrain presented an annual achievement Doctor of Medicine was unique at the Professional Development Unit (PDU) award to a community engagement time as it was the first graduate entry has offered staff at RCSI Bahrain the scholar from India. medical programme in Malaysia. Four opportunity to take part in more than years later, the University welcomed 60 training activities, representing the Extracurricular activities another significant milestone, as its first most significant increase in professional Located adjacent to the main campus group of Senior Cycle 1 students entered development activities since the building, RCSI Bahrain’s newly- their final year (the Cycle is two years establishment of RCSI Bahrain. The PDU renovated Sport’s and Recreation long) in September, 2015. has provided funding for 15 staff to Centre (SRC) features an abundance further their education, another 15 have of modern facilities including a 900m2 The appointment of Professor David been funded to assist them to participate multi-purpose hall, with provision for Adams as Dean of PU-RCSI was another in, and present their research at basketball, indoor football, volleyball and important development for the University. conferences, while training programmes badminton. Alongside the SRC is the Professor Adams is the former Professor were made available for nearly 100 newly opened, synthetic outdoor sports of Hepatology, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, members of staff. Head of College of Medical and Dental Sciences and Dean of Medicine at The PDU held an inspirational series University of Birmingham, UK. of talks, where speakers like Ms Julie Sprakel, breast cancer survivor, Ms Raha Student academic success Moharrak, the first Arabian Ambassador Student enrolment continues steadily to for Innovation, and Dr Mariam Mater, progress at PU-RCSI, with 63 students Founder and Chairman of UAE Genetic enrolled the Class of 2019. PU-RCSI Disease Association, shared their stories. students distinguished themselves during their Intermediate and Junior Cycle Community engagement Examinations, with an outstanding 29 first To date, RCSI Bahrain registered class honours’ results. The Senior Cycle volunteers have provided 6,238 hours 1 students also underwent successful, worth of community engagement since clinical attachments in Hospital Kuala the Community Engagement Volunteer Lumpur and Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar, Programme was set up in 2012. Seremban.

The paediatric diabetes mobile unit – a At the prestigious White Coat Ceremony collaborative project between Bahrain held this year, where PU-RCSI Chancellor, Diabetes Society and the Rotary Club YA Bhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad of Manama – has seen the University’s Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Bahrain, presented his address, The Past, Present nursing students educate 1,014 children speaking at the 10 year anniversary celebrations. and Future of Healthcare Education,

59 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

medals for academic excellence and performance in assessments, were awarded to five of the University’s students.

Research honours Dr Karen Morgan, RCSI Lead in Psychology and new President Elect of the European Health Psychology Society, received an Early Career Award from the European Health Psychology Society in recognition of outstanding research excellence. Dr Radha Kodiappan (Department of Biochemistry) was awarded first prize in the University Putra Malaysia Cancer Research Poster Competition in 2014. Dr Kodiappan also received a significant two-year White coat ceremony at Perdana University-RCSI (PU-RCSI) School of Medicine. grant, under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), funding her research work on aggressive bladder College. PMC was also informed that it Teaching award highlights cancer stem-cell phenotype MRNA. is the only medical school outside the In recognition of the enormous Following on from these considerable EU whose graduates are eligible to apply commitment to teaching, demonstrated research accomplishments, PU-RCSI for internship in Ireland, highlighting the by PMC’s staff, the College initiated the student Pathiban Nivamalathiban’s College’s excellent reputation worldwide. President’s Awards for Excellence in research project paper was published Teaching. The inaugural award winner in the Journal of the American College for part-time clinical teaching staff, of Cardiology (impact factor 15). This chosen by the graduates from over paper was developed during the PU-RCSI 240 part-time staff, was Mr Nasser Abd student summer research programme. PMC has graduated Wahab, a neurosurgeon at Penang General Hospital. The award for full- Accreditation visits more than 1,000 time clinical teaching staff was given to After the third Irish Medical Council doctors since 2001. Professor Richard Loh Li Cher, Head of accreditation visit in 2014, PU-RCSI was the Department of Medicine at PMC. highly commended on the successful Professor Amir Khir, President, CEO and implementation of the Medical Council Dean at PMC, presented the awards at recommendations in 2013. These the annual PMC Graduates Ball on June included the development of the clinical PMC Satellite Clinical Skills and 14, 2015. teaching programme and placements; key Education Centre staff appointments; and the teaching and The construction of the new PMC Satellite Key student accolades learning opportunities made available at Clinical Skills and Education Centre this This year, PMC students excelled in Hospital Kuala Lumpur. A monitoring visit year, is the first such facility in the region two of Ireland’s major competitions for by the Malaysian Medical Council was of Penang and is designed for medical medical students. Jut Kit Khoo, class of carried out on May 21, 2015, resulting in students to develop their practical skills 2017, won first place in the Beaumont an extremely positive subsequent report. during their clinical training. On March 17, Hospital Sheppard Prize competition 2015, Chief Minister of Penang Lim Guan in Pathology; and Ms Ju Vern Ew, class Eng officially opened the Centre, which of 2016, has been awarded the Dr HH is located adjacent to the Seberang Jaya Stewart Medical Scholarship in Medical PENANG MEDICAL Hospital. Microbiology by the National University COLLEGE, MALAYSIA of Ireland in 2014 – the first PMC student The 5,000 square foot Centre houses to receive the award. In partnership with RCSI and University the clinical skills unit, seminar rooms College Dublin (UCD), Penang Medical and facilities for video recording family Research activity at PMC College (PMC), has been providing the medicine consultations, incorporating the Research is a major priority for the highest quality medical education to teaching and learning of communication College, and, in its latest initiative to internationally recognised standards skills. enhance research activity, PMC has since 1996 and has graduated more formed a Research Committee and than 1,000 doctors since 2001. This There are also overnight student facilities PMC Institutional Ethics Committee year, PMC received confirmation from for on-call purposes. The Centre is to expedite approval on scientific and the Malaysian Medical Council and expected to further strengthen PMC’s ties ethical aspects of research, as well as Malaysian Qualification Agency that the with the Ministry of Health, as staff from increase effectiveness in the allocation College will be accredited until April the hospital can also use the facilities for of funding. The College has also recently 2018 – a major accomplishment for the CPD. launched the MSc in Health Research and

60 INTERNATIONAL CAMPUSES

Many of the graduates of these programmes are now in senior positions in the health services.

