Celebrating Success, Progression and Friendship
The School recently invited graduates of 1952, 1962, 1972, 1982, 1987, 1992, and 2002 back to their alma mater for the annual medical graduates alumni reunion. This important event celebrates the lifelong personal and prosessional bonds that begin with life as a medical student.
The 2012 reunion began with a scientific meeting and culminated in special reunion dinner at O’Reilly Hall. Speaking at the event, Professor Bill Powderly, Dean of Medicine at UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science said:
“The tradition of this medical school in producing superb doctors, who make great contributions not just in this country but on a worldwide basis is one that we are proud of…The long hours in medical school and in hospitals learning clinical medicine really forms such strong friendships that last right through someone’s life. This annual event is important to the School and represents a unique opportunity to look back on and celebrate friendships and achievements to date.”
Looking Back to Medical School
Throughout the event, we spoke to a number of graduates about their recollections of medical school and the importance of maintaining personal and professional links from that period.
Dr. Suzi Clarke (class of 2002), said, "I've known these people for 16 years or so, we've been through a lot, through finals and all the way up through medical school. Today is a good opportunity to come together again. Looking back, I think fun was the most relevant word for the time I spent here; I made a lot of good friends here."
Professor Kieran Murphy (class of 1987) and President of the Medical Council said, "It's really important that people maintain links with their university, we had a real cohort from the first day of medical school until graduation and really since that time a lot of us have kept in touch over the years."
Annual Alumni Scientific Meeting
The morning session commenced with the annual Medical Graduates Association Alumni Scientific meeting, chaired by Dr. Martin O’Donohoe.
Dr. Seamus MacSuibhne (class of 2002) and Consultant Psychiatrist at St. Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny opened the proceedings with a presentation on ‘Trends in Medical Education’. Dr. MacSuibhne delved into the key questions and theories that shape the delivery of healthcare education in Ireland and internationally, including the gradual shift from ‘one-time-only’ examinations towards continuous assessment.
Dr. Barry White (class of 1992) gave a fascinating, insider perspective on the development of healthcare delivery in Ireland with a presentation entitled ‘the Future of the HSE’, while Dr. Oscar Daly (class of 1982) delivered a thought-provoking lecture entitled ‘One Man’s Terrorist is Another Man’s Freedom Fighter.’
Afternoon Session
Dr. Fiona Gaughran (class of 1987), a leading London-based Consultant Psychiatrist, provided an insight into the many physical health effects caused by severe mental illness. Dr. Gaughran presented research and statistics that point to the high morbidity rates associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and showed that severe mental illness can result in a greater drop in live expectancy than in many cancers. Dr. Gaughran pointed to a combination of negative factors that affect people experiencing severe mental illness including poverty and distance from the labour market, side-effects of medication, access to care and difficulties with communication.
The afternoon session saw a humorous and occasionally provocative reminiscence of the 1960s from Mr. Denis Mehigan (class of 1972), Consultant Vascular Surgeon at St. Vincent’s University Hospital. The Scientific meeting closed with Dr. Geraldine McCarthy (class of 1962), who delivered a presentation entitled ‘Monocyte Esterase Deficiency: Last Chance Saloon’.
The Student Experience
Throughout the day, graduates were accompanied on a tour of the UCD Health Sciences Centre and were provided with an exclusive early-look at the new UCD Student Centre, which is due to open later in summer 2012.
The alumni reunion finished with a reception and formal dinner at O’Reilly Hall, UCD, where graduates mingled with former classmates, colleagues and staff of the UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science.
- For a full album of images from the Alumni Reunion 2012, visit the School Flickr page.
- UCD offers a range of events and communication tools to graduates of the university. For more information on keeping in touch, visit the UCD Alumni website.