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News: Research and Education

All entries for Research and Education

RCSI and Tyndall boost medical device market

Laura Finn | 09 March 2010

A collaboration between the RCSI and Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, aims to boost Ireland’s competitiveness in the medical device market by combining the strengths and synergies of the two organisations in ICT design hardware and clinical trial and... Read more

TCD joins EU group to tackle global health

Aoife Connors | 08 March 2010

Trinity College Dublin will have a leading role in the new ‘Eurolife International Health Alliance (EIHA)’ — a European initiative aimed at fighting against poverty and related diseases. The EIHA will promote improved health globally by building capacity at local... Read more

Galway research facility gets a boost

Staff reporter | 08 March 2010

The HRB Clinical Research Facility, Galway, has received an infusion of €7.5 million in capital funding from the Department of Health. The money will go toward the construction of a new facility on the grounds of University Hospital Galway. A... Read more

Culture hampers rates of breastfeeding in Ireland

Aoife Connors | 03 March 2010

Breastfeeding rates in Ireland are amongst the lowest in Europe, a national Infant Feeding Survey reviewing the provision of breastfeeding support services by public health nurses (PHNs) in Ireland has found. According to Helen Mulcahy, one of the report authors,... Read more

NUIG to collaborate with WHO on health

Dara Gantly | 09 February 2010

The World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Health Promotion Research at NUI Galway was officially launched last week (January 29, 2010) by the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Áine Brady. The work of the WHO is supported... Read more

Applications sought for Ethicon grants

Brian Herron | 09 February 2010

Applications for the prestigious Ethicon Foundation travel grants 2010 are now being solicited by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). The foundation was established by Ethicon Ltd to promote international goodwill in surgery, and to generate research and... Read more

UCD visiting professor is ‘Australian of the Year’

Dara Gantly | 08 February 2010

A youth mental health expert from Victoria, in Ireland last year as a visiting professor at UCD, has been named Australian of the Year 2010. Prof Pat McGorry was presented with the award by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and... Read more

ADHD may help creative genius to flourish

Dara Gantly | 04 February 2010

What do Kurt Cobain, Lord Byron and Sir Walter Raleigh have in common? According to an Irish psychiatrist, they all had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – and it was this that allowed their creative geniuses to flourish. Prof Michael... Read more

Charity promotes stem-cell research

Gary Culliton | 03 February 2010

A new pro-medical research charity, the Irish Stem Cell Foundation, last week launched a new charter encouraging Irish clinicians, medical researchers, patient advocates and the public to join forces to make Ireland a better place for stem cell treatments, research... Read more

7 in 10 women tried to lose weight in 2009

Niamh Mullen | 28 January 2010

Many men and most women have attempted to lose weight over the past 12 months, a survey from the Nutrition and Health Foundation (NHF) has found. While 69 per cent of women and 49 per cent of men tried to... Read more

Threefold increase in people over 75 by 2041

Gary Culliton | 26 January 2010

The number of people aged 75+ in Ireland is projected to reach almost one million by 2041, three times the number living now, a new report by the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (CARDI) shows. Even more... Read more

First female Dean of Medicine appointed

Gary Culliton | 26 January 2010

The RCSI has appointed the country’s first female Dean of Medicine, some 125 years after the College registered the first ever female medical student in Britain or Ireland. Prof Hannah McGee has taken up the position of the new Dean... Read more

RCSI marks 200 years on St Stephen's Green

Niamh Mullen | 26 January 2010

The Royal College of Surgeons kicked off its 200th birthday celebrations on St Stephen’s Green with a reception for staff, student representatives and businesses last week. President of the RCSI, Prof Frank Keane, said: “For over 200 years, the RCSI... Read more

Bioethics closure criticised

25 January 2010

The Irish Stem Cell Foundation has strongly criticised a move to close the Irish Council for Bioethics. In a letter to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Foundation said it opposed a decision by the Department to terminate... Read more

UCC policy targets student mental health

Niamh Mullen | 19 January 2010

University College Cork (UCC) has published a student mental health policy and has stated its commitment to supporting all of its students during periods of distress. Vice President for the student experience, Con O’Brien, said that university life was a... Read more