Professor Amir Khir, President, CEO and Dean at PMC (left) shows Chief Minister of Penang Lim Guan Eng (right) around the new PMC Satellite Clinical Skills and Education Centre during the Centre’s official opening. several other postgraduate programmes RCSI DUBAI Executive leadership are in the pipeline. This year, RCSI-Dubai, in partnership This year, RCSI Dubai graduated 69 with Dubai Healthcare City launched a The second successful annual PMC students; 41 graduates were conferred highly successful and innovative Executive Research Day was held which included with an MSc in Healthcare Management, Leadership for Women program. undergraduate and staff oral and poster 22 with an MSc in Quality and Safety Thirty senior women from a variety of presentations, a distinguished guest in Healthcare Management and six countries and backgrounds participated lecture and a mini-symposium. The were conferred with a Postgraduate in a dynamic two days of executive distinguished guest lecture, Future Diploma. The ceremony took place at development led by Dr Mary Collins and Healthcare – Personal & Connected, the prestigious Mohammed Bin Rashid Dr Pauline Connolly. A highlight of the was delivered by Professor Desmond Academic Medical Center in Dubai and program was the two guest speakers: Fitzgerald, Principal, College of Health graduates were presented with their H.E. Raja Al Gurg, one of the foremost Sciences, UCD. A mini-symposium on certificates by H.E. Sheikh Mansoor Bin business women in the UAE; and Dr Chelation Therapy for Iron Overload Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Houiya Kazim, the first female surgeon in Thalassaemic Patients: A Southeast in the UAE. Following the success of this Asian Challenge, reflecting local research Graduates from RCSI Dubai represent a programme, the Institute is developing interest, also featured. broad spectrum of health professionals a new MSc in Executive Leadership. and include doctors, nurses, health Subject to UAE Government approval, As the coordinating centre for Cochrane managers, pharmacists and lab it is anticipated that this programme will Malaysia, PMC organised a three-day technicians who come from a wide commence in Dubai in September 2016 workshop on Developing a Protocol variety of public and private health sector for a Cochrane Systematic Review in organisations. Many of the graduates November 2015 and hosted a half-day of these programmes are now in senior workshop on an Introduction to Writing a positions in the health services, not only Cochrane Review in May 2015. of the UAE, but throughout the Middle Eastern region. Senior appointments Associate Professor Finian O’Brien was appointed as Head of the Department of Psychiatry in February 2015, taking over from Professor Vincent Russell. Other new appointments include: Dr Chan Mei Wai, Lecturer in Family Medicine, Dr Mohammad Mostaque Hossain Ansari, Senior Lecturer in Public Health and Dr Siti Fatimah Binti Kader Maideen, Lecturer in Public Health.

Pictured at the RCSI Dubai Conferring H.E. is Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum pre- senting a Masters certificate to Nassrin Samir Majbour.

61 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI People

people

Human Resources at RCSI 64

Development and Alumni Relations 66

Student Experience 68

62 63 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI People

Human Resources Management Team, the programme aims to strengthen and deepen the Strategic recruitment at RCSI leadership skills of all participants. This is a significant investment by RCSI in campaigns have seen RCSI Human Resources (HR) function its senior people. RCSI is committed to RCSI attract excellent is integral to College life, with a reach developing leaders who will be pivotal that extends to all staff - academic, in helping the College achieve its talent, which will help research and administration/support ambition of growth and excellence. This - while providing a vital interface programme runs over a seven month- enhance the quality with the student body. The period period and 14 participants from across from July 2014 to June 2015 has the College are taking part. They are of our research and been one of intense activity for participating in a series of two-to-three RCSI’s HR department, driven by a day skill-building modules, taking part teaching output. commitment to invest in, and develop, in one-to-one coaching sessions, and all employees. working together in small support and challenge groups towards individual The College’s comprehensive learning organisational goals. The programme and development initiative continues is proving to be highly effective in with the Leadership and Development developing leadership competencies Programme, the ‘Bitesize’ Management and strengthening working relationships. Workshop series and more. High quality It is envisaged that this will be further offerings in a number of core areas expanded in 2016 and beyond. are now available, including project management, and research presentation. The Bitesize Management Workshop Strategic recruitment campaigns have series was very well attended this year. seen RCSI successfully attract excellent These short, focused sessions were talent, which will help enhance the quality designed to be easily accessible and of our research and teaching output. thought-provoking, and to give managers practical techniques that they could Learning and Development immediately apply in their departments. A number of new programmes were The format was positively received by developed and rolled out for staff across managers as it allowed them to update Mr Barry Holmes, all areas of the College this year. RCSI’s their skills without having to take a Director of Human Resources bespoke Leadership Development day away from the office. A number of Programme (LDP) was launched. managers also completed the Coaching Designed in conjunction with the Senior Skills for Managers course, offered

64 people - Human Resources at RCSI

in conjunction with the Leadership ›› RCSI Associate Professor of Paediatric (science, technology, engineering, Foundation for Higher Education (LFHE). Surgery - Mr Alan Mortell. mathematics and medicine) academia. The awards play a significant role in There has been an ongoing focus The School of Pharmacy has undergone helping departments carry out research on researcher development this significant expansion and along with at the highest standards of international year, offering courses such as Grant its new office space in 111 St Stephen’s excellence, and in maintaining a Writing Workshops, Managing your Green, HR has worked closely with the competitive advantage. Research Project and Presenting your management team to ensure the School is Research. Researchers have also had resourced effectively to meet its strategic RCSI is submitting an application for a the opportunity to avail of one-to- objectives over the coming years. bronze Athena Swan award in September one coaching sessions with an expert, 2015. The joint leads are Leonie Young, specialist coach sourced by the College. RCSI is proud to be the first institution in Associate Professor, Surgery (academic Researcher development will continue Ireland to introduce a Physician Associate lead) and Deirdre Fahy, Human Resources to be a priority for the College in the Programme which was formally launched Business Partner (HR lead). coming year. in June 2015 in Beaumont Hospital. Professor David Kuhns who has extensive Special Projects Online learning continues to grow in experience gained in the US, will support ›› The development of the Core HR popularity and more than half of staff both Professor Arnold Hill and Dr Pauline system continued this year including members are active subscribers to Joyce in developing this innovative model the popular introduction of Core RCSI’s Lynda.com, giving them access in Ireland. mobile for phones, and a recent to over 2,000 video-based tutorials on a version upgrade. New ways in which wide variety of subjects across all RCSI StAR (Strategic Academic Recruitment) automation can improve and streamline campuses in Dublin and internationally. Programme key activities will continue to be Online data protection training was also The StAR Programme represents an identified and further innovations in successfully rolled out. exciting phase which will see the HR this area are expected. department recruiting 20 new academic The Staff Development Scheme posts of Research Lecturer. This will be a ›› Benefits available to staff members are continued this year with 10 staff members key focus for the HR and Research teams consistently promoted, in particular, selected to receive 80 per cent fee over the coming months. The recruitment pension benefits. A high profile and support from the Faculty of Medicine focus will be on academics that excel successful campaign was run to and Health Sciences to undertake in research and want to advance their encourage take-up of this important postgraduate study in RCSI taught careers in an academic, health science benefit with the associated increase in programmes. environment. the College contribution recognised as best in class externally. More than 500 people participated Athena Swan Awards in internally offered courses. Popular The Athena Swan Awards are part of ›› The Professional Development Planning sessions this year included Time Matters, the Athena Swan Charter for women in process continues and is supported by Building Resilience, Project Management science, which recognises commitment ongoing training, coaching and one-to- and Cross Cultural Communication. to advancing women’s careers in STEMM one support from the HR team.

