Student & Alumni Stories

Meet some of the current students and graduates that contribute to the enduring sense of community in the School.

We are driven not just by the desire to provide our students with the best possible research-led education but also by a belief that the health professionals of tomorrow benefit from a supportive, collegial environment, in which extra-curricular talents and interests can thrive alongside academic excellence.


Dr Matthew Ho

Class of 2020, Medicine, Residency, Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic

I am very grateful to University College Dublin for providing excellent clinical and research training and for the numerous opportunities to do clinical electives at some of the best hospitals in the US, such as University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Washington University, Emory and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Blessing Folayan

Class of 2021, Radiography

The lecture-based semesters are challenging but it all comes full circle once you meet patients on placement. Radiography has given me a strong medical knowledge base and insights into the healthcare system that I’m convinced I could’ve only received by doing this course. I’m also coming out of this degree with extremely versatile skills that I’m sure will stand to me in the long term.

Catherine O'Keeffe

Class of 2023, GEM (Graduate Entry Medicine) and Class of 2019 Biomedical Health & Life Sciences

Having completed my BSc. in Biomedical, Health and Life Sciences in UCD, I was familiar with the innovation, creativity and respect for medical research within the University. I chose UCD to complete my Graduate Entry Medical degree for the quality of its teaching and its associated teaching hospitals; St. Vincent’s University Hospital and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. I am comforted by the fact that my choice has equipped me with the best possible springboard to begin my career upon graduation.

Ned Quirke

Class of 2023, Medicine

Studying Medicine at UCD has been an incredibly enjoyable experience for me. With so many supportive academic mentors and unmatched social opportunities, UCD Medicine finds the perfect balance between an excellent education and opportunities outside of this. 

I never could’ve imagined the amazing friends I have made being a part of the UCD Medicine community. I feel that my journey to becoming a doctor and my years spent in UCD are times that I will remember forever.

 

Dr Tarini Gunaratne

Class of 2020, Medicine, Residency, Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic

My time in Ireland was nothing short of spectacular. Being a foreign student came with its challenges but being involved in so many aspects of Irish and UCD life made it much easier. In the first two years of the GEM programme we laid the foundation of our knowledge and we had clinicals in the second two. I was able to concurrently be successful in the American board exams. I liked that we were part of a bigger ucd network so I met people from all walks of life and from different programmes.

Marta Geszczak

Class of 2022, Biomedical Health and Life Sciences

The School of Medicine offers a wide range of study topics, from basic laboratory research skills to complex medical knowledge. Moreover I love the ability to choose electives and broaden my scope of study with things like languages and leadership skills, which I would not have been able to study in a biomedical degree outside of UCD. One elective which I particularly enjoyed was the SSRA programme, which allowed me to work with School of Medicine researchers and write my own research paper during an eight week summer period. 

Michael Daigle

Class of 2023, GEM (Graduate Entry Medicine)

The International Medicine Team helped me to find a research position in palliative care in Uganda, as part of the Student Summer Research Awards. The opportunity to study Medicine in a diverse, competitive, supportive, and international environment is what made UCD the perfect match for me. I’m glad I made the leap to Ireland and I’m proud to say that I study Medicine at UCD.

Olivia Petersons

Class of 2021, GEM (Graduate Entry Medicine)

The School of Medicine International Team is instrumental in the success of students pursuing careers beyond Ireland’s borders. Their knowledge regarding North American board exams, electives and residency application processes is comprehensive. They are always willing to hear students’ concerns and act with the best interests of international students at heart. They provide endless resources to support students during their time at UCD both academically and professionally. You can be confident knowing that they will tirelessly advocate for you and your career success.

Emily Needles

Class of 2022, GEM (Graduate Entry Medicine)

Before I moved to Dublin, I was apprehensive about what life as an international student would be like. The International Office at the School of Medicine has been so supportive about every aspect of student life - finances, housing, academic support, and the process of matching back to North America. Taking the leap and moving to Ireland was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From the people to the school to the city life to the countryside, I’ve loved every minute I’ve spent here. I feel so grateful that this is where I can pursue my dream of practicing medicine.