Re-checks are to be introduced for HPAT

Niamh Mullen | 12 January 2010

Aspiring medical students sitting the Health Professional Admissions Test, or HPAT, next month will be able to request a re-check of their answer sheet following the publication of results in the summer. The measure is being introduced this year for... Read more

Drugs survey to measure alcohol use

Dara Gantly | 05 January 2010

A follow-up survey on drug use in Ireland will include for the first time specific data on alcohol misuse. The National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) intends to commission shortly a repeat of the 2006/2007 Drug Prevalence Survey, but with... Read more

New RCSI registrar named

Staff reporter | 17 December 2009

Prof Cathal Kelly has become the new registrar of the RCSI. The Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, has been Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in the College since 2006. He is both... Read more

Elderly unlikely to discuss depression

Gary Culliton | 08 December 2009

A new survey shows that almost 60 per cent of people over the age of 65 believe those in their age group would be reluctant to discuss depression. One quarter of respondents said they believed that depression is a state... Read more

Cannabis is beneficial for MS confirms study

Dara Gantly | 04 December 2009

Cannabis can reduce symptoms of spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, research published today (December 4) in the open access journal BMC Neurology has found. The systematic review revealed that five out six randomised controlled trials in the area reported... Read more

HRB research plan is 'delusional'

Niamh Mullen | 04 December 2009

The Health Research Board (HRB) should abandon its recently published Strategic Business Plan 2010-2014 be-cause it is unrealistic, an Irish trained research expert has said. Speaking to Irish Medical Times at the Irish Platform for Patients’ Organisations, Science and Industry... Read more

Young don't have access to trusted adults — study

Niamh Mullen | 02 December 2009

Early findings from a massive national study on the mental health of young people show that 20 per cent feel they have nobody to talk to about their problems. The My World research project by Headstrong also found more than... Read more

Researcher wins prize for imaging innovation

30 November 2009

A researcher from the University of Limerick has been awarded first prize in a competition for innovation in medical imaging techniques. Dr Barry Doyle’s paper won out over 53 other submissions from 15 countries.... Read more

Research 'driving force behind better treatment

Niamh Mullen | 16 November 2009

Smoking prevalence, dental health, a vaccine against MRSA and why people do not donate blood were just some of the topics studied by Health Research Board (HRB) last year. Its ‘Picture of Health 2009’, published this week, gives examples of... Read more

A good diet may fend off depression

10 November 2009

Eating well may help stave off depression later on in life, a new study claims. But people who are partial to fatty processed foods may be up to twice as likely to suffer from depression than their healthy eating counterparts,... Read more

HPAT introduction was 'clumsy' and untested

Niamh Mullen | 03 November 2009

The introduction of the Health Professionals Admiss-ions Test (HPAT) was clumsy, took many in the medical and education profession by surprise and was not pilot-tested. This criticism of the new method of entry to medical school was written by Dr... Read more

UL research director named

03 November 2009

Prof Colum Dunne has been announced as the new Director of Research of the Graduate Entry Medical School (GEMS) at the University of Limerick. The appointment was welcomed by Professor Paul Finucane, Head of the GEMS, who noted Prof Dunne’s... Read more

Fatty processed foods linked to depression

Brian Herron | 02 November 2009

Eating well may help stave off depression later on in life, a new study claims. But people who are partial to fatty processed foods may be up to twice as likely to suffer from depression than their healthy eating counterparts,... Read more

New therapy at TCD for diseases of retina

Gary Culliton | 02 November 2009

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have reported the development of a new drug delivery system which has the potential to treat degenerative diseases of the retina, including retinitis pigmentosa (RP), age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The research was led... Read more

Women who lie on backs after AI have higher chance of pregnancy - research

Dara Gantly | 30 October 2009

Women who lie on their backs for 15 minutes after artificial insemination have a ‘significantly higher’ chance of getting pregnant than those who move around straight after treatment. Dutch researchers are now calling for all women undergoing intrauterine insemination to... Read more

Scrum safe for players?