Strategic Recruitment HR has been successful in attracting rcsi supporting researchers some excellent talent across all »» HRS4R review by European Commission departments. Some key strategic appointments include: Aíne Gibbons, »» Researcher Mobility who joined RCSI in 2015 as Director of »» Learning & Development Development and Alumni Relations; Aoife »» Researcher Career Framework Flanagan, who joined RCSI as Head of »» Survey Researchers’ Needs Institutional Research and Planning; and »» Research Ombudsman »» Pathways for Public Engagement Dr Aoife Gallagher, the new Head of »» IT Research Support Plan

Innovation in the Office of Research and »» Promoting Engagement with Industry Innovation. »» Training Programmes »» One to One Coaching »» Grant Preparation Assistance The number of clinical educators has »» Recruitment Drive (Strategic Academic Recruitment Programme) increased across all teaching hospitals »» Ethics Procedures Optimization and the appointment of a number of joint »» Athena Swan Submission academic consultant positions has been »» Researchers’ Survey finalised: »» HRS4R Award and Logo »» Researchers Professional Development Programme ›› Senior Lecturer/Consultant in »» Research Strategy Launch Microbiology - Fidelma Fitzpatrick; »» Office of Research & Innovation established »» Honorary Researchers Lecturer Appointments »» Research Integrity Statement ›› Associate Professor/Consultant - »» Researchers Handbook James Paul O’Neill; Implementation of the RCSI HR Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) got underway in 2014.

65 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

Development and Alumni Relations

Realising RCSI’s vision for Alumni Engagement

With the recent appointment of Aíne Gibbons as Director of Development and Alumni Relations, reconnecting with former students has become a core focus for the College in 2015- 2016. Indeed, Aíne’s arrival, in May 2015, has heralded an exciting new chapter for RCSI and its 20,000-strong network of Alumni.

Building on current activities to establish a vibrant programme for Alumni engagement, both in Ireland and worldwide, is the first major objective for Aíne and her growing Development and Alumni Relations team. Dr Chandhu Paka (class of 2007) and her brother Mr Pavin Paka (class of 2014) at the inaugural North American Alumni engagement event in New York.

Alumni events – building on success Rankings for its international outlook. The College is Following the success of The Gathering in This was the first time RCSI has been deeply appreciative 2013, RCSI has leveraged the momentum ranked within the top 50, and is an generated by this inaugural event to important recognition of RCSI’s global to all those who rebrand the long-running annual reunion network of Alumni, which spans over 80 weekend as the Alumni Gathering. countries. generously give their Last year’s Alumni Gathering in September welcomed back nine classes, The Development and Alumni Relations time and expertise representing the period from 1954- team is committed to building a stronger 2004, from the School of Medicine and and more mutually beneficial relationship to enhance the Dentistry, totalling over 240 Alumni with this overseas community, in order to from 14 countries, for their milestone deepen existing ties and further enhance educational success anniversaries. This was the biggest annual the College’s global reputation. reunion of its kind to be held in RCSI, St of RCSI. Stephen’s Green. The weekend’s many In May 2015, the team took their first step social and academic activities were in progressing this initiative by organising centred on opportunities to re-establish the inaugural North American Alumni connections and reminisce with former engagement event in the Irish Consul classmates and lecturers. General’s Residence in New York. This was a significant event for the College The Alumni Gathering 2015 (August as it provided an opportunity for Alumni 27-29) is already shaping up to be even to meet and reconnect with their North- more successful with a record-breaking American RCSI community, discuss both attendance expected. their professional and personal pursuits post-RCSI, and hear about the College’s Building on the success of the Alumni vision and plans. Gathering, Aíne and her team will launch a new ‘In Conversation with…’ event series Further overseas events as well as the in the coming months aimed at engaging launch of global RCSI Chapters, both in RCSI Alumni from all disciplines to America and Asia, are being planned for participate in regular, topical networking the year ahead – details will be available evenings in RCSI throughout the year. online at: www.rcsi.ie/alumni Ms Aíne Gibbons, Director of Development and Alumni Overseas Alumni – strengthening ties Communications – creating a lifelong Relations In 2015, RCSI was ranked 49th in the connection Times Higher Education World University Critical to the success of the engagement

66 people - Development and Alumni Relations

programme is the ability to contact RCSI’s Alumni. To this end, the Development and Alumni Relations team has commenced a comprehensive ‘Contact Update’ project. Currently, the team are working with

Last year’s Alumni Gathering in September welcomed back nine classes, representing Dr Abdulkhalek Dasoo (class of 1964) pictured at the 2014 RCSI Alumni Gathering Scientific Meeting. the period from programme, the current Alumni Recognising that a loyal and engaged 1954-2004, totalling communication platforms - the annual Alumni community is central to RCSI’s Alumni magazine, RCSI Matters, the ongoing success, the next 12 months will over 240 Alumni monthly e-zines, the website and be an exciting time for the Development social media - will all be reviewed. The and Alumni Relations team as they seek from 14 countries, renewed focus for these platforms will to actively involve the Alumni in the be to engage Alumni directly by sharing fulfilment of the College’s ambitious for their milestone their news and stories to celebrate and plans. anniversaries. promote their success. Alumni Mentor Network The RCSI Mentor Network continues to expand year-on-year, under the all RCSI departments and faculties to leadership of Fionnuala Rahilly, Career proactively update all 20,000 addresses, Development Manager. This interactive emails and telephone numbers on the portal, designed to facilitate online Alumni database. Once this phase is mentorship between RCSI Alumni complete, the second phase of this worldwide and current students, now project will require the team to contact boasts over 890 active Alumni members. all Alumni directly to verify or update The College is deeply appreciative to all their details. Re-establishing contact with those who generously give their time and Alumni in instances where it has been expertise, and encourage others to offer lost is crucial to the future plans of the their support to enhance the educational Development and Alumni Relations team. success of RCSI. Find out more online at: In addition to the expanding events www.rcsi.ie/mentor

Pictured at the RCSI Alumni Gathering 2014 Reunion Gala Dinner (l-r) Andrew Maree (class of 1994), Dr Andrew Heffernan (class of 1988), Dr Emma Nichola Maree (class of 1998), Daragh O’Neill (class of 1994), Dorothy O’Neill, William Behan (class of Meagher, (class of 1987) and Professor Noel 1994) and Tara Behan. Williams, (class of 1981) at the inaugural North American Alumni engagement event in New York.

