DOING THE ROUNDS UNIVERSITY NEWS, ALUMNI UPDATES, RCSI IN THE COMMUNITY AND ACROSS CAMPUS …
A MOMENTOUS DAY In April, 312
FIRST EVER VIRTUAL CONFERRING
On May 13, 312 doctors from the RCSI Medicine Class of 2020 made history, receiving their medical degrees in a virtual conferring ceremony, a first since RCSI’s formation in 1784. In response to the unprecedented situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic, medical degrees were presented to the Class of 2020 at a virtual conferring ceremony, so the 312 doctors could join the front line in hospitals and health care settings around the world. Professor Cathal Kelly, Chief Executive, RCSI, congratulated all those graduating on their success: “We are immensely proud of our graduates, not only for their achievements while studying with us, but also for stepping up to join the front line response to COVID-19. We look forward to watching our graduates progress on the next phase of their journey as health care leaders of the future.” Professor Hannah McGee, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences invited graduands to stand together, though apart, and make the graduates’ Declaration of RCSI. Professor Arnold Hill, Head of RCSI School of Medicine, commended graduands for showing resilience and courage in the face of unprecedented circumstances, before announcing the names of the 312 new doctors. Addressing the class, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “We need you. Whether it’s working in our hospitals, or in our communities to keep people well and tend to the sick. Whether it’s working on vaccines or new medicines or public health matters like contact tracing and testing, we need you on the front line.” Other messages of congratulations and encouragement came from alumni including The Rt Hon Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham KBE (Medicine, 1984), Professor Barbara Murphy (Medicine 1989) and Dr Antonia Lehane, President of the RCSI Association of Medical and Dental Graduates (Medicine, 1982).
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medicine students from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Class of 2020 received their final year results via live stream, marking the first time the historic event has been held online. Professor Cathal Kelly, Chief Executive, RCSI said: “These are truly extraordinary times for our Class of 2020 students. Although we can’t be together on campus, we wanted to mark the occasion virtually – celebrating this important milestone with family and friends all over the world. This year’s School of Medicine graduates have thrived academically during an unprecedented time in history. I am extremely proud of each and every one of them as their years of hard work and dedication come to fruition today.” RCSI brought forward final examinations for medicine students amid concerns over the spread of COVID-19. The decision was made in consultation with students to support their careers on the front line in Ireland and in their home countries worldwide.
RCSI Students Join Front Line at Beaumont and Connolly More than two dozen medical students worked alongside front line health care workers in Beaumont and Connolly hospitals. Students from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences were trained in prone positioning – turning intubated patients to lie on their front to make breathing overnight easier. The team at St Paul’s in Beaumont Hospital made some very important updates to their PPE, adding a photograph of themselves to the front of their gowns. As part of the #hellomynameis campaign for more compassionate care, all front line health care staff are asked to tell their patients their name, making a vital human connection.