Niamh Mullen | 30 October 2009

Collisions in the scrum do not appear to cause long-term damage to the cervical spine of rugby players, an Irish study has found. Compared to the general population X-rays of 14 rugby players showed they had significant cervical spine degenerative... Read more

Massive pharma alliance to speed discovery in Europe

Dara Gantly | 28 October 2009

More than €150 million in joint EU/pharmaceutical industry funding promises to accelerate the discovery and development of new medicines in the field of cancer, inflammatory and infectious disease. The Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), the public-private partnership between the European Commission... Read more

Inactivity linked to breast cancer - EDI

Niamh Mullen | 20 October 2009

Europa Donna Ireland (EDI) is encouraging women to get active, because up to 16 per cent of breast cancers are related to inactivity. Chair of EDI Christine Murphy Whyte said: “Six women a day are diagnosed with breast cancer in... Read more

1/3 believe mental health is linked to intelligence

Gary Culliton | 16 October 2009

Over one third of people believe that those suffering from mental health problems are of below-average intelligence, a national survey released to coincide with World Mental Health Day revealed. The survey, commissioned by St Patrick’s University Hospital, examined attitudes and... Read more

Work on inflammatory disease wins Boyle Medal

Dara Gantly | 14 October 2009

TCD Professor of Biochemistry Prof Luke O’Neill has won the prestigious RDS Irish Times Boyle Medal for Scientific Excellence for his pioneering work on the molecular understanding of innate immunity and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. His distinguished work... Read more

Smoking combined with other factors shortens male lives by ten years

Niamh Mullen | 12 October 2009

Smoking combined with high cholesterol and high blood pressure can shorten male lives by 10 years. The research led by Irishman Dr Robert Clarke of the University of Oxford followed-up on what happened to almost 20,000 British civil servants aged... Read more

TCD celebrates 10 years of success

Gary Culliton | 07 October 2009

Trinity College’s School of Medicine, in collaboration with its partners in Eurolife Network of European Universities in Life Sciences celebrated its ten year anniversary at a special symposium launched by the Vice Rector of the Universitat de Barcelona, Dr Alex... Read more

Many students have mental health issues

Gary Culliton | 28 September 2009

Many university students in Dublin are experiencing depression, suicidal tendencies and alcohol use problems, a new study shows. The findings of Curran et al, published in the Irish Medical Journal, suggest that students are a vulnerable group and underscore the... Read more

Regulation of fertility clinics is necessary - Women's Health Council needed

Niamh Mullen | 23 September 2009

Regulation of clinics providing fertility treatments to couples is necessary to ensure a robust legal framework, according to the Women’s Health Council (WHC). Director of the WHC, Geraldine Luddy, said: “The need for legislation is really important. The clinics would... Read more

Irish doctor wins epilepsy prize

Niamh Mullen | 23 September 2009

An Irish neurologist has been presented with a prestigious international award for his work in the field of epilepsy. Dr Norman Delanty, consultant neurologist at Beaumont Hospital was given the Ambassador for Epilepsy Award at the 28th International Epilepsy Congress... Read more

Gene variant found that links CF to cirrhosis

Niamh Mullen | 22 September 2009

A gene variant that makes people with cystic fibrosis (CF) five times more likely to develop cirrhosis of the liver has been discovered. The study funded by the Health Research Board (HRB) involved teaming up with other organisations in the... Read more

Study to examine cross-border care

Dara Gantly | 15 September 2009

A new cross-border study will revisit the controversial Teamwork report that recommended just one public hospital in the northeast with 24/7 clinical services. As staff in the region are digesting the news that emergency services, acute general medicine and critical... Read more

Study investigates foetal screening for Down’s

15 September 2009

Researchers at the University of Ulster have launched an online survey to investigate how women from Northern Ireland feel about unborn babies being screened for Down’s syndrome during pregnancy. The study, which is being funded by the Department of Employment... Read more

Suicides increase when unemployment rises

Gary Culliton | 09 September 2009

International evidence suggests that during periods of sharp and sustained increases in unemployment, people out of work are three times more likely to consider suicidal behaviour. Even among people with no record of mental illness, unemployment is still associated with... Read more

Pulmonary disease research gets major grant

Mary Anne Kenny | 09 September 2009

Research into pulmonary diseases in Ireland has received a major boost. Dr Seamas Donnelly, a leading authority in pulmonary fibrosis, has been awarded €1.55 million from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) to evaluate novel small molecular weight inhibitors as potential therapies... Read more