67 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

Student Experience

RCSI students are involved in a wealth of extra-curricular activities which shape the rich and colourful tapestry that makes up student life. Highlights during the year included Cultural Diversity Month, the launch of the new RCSI student newspaper ‘DIVERCSITY’ and the International Conference for Healthcare and Medical Students (ICHAMS).

RCSI students have been highly active in volunteering and charitable initiatives. In the past academic year RCSI students raised more than €35,000 for a host of worthy causes and charities, as well as volunteering their time to assist in many of the College’s outreach programmes.

RCSI students practice their dance moves ahead of International Night, the finale event of RCSI Cultural Diversity Month.

Student clubs and societies highlights Meeting which took place in January RCSI has 40 active student societies 2015. The Biological Society is the offering students valuable opportunities oldest student society in RCSI and the to meet people with similar interests. event is organised by students from Sport is an integral part of student life the Biological Society Committee with at RCSI, and there 34 active sports assistance from the Student Services clubs, giving students the opportunity team. Professor Peter Conlon, Consultant to balance academic study with a wide Nephrologist and Renal Transplant range of sporting activities. Physician in Beaumont Hospital and Associate Professor of Medicine at RCSI, Highlights of the year included the RCSI commenced his term as President of the Environment Society’s Green Week Society. A graduate of RCSI (class of 1986) from 20 - 24 October, which brought Professor Conlon has a long association a wealth of 'green' activity on campus with the Society, having attended his first providing a range of information about BioSoc meeting as a student in 1980. ways to save the planet including a sale of reusable EnviroSoc water bottles and a food festival, to raise awareness of food wastage.

One of the most anticipated events in the RCSI social calendar, the Chocolate Ball, took place on 7th November hosted by the Caribbean-African Society (CAS). This year, 12 contestants vied for the title of 'Mr & Miss RCSI' with each showcasing their talents and answering a series of questions to woo the audience and RCSI students raised judges in an effort to gain the much coveted title. more than €35,000 BioSoc for a host of worthy The 50-year history of kidney transplantation and future global causes and charities. challenges in this field was the theme Pictured at the 82nd BioSoc Inaugural Meeting (l-r) of the 82nd Biological Society Inaugural Professor Peter Conlon, President; Professor Frank Murray, outgoing President; and student President, Gerard Cotter.

68 people - Student Experience

New RCSI student newspaper launched Guests at this entertaining celebration the polo team graced the famous In September 2014, the first issue of of international talent, music and dance polo grounds in Chantilly to win "Best the new RCSI student newspaper, were transported around the globe with Strategy". ‘DIVERCSITY’ was launched, led by a spectacular show of music and dancing medical students Nikita Rane and Caitrin from a number of student groups, Boston Marathon O’Leary, who are Co-Directors and Co- societies and individuals. The winners of The 119th Boston Marathon took place Editor-in-chiefs of the publication. After International Night 2015 were PMCSA on Monday, 20th April, with ten RCSI a successful first year of publication, the (Penang Medical College Students students among the 30,000 runners team hopes that the student paper will Association), who took home the Parnell competing in this most prestigious road continue to inspire support, interest and Keeling trophy. race, with spark and determination, involvement from everyone in the College despite cold, wet and windy weather for many years to come and will act as a conditions. This year the RCSI student collaborative focal point for the staff and team consisted of Ranjit Banwait student community. (Captain), Ben Melvin, Eoin Murphy, The inaugural Gordon Treacy, Mark Heneghan, Chloe Cultural Diversity Month Doran, Caitrín O'Leary, Susan Hannon, March 2015 marked the inaugural Cultural Cultural Diversity Aifric Heffernan and Maggie O'Brien. Diversity Month at RCSI which featured Month featured a a number of events that showcased the RCSI's involvement in the Boston culture, traditions, food, music and dance number of events Marathon is facilitated by Dr John V from the college's student body, which Coyle (class of 1962), member of the consists of more than 60 nationalities. The that showcased the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) and opening event was International Food recipient of the 2002 RCSI Distinguished Night, hosted by the Gourmet Society, culture, traditions, Graduate Award. First to cross the line for which saw 350 RCSI staff and students in team RCSI was Eoin Murphy with a finish attendance to enjoy gastronomic delights food, music and time of 03h05m - particularly impressive from all four corners of the globe. considering the challenging weather dance from the conditions and his starting position in A week-long Cultural Exhibition Fair college’s student the third and final wave. Eoin Murphy which took place in the exam hall was an was presented with the John V Coyle opportunity for students from various body. Perpetual Trophy in recognition of his countries to showcase their culture, achievement by Jack Fultz, 1976 Boston landscape, clothing and history with Marathon winner. staff and fellow students. Other events included an RCSI football World Cup and a quiz themed on culture and geography, Sporting highlights both hosted by the Sports Union; a light- hearted culture debate, organised by the Polo Team wins 'Best Strategy' in Debating Society; and an international Paris tournament bake sale. The RCSI Polo team represented RCSI at the 24ieme Challenge des Grandes Cultural Diversity Month culminated with Ecoles et Universités, held at Chantilly the annual International Night which Polo Club, in Paris, France. Captained was held at Dublin's Mansion House. by Senan O'Connell, final year medicine,

In February the RCSI Paediatrics Society hosted its first Teddy Bear Hospital in RCSI, which aimed to make Caitrin O’Leary and Nikita Rane are pictured with the children more comfortable around doctors and hospitals. first edition of DIVERCSITY at the Clubs and Society sign-up day during Orientation Week.

69 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI IN THE COMMUNITY

As a leading institution in healthcare, medicine and research, RCSI endeavours to advance the health and well-being of people worldwide. The College recognises the significance of education and health management in both the life of an individual and a community and is committed to finding ways in which to give back to our communities both in Ireland and overseas. We support and salute the efforts of many of our staff, students and fellows who volunteer their time and skills on a continued basis.

70 71 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI IN THE community

Margaret Farrell enjoying the Ballroom of Romance annual entertainment evening for senior citizens.

