AFFILIATE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
What is your motivation for pursuing a career in surgery?
My motivation to pursue a career in surgery stems from a combination of personal and professional influences. Growing up, I witnessed and engaged with my father's passion for engineering and his commitment to creating tangible solutions. This ignited a deep appreciation for precision and problemsolving. As I delved into the world of medicine as a student, I discovered the profound link between engineering principles and the art of surgery. The intricacies of the human body and the surgical procedures designed to restore health captured my imagination What truly appeals to me is the constant evolution of surgical skill, where new techniques and technologies push the boundaries of what is possible. As a recent graduate from RCSI (Class of 2023), I have developed a focused interest in the field of cardiac surgery The qualities of surgery that resonate with me at the highest level are encapsulated in its essence and the formidable journey of the discipline across time has fascinated me. Witnessing the standards, both in Ireland and in the USA during my cardiac surgery electives, has only fuelled this desire to become a surgeon. The privilege of being entrusted with the responsibility of guiding patients through the complex realm of surgery and the potential to make a lasting impact on their lives is a profound calling that I look forward to embracing.
Name: Patrick Kennelly
Education Details:
MB, BCh, BAO, LRCP & SI from RCSI Intern at St James’s Hospital, Dublin
What has been the best piece of advice you have received since you started becoming interested in pursuing a career in surgery?
“Win a medal !!” was the first piece of advice I received as a medical student upon entering the operating theatre for the first time. As a very naive student, I was baffled to what the surgeon was even talking about, but certainly not brave enough to make him elaborate. I quickly ran home to invest all my evening study efforts to googling the various medals on offer It was the single most important thing as a medical student in that moment. After a few years of studies and upon graduation from medical school, the humour of the interaction has stuck with me Fortunately, I have learned there is much more to forging a path to a surgical career. The advice I carry with me today places emphasis on embracing a mindset of continuous learning, seeking mentorship, and prioritizing self-care The journey is more important than the destination. I can only assume the initial advice about medal winning given to me was a philosophical take on how hard work will yield reward, however the jury is still very much out on that.
Why did you apply for Affiliate Membership of RCSI?
I applied for Affiliate Membership of RCSI for several reasons. Firstly, as a recent graduate of RCSI, the Affiliate Membership gives me the opportunity to further align myself in the future with this leading institution in the field of surgery and healthcare education Secondly, I gain access to a wealth of resources with access to cutting-edge research, publications, and educational materials, which will greatly enhance my professional development, particularly with the first of the MRCS exams in sight. It allows me to stay up to date with conferences and surgical training events, giving me a structure and a platform to access professional development opportunities Lastly, the avenues taken to become a successful candidate for core surgical and higher surgical training can be wide and varied. With RCSI’s global reach and recognition, the Affiliate Membership provides an opportunity to connect with colleagues around the world to help me forge the path of my surgical career.
How do you see Affiliate Membership benefiting you and your career ?
I envisage the benefit of the Affiliate Membership will be, as mentioned, the access to RCSI events and networking opportunities. I have quickly learned that the value of these opportunities cannot be underestimated in surgery. With aspirations to pursue fellowships and attain international experience down the line, acquiring diverse global relations can be crucial to facilitating this while also giving a sense of belonging to a community. Being part of the Affiliate Membership with in excess of 11,000 members across 89 countries can certainly help achieve these goals. Furthermore, access to high quality study supports and exam resources is essential to promote higher efficiency of study when balancing exam preparation with the challenging working environment of a doctor.
What are you personally doing to develop your portfolio?
Development of my portfolio has been a priority navigating through medical school and will remain integral going forward as I begin my internship year at St James’s Hospital Education innovation is of particular interest to me and is reflected in various projects undertaken over the last two years. Recently, I was involved in the development of a surgeon-led RCSI surgical skills course for medical students in the state-of-the-art simulation facility at the university. Development of this course allowed me to contribute to the ever evolving education enhancement at RCSI, and furthermore, builds on my own career readiness and portfolio development. I have also been fortunate to attend a number of surgical training days and conferences recently. The surgical wet-lab exposure provides me with an early insight and deeper understanding into surgical skill development I find these important, not only for portfolio enhancement, but to attain a deeper understanding of the discipline, along with clinical exposure, before you decide to pursue a particular surgical career path The RCSI Charter week held each year also represents a fantastic opportunity to hear trainee’s and established surgeon’s perspectives on portfolio development.