Mothers with psychological distress ‘have fatter children’

Greg Baxter | 09 September 2009

Mothers with serious psychological distress, including low mood and anxiety, were significantly more likely to have children who were overweight or obese, according to new research presented today (September 9).... Read more

RCSI announces programme for clinical research nurses

Greg Baxter | 09 September 2009

The first ever programme for clinical research nurses was announced by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). The year-long Certificate in Nursing (Clinical Research) will be the first formal education programme for clinical research nurses in Ireland.... Read more

HPAT courses a 'waste of money'

Niamh Mullen | 04 September 2009

The Australian organis-ation that administers the HPAT (Health Professionals Admissions Test) for entry to medicine in Ireland has said preparation courses run by private ‘grinds’ schools were a waste of money. “ACER does not endorse any training college and actively... Read more

New drug reduces heart attack by 42 per cent

Greg Baxter | 03 September 2009

A new drug has reduced heart attack by 42 per cent in patients with angina, it was announced at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress. The findings of a large study (BEAUTIFUL), also published in the European Heart Journal,... Read more

IHF welcome new stroke risk trial

Greg Baxter | 02 September 2009

The Irish Heart Foundation has welcomed findings from a pharmaceutical trial that showed a reduction in stroke risk for patients with atrial fibrillation. Data from the RE-LY study was announced this week. Results show that the oral direct thrombin inhibitor,... Read more

More than half of people with depression discontinue meds before course is finished

Gary Culliton | 01 September 2009

New research has found that over half (56 per cent) of those who have experienced depression discontinued their course of medicine before it was finished. Of those with depression who discontinued their medication, 49 per cent said that their depression... Read more

Change in repositioning practices could massively reduce bed sores - research

Niamh Mullen | 01 September 2009

Bed sores in elderly patients could be significantly reduced with a small change in patient repositioning practices, research funded by the Health Research Board (HRB) has found. Zena Moore, a HRB Research Fellow at the Royal College of Surgeons in... Read more

HPAT exam should be used for other courses

Terence Cosgrave | 31 August 2009

The chief executive of the Higher Education Authority (HEA), Tom Boland, has said that the recent controversy about the HPAT (Health Professions Admissions Test) exam showed ‘a surprising unwillingness to contemplate any other form of assessment of achievement other than... Read more

€20.7 million awarded in research funding

31 August 2009

Research funding of €20.7 million has been awarded for 22 world-class research projects under the Science Foundation Ireland Principal Investigator Programme. Making the announcement, Minister Conor Lenihan said, “This investment will enable crucial research to be carried out in Ireland... Read more

St Vincent's to host international cancer conference

Mary Anne Kenny | 31 August 2009

A major international conference to be held in St Vincent’s University Hospital next month will focus on colorectal cancer, the costs of associated treatments and maximising funding. The event is the 16th annual meeting to be hosted by the hospital’s... Read more

Study finds cure or improvement in diabetes cases

Niamh Mullen | 28 August 2009

Diabetes was cured or significantly improved in more than 80 per cent of patients who underwent obesity surgery, an Irish/British study has found. Consultant laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon at the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork, Dr Colm O’Boyle, led the... Read more

Down's syndrome congress a success

Niamh Mullen | 27 August 2009

Experts from around the globe gathered in Dublin last week for the 10th World Down’s Syndrome Congress. Consultant paediatrician and endocrinologist at the National Children’s Hospital Tallaght, Professor Hilary Hoey, said: “This is a huge achievement for Down Syndrome Ireland... Read more

Children of doctors, solicitors, engineers dominate entry to medical school

Niamh Mullen | 26 August 2009

The children of higher professionals continue to dominate entry to medicine at Irish universities, figures from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) show. Of those starting medicine last year, 32 per cent were the children of higher professionals such as doctors,... Read more

Skeletons to aid bone disorder research

Mary Anne Kenny | 26 August 2009

Ancient Irish skeletons could help medical researchers to learn more about the bone disorder called hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO). The two bodies – one around 800 years old and the other 1,100 years old – were one of over 1,000... Read more

Tobacco Atlas launched at cancer summit

Terence Cosgrave | 26 August 2009

The American Cancer Society and World Lung Foundation released the third edition of The Tobacco Atlas (www.tobaccoatlas.org), a reference book and online resource for journalists and policy-makers at the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit, which was held this week in Dublin.... Read more