Initiatives in Ireland ›› Kiran Pathak Scholarship in Pharmacy 2014/2015; “I exercise more and REACH RCSI ›› Free health checks provided by The REACH (Recreation Education And Mercer’s Medical Centre staff in August added more healthy Community Health) RCSI programme 2014; food to my diet.” is the community outreach and access ›› Free one-to-one tuition at weekly programme of RCSI. It was established Junior and Leaving Certificate Grinds in 2007 with the aim of supporting Clubs; - Women’s Health Programme the participation of those from lower ›› Debating Science Issues Competition participant socioeconomic groups under-represented 2014/2015; in education, and to promote lifelong ›› Debating Science Issues National Final health in the local community of South hosted by RCSI in April 2015; East Inner City Dublin. ›› See it, Do it Biology Practical Programme for Leaving Certificate The REACH RCSI Programme works with students in November 2014 several DEIS primary and secondary ›› Senior Citizen’s Christmas Lunch in schools including Presentation Primary December 2014; School, Warrenmount; St Enda’s ›› Continued support of Aungier Celtic National School, Whitefriar Street; Football Club, with the annual RCSI Sancta Maria Primary School, Synge Shield Match held in February 2015; Street; Presentation Secondary School, ›› Foundation Year Electives with primary Warrenmount; CBS, Synge Street; and school children in March 2015; CBS, Westland Row. The REACH RCSI ›› Sports Day for local primary school Programme also maintains robust links children at RCSI Sports Grounds in with a number of youth, community and Dardistown in March 2015; sports groups in the community. ›› Awarding of REACH Bursary to local secondary school students entering This year’s REACH RCSI Programme third-level education; and, supported a wide range of projects and ›› Transition Year Access Programme. initiatives, including: ›› Guidance and support for CV Skillet Culinary Training Initiative preparation, college applications and The overarching aim of the Skillet grant applications; Programme was to enhance the life chances of young people from Dublin’s ›› Senior Citizens’ Ballroom of Romance in inner city, disadvantaged by a lack of July 2014; employment opportunities, by facilitating

72 community - Initiatives in Ireland

an insight into Dublin’s culinary world as cancer, weight management, diet and RCSI MiniMed programmes they developed restaurant and hospitality nutrition. Dr Helen French, RCSI School Programmes to promote interest in management skills through an intensive of Physiotherapy, educated the group research, medicine and science were run training programme. Local participants on keeping fit in a healthy way and injury throughout the year, attracting all ages were trained by some of Ireland’s premier management. Michael Noble, Mental by making science fun, exciting, relevant chefs and front-of-house professionals, Health Ireland, facilitated an excellent and accessible. The hugely popular RCSI and were also introduced to a range of workshop on promoting good mental MiniMed School Open Lecture Series, suppliers, producers, and food markets. presented by leading health professionals On September 16, 2014, the programme and academics from RCSI, provided an culminated with the transformation of informative and entertaining series of free RCSI into a ‘one-night only’ pop-up public lectures. The lectures took place restaurant, serving a six-course gourmet “The Grinds Club monthly from October 2014 to March meal for guests including local businesses helped me understand 2015, with two lectures taking place at and members of the national media. each session on a range of healthcare Partners in the REACH RCSI Programme certain topics I couldn’t topics including mental health, breast included the YMCA Aungier Street, cancer, pregnancy screening, concussion, culinarians and kitchen instructors understand in school.” anxiety medication and superbugs. Anthony O’Toole and Ella Kennedy, as well as front-of-house experts and food - Grinds Club student In January 2015, 190 Transition Year writers. Also mentoring the group were students from 90 schools across Ireland two of Dublin’s Michelin Star chefs: Derry attended the week-long TY MiniMed Clarke of L’Ecrivain and Ross Lewis of Programme held in RCSI and Beaumont Chapter One. health while Professor Seamus Sreenan, Hospital, which provided an opportunity Director of the RCSI Graduate Entry to experience what it is like to train and Women’s Health Programme Medical Programme and Consultant in work as a doctor. Highlights of this year’s The Women’s Health Programme took Diabetes and Endocrinology closed the programme included an opportunity for place over 10 weeks between July and programme with an informative and very the students to witness a live Caesarean September in 2014, targeting females well-received talk on diabetes entitled “A section via video link from the Rotunda living in the local community. Each Spoonful of Sugar is Too Much”. Hospital and a laparoscopic surgical session focused on a specific health- procedure from Beaumont Hospital. In related topic with physical fitness Primary Science For Teachers’ Initiative February 2015, 120 TY students from the sessions taking place twice weekly with Primary school teachers from around South East took part in the Waterford two fitness instructors, Kitty Maguire Ireland participated in a five-day Come RCSI TY MiniMed Programme at the and Greg Connolly. The aim of the to Your Senses summer course which HSE-RCSI Education Centre at University programme was to improve the health of took place in July 2014. The Initiative Hospital Waterford (UHW) and Waterford participants and to illustrate the impact is a component of the REACH RCSI Institute of Technology (WIT), which of small lifestyle changes on long-term programme. The course uses the theme enabled the students to step out of health and wellbeing. Informal workshops of the human senses to enable primary their usual classroom setting and attend were facilitated by a number of external school teachers to develop a passion interactive lectures; receive hands-on and internal healthcare professionals, and enthusiasm for teaching science with training in clinical skills; and get practical including: Dr Judith Kavanagh and direct relevance to the primary science experience in medicine and scientific Dr Una O’Neill, Mercers Medical Centre, curriculum for Social Environmental and tutorials. who delivered several sessions on Science Education (SESE). topics such as contraception, sexual awareness, menopause, women and

Meath Senior Football captain Donal Keogan with primary school pupils at the 2015 REACH RCSI Sports Day. Pictured (l-r) are Skillet participants Emma Brooker Keith Nolan, Christopher Griffin, Marsha Gantley, and Matthew Culleton.

