Dr Vincent Dolan — an appreciation

Dr Vincent Dolan, Renal Physician, passed away unexpectedly on 17 April, 2007. Vincent Dolan (or Vinny, as he was known) was born in Dublin and educated in Blackrock College. He graduated from Univer-sity College Dublin in 1996 and trained in the Mater Hospital Dublin, where he later worked as intern and SHO.
He became a nephrology registrar and later worked as a specialist registrar in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin for two years. In 2001, Vinny began research on the role of a novel protein, called gremlin, in diabetic nephropathy. This work was carried out in the Conway Institute, Dublin and University College London.

In 2005, he received a PhD from University College Dublin for his research. Vinny continued his specialist training in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in 2004 and received his CSST in early 2007. He worked as a locum consultant nephrologist in University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff in the months prior to his death.
Vinny was an outstanding student and won numerous prizes and medals at university, yet remained characteristically modest and unassuming. Known for his love of life and sense of humour, Vinny was almost embarrassed by his academic success.
Vinny had a thirst for know-ledge and had an interest in so many aspects of life. He was an avid history reader, loved travelling, was a talented musician and loved social gatherings with family and friends.
Even more than his love of learning, he loved teaching. His regular teaching of medical students, junior colleagues and nursing staff was one of the aspects of his job he most enjoyed.
He was delighted to be nominated one of the top ten teachers in UCD School of Medicine in 2002 and he will be fondly remembered by the final year medical students, not only for his knack of making difficult tasks seem easy but also for his approachability and genuine interest in people. Vinny always saw the bigger picture and had an uncanny way of removing people’s stress and putting things in perspective.
Vinny loved his work with nephrology patients and was a caring and compassionate doctor. Although Vinny had an outstanding academic record, he was by nature a clinician and was never happier than when feeling he was making some small difference in the lives of the sick, the dying or that of their families.
He married fellow medical student Brid in 2000 and in November 2006, they welcomed their daughter Aisling into the world. Vinny was a very proud and adoring father.
Vinny lived a short but full life. More than anything, his was a life full of love. He was highly respected by colleagues and dearly loved by patients and friends. He was hugely generous and had limitless enthusiasm and energy, and has taught us all a lot about what really matters in this life.
Vincent Dolan, Renal Physician (b. 14/09/72, q. Dublin 1996, PhD). Died of dissection of ascending aorta in Italy on 17 April, 2007.