Watch for uterine cancer symptoms

Niamh Mullen | 24 August 2009

Women are being urged to be aware of the symptoms of uterine cancer. Director of the Women’s Health Council (WHC), Ger-aldine Luddy, said: “Women must be aware of symptoms that might indicate uterine cancer. The most common symptom is abnormal... Read more

TCD autoimmune discovery

Gary Culliton | 24 August 2009

New Trinity College Dublin research may lead to innovative treatments for people with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Professor of Experimental Immunology, Kingston Mills and his team at TCD have discovered new information on how autoimmune diseases develop.... Read more

HPAT balances gender

Terence Cosgrave | 18 August 2009

For the first time in several years, there has been a more even gender balance in offers of medical-school places to Leaving Certificate students. This is the first time in years that almost as many boys received offers to study... Read more

Oz expert to speak in UCD

Dara Gantly | 18 August 2009

The Clinical Director of Australia’s innovative national youth mental health initiative ‘Headspace’ will be the keynote speaker at a symposium in UCD early next month. Melbourne University’s Prof Pat McGorry, Executive Director at the renowned Orygen Youth Health Research Centre,... Read more

Attack risk doubles in men

Dara Gantly | 13 August 2009

Men with angina are twice as likely to have a heart attack and almost three times as likely to suffer a heart disease-related death than women with the same condition, according to Irish-led research published on bmj.com. The study (http://www.bmj.com/cgi/doi/10.1136/bmj.b3058)... Read more

Sperm creation by scientists questioned

Gary Culliton | 10 August 2009

Recent reports suggesting that British scientists have made medical history by creating human sperm in a laboratory setting have been questioned by a stem-cell researcher from Trinity College Dublin, Dr Stephen Sullivan. Newcastle researchers said they had produced fully mature,... Read more

Gender gap revealed in patients with angina

Dara Gantly | 07 August 2009

Men with angina are twice as likely to have a heart attack and almost three times as likely to suffer a heart disease-related death than women with the same condition, according to Irish-led research published on bmj.com today. The study... Read more

Prof Cathal Kelly to take up post of new Chief Executive at RCS

Niamh Mullen | 30 July 2009

Professor Cathal Kelly has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), and will take up the post in 2010. The Inishowen native has been the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine... Read more

48-hour week not possible – RCSI

Dara Gantly | 17 July 2009

The RCSI has told the Minister for Health that it is not possible to implement the 48-hour week for NCHDs in the Irish health service from August 1. The College has warned the Department of Health that it would in... Read more

Patients still on 'party pills'

Niamh Mullen | 16 July 2009

A study by the Drug Treatment Centre Board has found 7.5 per cent of its patients tested positive for BZP, the so-called ‘party pills’ banned in Ireland earlier this year. Of 254 samples tested at the centre’s Drug Analysis Laboratory,... Read more

Fergal Bowers to judge Irish Healthcare Awards

Niamh Mullen | 06 July 2009

RTE Health Correspondent Fergal Bowers has joined the judging panel for the Irish Healthcare Awards 2009. Before joining RTE, he was editor of irishhealth.com. He has won a number of national journalism awards for his reporting. He said the health... Read more

Ireland to host major health technology conference

Gary Culliton | 02 July 2009

In Singapore this week Ireland was officially handed over the HTAi 7th Annual Meeting for 2010. It is expected that over 2000 international delegates will attend the conference in Dublin in June 2010. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA)... Read more

Supplement helps slow AMD

Niamh Mullen | 29 June 2009

IRISH scientists have developed a supplement that slows the progression of the world’s leading cause of blindness. The first clinical study of its kind into age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was undertaken by researchers at Queen’s University in Belfast and Waterford... Read more

Patients would donate tissue for research

Niamh Mullen | 28 June 2009

Most men attending urology clinics would be willing to donate prostate tissue to a biobank for cancer research. That was the main finding of research from the School of Public Health and Population Science at University College Dublin (UCD), and... Read more