73 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

Global initiatives ›› Training of surgical trainers and master trainers; RCSI is committed to advancing the ›› Facilitating the creation of the ‘Women health and wellbeing of people in the in Surgery Africa’ group to encourage developing world by sharing knowledge more female doctors to enter surgery; and providing training and expertise ›› Completion of an information in medicine, research, healthcare and management system detailing every surgery. The review and coordination surgeon in the 10 countries of the of these diverse activities is under the COSECSA region; auspices of RCSI Outreach Committee for ›› Creation of a basic surgery e-learning International Cooperation. tool for non-surgeon cadres, to be rolled out worldwide by the World RCSI/COSECSA collaboration Health Organization (WHO); and programme ›› ‘Behind the scenes’ work in The collaboration programme between human resources and staff RCSI and the College of Surgeons development, financial management, of East, Central and Southern Africa communications, information (COSECSA) has continued to support management, fundraising and many COSECSA’s rapid growth into a major other areas. Children in the town of Wokru in Tigray, Ethiopia, international surgical training college. collecting water in 5 litre containers for their households to use for solar water disinfection COSECSA now has over 350 surgical (SODIS). (photo: Paul Searles) trainees in its 10 member countries and beyond. These future surgeons The programme has by Dr Elaine Byrne, Ms Aisling Walsh and are desperately needed. Worldwide, Professor Ruairí Brugha, this partnership lack of access to surgical care kills more also contributed in with Dublin City University, University people than HIV/AIDS, malaria or TB, of Malawi and Concern Worldwide has: and leaves a huge burden of disability. a significant way to (i) undertaken qualitative research to The COSECSA region, in particular, is understand the community systems desperately short of trained surgeons putting surgery on the factors underpinning the utilisation of and other surgical providers, with just MNCH priority services in Malawi; and (ii) 1,690 practising surgeons, an average global health agenda developed, delivered and is evaluating an of one surgeon per every 190,000 RCSI-accredited, technology-enhanced population. The ultimate beneficiaries by supporting the learning (TEL) MSc in Community Systems of this collaboration are the 320 million Health Research. The TEL lessons will people of the COSECSA region. passage of the first be incorporated into RCSI educational resolution on surgical programmes. More information can be The collaboration programme is found on: http://cosystmnch.org/. supported by the Irish people through care at the World Irish Aid, with a new programme COST-Africa, the EU-funded randomised agreement for the period July 2014 to Health Assembly. controlled trial – coordinated by RCSI in June 2017. The Irish Aid contribution partnership with colleagues in Zambia, is matched by significant in-kind Malawi and Netherlands, led by Dr support from RCSI. It is a 'whole college Tracey McCauley and Jakub Gajewski – collaboration’ involving a large number of The programme has also contributed in a has entered its fifth year. Data cleaning departments within RCSI. significant way to putting surgery on the and analysis is ongoing and a range Specific achievements this year have global health agenda by supporting the of quantitative and mixed methods been: passage of the first resolution on surgical journal articles are in preparation, which ›› The creation and roll-out of a world- care at the World Health Assembly and will report and explain the impact, leading electronic logbook for surgical contributing to the Lancet Commission effectiveness and cost-effectiveness trainees; on Global Surgery. Both RCSI and of training non-physician clinicians to ›› The launch of the RCSI/COSECSA COSECSA are also founding members undertake major surgery in district mobile surgical skills unit, which will of the G4 Alliance, an advocacy alliance hospitals in Malawi and Zambia. The deliver training throughout Kenya and created to advocate for the neglected ‘Failure to Retain’ (F2R) 2014-15 RCSI- Tanzania; surgical patient. seed-funded research on emigrated Irish ›› Examinations support through examiner doctors, led by Dr Niamh Humphries, has exchanges, training and materials; Department of Epidemiology and Public produced a high-profile journal article, ›› Training delivery through the ongoing Health Medicine with more on the way, while RCSI’s health support of the only Africa-centric Community Systems for Equitable access workforce research took on a stronger surgical e-learning platform; to Maternal, Newborn and Child Health global dimension with the start of a new ›› Running ‘Essential Surgical Training’ (COSYST-MNCH), a three-year project project on health workforce migration, basic surgical training for non-surgeon in Malawi, funded through Irish Aid’s funded through the WHO and led by cadres in Rwanda, Zambia and Programme of Strategic Cooperation, Dr Sara McAleese and Professor Ruairí Zimbabwe; comes to an end in December 2015. Led Brugha.

74 community - Global Initiatives

Solar water disinfection (SODIS) a rural population of approximately 8,000 and initiation; having recognised the SODIS in Uganda people, this series of workshops has importance of the work, the Global Based on the success of his previous the potential to help improve the water Fund then took over its ongoing costs. solar water disinfection (SODIS) project quality of more than 500,000 people at in primary schools in southern Uganda, risk of waterborne disease in northern To enhance the teaching of international Professor Kevin McGuigan of the Ethiopia. health and tropical medicine to medical Department of Physiology and Medical students, the Department has piloted Physics has established a second SODIS International Health and Tropical new IT tools for improved teaching, project in the Nakasongola district of Medicine specifically online interactive case-based central Uganda. The project is funded by Along with teaching and clinical service, teaching and narrated slideshows, with the Princess HAYA Foundation and aims the Department of International Health technology-enhanced learning support to provide safe drinking water for primary and Tropical Medicine supports doctoral from RCSI’s Health Professions Education school students by constructing rainwater research students who are carrying out Centre (HPEC). The new technology has harvesting tanks in each school before important research on global health received positive feedback from students; introducing SODIS. Construction of the issues: however, it is not envisaged that it will rainwater harvesting tanks has already ›› Dr Gemma Smith was awarded her be a total replacement for other forms of started in 19 primary schools in this area PhD for her thesis on ‘Communicable teaching. and it is hoped that SODIS promotion will disease screening for asylum seekers begin in late 2015 or early 2016. and refugees in Ireland: an analysis of The Department hosted the Board and professional stakeholders’ insights into Scientific Advisory Committee meetings SODIS in Ethiopia knowledge into action’; of the European Vaccine Initiative during Professor Kevin McGuigan has teamed ›› Dr Eoghan de Barra is writing up the past year, which brought many of the up with SODIS-Australia, a philanthropic his doctoral thesis on interventional best vaccine scientists to RCSI in Dublin. non-governmental organisation (NGO) vaccines for malaria. This was the based in Australia, and the Tigray Federal first human clinical trial of any Professor McConkey provided expert Bureau of Health to run a series of solar malaria vaccine to be carried out in comment across a range of national water disinfection (SODIS) workshops Ireland. The clinical trial results were media on the subject of the Ebola for health centre directors in the state published in the journal PLOS ONE and outbreak over the past year, drawing on of Tigray in northern Ethiopia. The first demonstrated that the vaccines were his years of experience working in Africa. workshop took place in Mekelle, the well tolerated and produce a strong state capital of Tigray, in January 2015, immune response; and Mr James Geraghty and was attended by more than 200 ›› Dr Sam Anya is writing up his thesis Chairman, RCSI Outreach Committee for Ethiopian health professionals. A second, about national malaria surveillance International Cooperation follow-up workshop is scheduled for in Gambia by strengthening existing November 2015. Since each director is health facilities. This project of national responsible for between three and four importance in Gambia was funded district health centres, which each serve by Irish Aid during its development

COSECSA trainees undertaking training in Jinja Hospital, Uganda.

75 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI finance

RCSI is a private, independent, not-for-profit, health sciences institution.

76 77 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

RCSI finance

RCSI is an independent, not-for-profit, overseas accrediting bodies for local health sciences institution. It operates programmes. As a registered under Royal Charter given by King George III in 1784 to the College for The Council is the governing body of charity, all surpluses the governance of surgical training in RCSI and has oversight responsibilities for earned must be Ireland. RCSI’s charitable purpose is the all of the College’s financial affairs. furtherance of education and research, The College is headquartered in Ireland reinvested for the to drive positive change in all areas of but its education and training activities human health. span the three continents of Europe, Asia furtherance of its and the Middle East, and Africa. RCSI Since its foundation in 1784, RCSI has operates three medical schools overseas, education and remained dedicated to its core mission one in Bahrain and two in Malaysia, with of educating and training doctors and programmes also in the United Arab research objectives. healthcare professionals to the highest Emirates. The surgical training activities standard. RCSI, through this mission, extend beyond the programmes run produces high quality graduates and in Ireland to supporting the College of professionals with the knowledge and Surgeons of East, Central and Southern skills required to deliver the highest Africa (COSECSA), with the assistance of quality healthcare to patients worldwide. Government support through Irish Aid. The College’s current student base draws Over time its activities have been from more than 60 countries and has extended to include medical and Alumni in 70 countries worldwide. healthcare education through undergraduate and postgraduate The College primarily operates a self- courses, research and various outreach funding model which must generate programmes in local and international sufficient financial resources to cover communities. The most recent change both current and capital funding in its Charter in 2010 has provided for requirements. As a registered charity, the designation of the College as a all surpluses earned must be reinvested statutory degree awarding body under for the furtherance of its education and Irish legislation. It is a recognised College research objectives. of the National University of Ireland Ms Jennifer Cullinane, (NUI) and its medical programmes are The financial strategy endeavours to Director of Finance accredited by various bodies including support this independence by ensuring Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), disciplined financial stewardship. the Irish Medical Council and other This requires, therefore, the balancing of

78 FINANCE

general financial management targets Supporting the organisational strategy Robust financial management while ensuring the organisational strategic funding requirements can ›› The organisation’s strategic plan ›› The funding model must take account be met. Robust assessment of new outlines the investment ambitions of a number of financial commitments opportunities and consideration of around the continual enhancement of the organisation including those the long term effects of decisions are of the quality of the programmes set out under banking facilities, necessary to ensure the sustainability and the supporting infrastructure, the nature of funding sources and of the model and the longevity of the together with its growth ambitions. retaining a level of flexibility to organisation. The financial planning framework allow responsiveness to a changing identifies the appropriate funding environment. There is a strong focus source and mix from debt on generating a positive net cash financing, cash generated through inflow annually to ensure RCSI can annual operations, reserves, and meet its commitments in respect of philanthropy. To date, debt has been day-to-day expenses, working capital, an important enabler of growth. The debt servicing and infrastructural current plans are that the majority investment. A level of caution is built of the investments will be funded into the financial planning processes through reserves built up over the last to guard against the potential number of years. Over the medium negative effects of unforeseen events term, it is intended to develop a to ensure the sustainability of the stronger capability in philanthropy. model and its competitiveness in the long term.

Review of the Year training programmes and research. It also generates income from its endowments, to 30 September, fundraising and other ancillary activities. It is estimated that 2014 The majority of the income earned continues to be from the degree- RCSI generates In 2013/14, the organisation delivered awarding activities as outlined in the a solid financial performance in chart. about €25m annually terms of its annual operating model through employment and strengthening net asset value In the year, income at €138m showed position, providing a firm foundation a 7% growth on 2013 levels. This and other taxes, with for the continued support of its improvement was achieved mainly mission of driving positive change through strong student recruitment an equivalent amount through education and research in the levels, growth in research income and healthcare environment worldwide. various activities relating to accreditation accruing from the projects, National Office for Clinical The main sources of revenue earned Audit and RCSI’s appointment as the multiplier effect of by the College are from those activities operational body for the Irish Institute that are core to the organisation’s of Pharmacy. Student numbers stood at international students mission being degree awarding 3,733: 2,196 undergraduates and 1,537 activities, professional postgraduate postgraduates. to the economy.

Income 13/14 €138m RCSI receives minimal public and state 6% funding with less than 18% earned from 12% such sources during the year. It makes Operating costs increased by just under a significant annual contribution to the 8% to €110m year-on-year, marginally local economy. It is estimated that RCSI higher than the rise in the income generates about €25m annually through growth rate. The organisation continued 13% employment and other taxes, with an to benefit from a low interest rate equivalent amount accruing from the environment and minimal inflation levels multiplier effect of international students with the increase in costs mainly due to the economy. With its ranking in the to strategic initiatives across the three top 50 most international universities in themes of people, programmes and 69% the world, RCSI also contributes to the campus infrastructure. A key component building of Ireland’s reputation as an in the delivery of any service is staff Endowment, fundraising and ancillary international centre for education. and in the higher education sector staff Professional post graduate training programmes External Research costs represent a significant percentage Degree awarding activities of the total cost base. In 2014, just

79 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

over half of the operating costs were ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND represented by staff costs. The College Year ended 30 September 2014 employed, 980 full-time equivalent Annual operating statement staff, an increase of 3% on 2013 levels, supporting such student facing initiatives as small group teaching, 2014 2013 student services and simulation Year € millions € millions programmes.

Cost management is a continual Operating income 138 129 focus for the organisation to ensure it continues to seek efficiencies in business practices with the increased Operating costs (110) (102) use of technology and centralised support infrastructures. Work is underway regarding the application of Operating surplus 28 27 Lean management principles and the potential to redirect staff time to more value added activities, particularly in the Capital programme (27) (24) support functions.

A strong operating surplus was Surplus of income over expenditure 1 3 generated, broadly unchanged over last year at €28m or 20% of income, Balance Sheet as a result of the dual strand process of continuing income growth and effective cost management. The various Net assets 162 88 investment initiatives under the quality agenda will see the cost base rise, but in a planned and measured way.

The College continued its capital pension scheme deficit as bond yields of flexibility in our planning to enable investment programme which is focused continued to fall. us to be responsive to a changing around improving the educational infra- environment. structure and student facing facilities. Conclusion In 2014, the programme accelerated 2013/14 was another strong year The key financial priorities for the year with the commencement of a significant financially for the College. Significant ahead include: development of a state-of-the-art progress has been made over the last education building on York Street. This number of years improving the operating ›› Financial performance – continuing to builds on the investments over the last model, and the results delivered in deliver a financial performance in line number of years in student residences, the year demonstrate the ability of the with strategic plans; library and laboratory facilities and ICT funding model to support the strategic infrastructure. plan. Free cash flow was broadly breakeven Despite the progress made, we need to The College in the year, slightly down on 2013 levels continually be conscious of the potential with the advancement of the capital negative effects of the uncertainties in continued its investment programme. the markets in which we operate. We need to be vigilant in our approach in capital investment The net asset value of the organisation the assessment of growth opportunities, has continued to strengthen year on to continually look for efficiencies in programme year providing a firm foundation on our operations and consider always the which to grow. At 30 September, 2014, long-term effects of decision making on which is focused the value stood at €162m, showing a the funding model. We see the continued positive movement in the year. This volatility in markets and continue to around improving improvement is accounted for by the monitor the business risks of market strong annual operating performance competition, interest rate and currency the educational together with the unrealised net gains in risks, inflationary pressures and ensuring infrastructure and respect of improved property valuations regulatory compliance. We work to as the market recovers in Ireland and a reduce, where possible, the volatilities in student facing positive currency impact as a result of a the funding model, build contingencies stronger US dollar. There was a negative to guard against uncertainties in the facilities. movement in the defined benefit external environment and retain a level

80 FINANCE

›› Campus Planning – to deliver a €120m campus development over the next five years, including the completion of Significant progress the €80m education building on York has been made over Street and optimising opportunities from our property portfolio; and the last number of ›› Compliance – ensure compliance with years improving the banking covenants, pension funding plans and the implementation of new operating model, regulatory requirements in accounting, company law, and charity regulation. and the results

The 2013/14 performance achieved delivered in the year would not have been possible without the dedication, commitment and demonstrate the adherence to budgetary requirements ability of the funding of all staff of the College. I would also like to acknowledge the support of my model to support senior management colleagues and finance team in this regard. the strategic plan.

The progress made over the last number of years, positions us well to achieve our ambitions in terms of the enhancement phase of the financial journey, where we continue to build on the education and research objectives for the advancement of healthcare worldwide and our reputation as an international educator.

Computer-generated image of the new academic and education building on York Street.

81 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

Appendix 1

Honorary Appointments and Promotions

Honorary Professor ›› Professor Cathal Moran, Honorary Professor, School of Medicine (Academic Unit of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, TCD)

Honorary Associate Professor ›› Dr James Hayes, Honorary Associate Professor, School of Medicine (Cavan Monaghan Hospital) ›› Mr Liam Joyce, Honorary Associate Professor, Department of Surgery (Galway Clinic) ›› Dr Rory McConn Walsh, Honorary Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology (Beaumont Hospital) ›› Dr Ray O'Sullivan, Honorary Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (St Lukes Hospital, Kilkenny) ›› Mr Feargal Quinn, Honorary Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, (Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin)

Honorary Senior Lecturer ›› Mr Mayilone Arumugasamy, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Department of Surgery (Beaumont Hospital) ›› Mr David Bouchier Hayes, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Department of Surgery (Galway Clinic) ›› Dr Paul Brennan, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Department of Surgery (Beaumont Hospital) ›› Ms Nuala Doyle, Honorary Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy (Beaumont Hospital) ›› Mr Des Fitzgerald, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Department of Surgery (University Hospital Waterford) ›› Dr Kieran Hannan, Honorary Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine (Cavan Monaghan Hospital) ›› Dr Cedric Gunaratnam, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Department of Surgery (Beaumont Hospital) ›› Dr John Lyne, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry (Beaumont Hospital) ›› Dr Claire Magner, Honorary Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery (Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin) ›› Dr Michael Mc Weeney, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Department of Surgery (Galway Clinic) ›› Dr Annette Neary, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Department of Surgery (Galway Clinic) ›› Ms Catherine Nugent, Honorary Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy (Beacon Hospital) ›› Dr Thomas O'Gorman, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda) ›› Dr Gordon Pate, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Department of Surgery (Galway Clinic) ›› Dr Hassan Rajab, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda)

Honorary Lecturer ›› Mr Faisal Awan, Honorary Lecturer, Department of Surgery (St Lukes Hospital, Kilkenny) ›› Ms Joanna Carroll, Honorary Lecturer, School of Pharmacy (Mater Misericordiae University Hospital) ›› Ms Michelle Cullinane, Honorary Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery (Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin) ›› Ms Helen Devine, Honorary Lecturer, School of Pharmacy (Beacon Hospital) ›› Mr Osama El-Faedy, Honorary Lecturer, Department of Surgery (St Lukes Hospital, Kilkenny) ›› Ms Caroline Hynes, Honorary Lecturer, School of Pharmacy (St John of God Hospital) ›› Ms Deirdre Lenehan, Honorary Lecturer, School of Pharmacy (Mater Misericordiae University Hospital) ›› Mr Paul Mahon, Honorary Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery (Beaumont Hospital) ›› Dr Ailish Malone, Honorary Lecturer, School of Physiotherapy (Central Remedial Clinic) ›› Mr John Mangan, Honorary Lecturer, Department of Surgery (Galway Clinic) ›› Ms Rosemary Masterson, Honorary Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery (Cappagh Hospital) ›› Ms Laura McCabe, Honorary Lecturer, School of Pharmacy (Mater Misericordiae University Hospital) ›› Ms Mairead O’Connor, Honorary Lecturer, School of Pharmacy (Mater Misericordiae University Hospital) ›› Ms Miriam O'Donovan, Honorary Lecturer, School of Pharmacy (Mater Misericordiae University Hospital) ›› Mr Rick Pretorius, Honorary Lecturer, Department of Surgery (St Lukes Hospital, Kilkenny) ›› Mr Leonardo Silvio Estaba, Honorary Lecturer, Department of Surgery (St Lukes Hospital, Kilkenny) ›› Ms Gemma Treacy, Honorary Lecturer, School of Pharmacy (Mater Misericordiae University Hospital)

82 Appendices

Appendix 2

Academic Staff Promotions

Promotion to Senior Lecturer ›› Dr Jacqueline Daly, Senior Lecturer, Division of Biology ›› Dr Helen French, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiotherapy ›› Dr Dara Meldrum, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiotherapy

Promotion to Associate Professor ›› Professor Judy Harmey, Associate Professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics ›› Professor Fionnuala Breathnach, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology ›› Professor Fiza Rashid-Doubell, Associate Professor, School of Medicine (RCSI-Bahrain)

Promotion to Professor ›› Professor Susan Smith, Department of General Practice ›› Professor Alice Stanton, Department of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics ›› Professor Ronan Conroy, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health Medicine ›› Professor David Cotter, Department of Psychiatry

83 RCSI ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is a registered charity for the promotion of the practice of surgery, dentistry, nursing and radiology and the provision of education, training and research in medicine and allied health sciences. Registered charity number CHY 1277.

84 85 RCSI Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Coláiste Ríoga na Máinleá in Éirinn 123 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 1 402 2100 Email: [email protected] www.rcsi.ie

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN SURGERY MEDICINE PHARMACY PHYSIOTHERAPY NURSING & MIDWIFERY RESEARCH LEADERSHIP POSTGRADUATE STUDIES RADIOLOGY DENTISTRY SPORTS & EXERCISE MEDICINE