Pharma companies to pool their resources

Dara Gantly | 22 June 2009

Pharmaceutical competitors across Europe are pooling their resources for the first time, in an effort to accelerate the development of better medicines. Under a new public-private partnership, 15 new research projects aimed at bringing innovative medicines more quickly to the... Read more

Galway professor up for major award

By Dara Gantly | 22 June 2009

A professor at NUI Galway has been nominated by the US Center for Disease Control for a major award for his research into swine flu. The paper — co-authored by Prof Anthony Moran of the School of Natural Sciences —... Read more

Genetic link shown at EHA conference

Mary Anne Kenny | 15 June 2009

A genetic link to blood cancers was revealed at last week’s Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) in Berlin. Prof Nick Cross, University of Southampton, told delegates that his team’s research has found a common constitutional JAK haplotype, or... Read more

First Irish genome sequencing lab opens

Gary Culliton | 15 June 2009

Ireland’s first Genome Sequencing Laboratory — a new cutting-edge DNA-sequencing laboratory which will enable research into psychiatric disorders, infectious diseases, disorders of the immune system and other human diseases — was opened last Monday in Trinity College Dublin’s Institute of... Read more

Gender bias in research papers

Dara Gantly | 15 June 2009

Less than a quarter of psychiatric research papers published in medical journals have a female first author, according to new research. Presented at the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ (RCP’s) 2009 Annual Meeting last week (June 4), the researchers say their... Read more

Safe Surgery Saves Lives learning workshop

12 June 2009

A Safe Surgery Saves Lives workshop will be co-hosted by the Health Information and Quality Authority and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) on June 12. The aim of the workshop is to improve safety during surgeries, using... Read more

UCC honours Dr Michael Boland

Niamh Mullen | 09 June 2009

ICGP founder Dr Michael Boland has been awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine by University College Cork (UCC). The annual traditional ceremony at UCC recognises those who have distinguished themselves nationally and international through scholarship, public service or... Read more

New Kerry General facility will benefit students and staff

Dara Gantly | 09 June 2009

A new education facility at Kerry General Hospital (KGH) will not only benefit UCC students, but will be an important resource for all of the hospital’s staff, according to UCC’s Dean of Medicine. “[It] will be an important re-source in... Read more

Medical school for Limerick

Dara Gantly | 03 June 2009

A new graduate medical school building in the University of Limerick (UL) is among the projects that will start construction this year as part of the Government’s E200 million building plan for the higher education sector. Announcing the building on... Read more

New therapy may help RA patients

Greg Baxter | 02 June 2009

A UK expert on rheumatoid arthritis was in Galway this week to talk to rheumatologists about the profile and use of a new biologic therapy for RA in Ireland, tocilizumab. Prof John Isaacs, who is working on breakthrough, first-into-man research... Read more

Call for entries for Irish Healthcare Awards 2009

28 May 2009

FOLLOWING the success of last year’s Irish Healthcare Awards, Irish Medical Times is pleased to announce this year’s ceremony will take place on October 15. Once again, the prestigious event will take place at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, and... Read more

Prof Hugh McKenna honoured by academy

28 May 2009

An Ulster nursing expert has been honoured by a prestigious American academy. Prof Hugh McKenna of the University of Ulster has been appointed an International Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Such a fellowship has been given to just... Read more

Dr Clare Thornley wins prize

27 May 2009

The winner of the 2009 Aindreas McEntee prize for creative writing is Dr Clare Thornley. Dr Thornley, who has an acupuncture and homeopathy practice at Forth Mountain, Wexford won the prize for her story ‘Blue Monday – 2010’, which tells... Read more

Bahrain stone laid

Niamh Mullen | 26 May 2009

A milestone in the 30-year relationship between the RCSI and the Government of Bahrain was reached last week when the foundation stone was laid on a new medical education and healthcare campus. Minister for Labour Affairs at the Department of... Read more

Experts recommend National Cancer Biobank

By Gary Culliton | 22 May 2009

Health Minister Mary Harney has published the Report of the Expert Group on Biobanking, which contains recommendations for the establishment of a National Cancer Biobank in Ireland. A biobank is a collection of patient samples and related information, and is... Read more

Appointment shows high research standard

19 May 2009

THE appointment of the director general of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) to a prestigious European research association shows Ireland is ‘punching above its weight in the international scientific and research community’, according to the chairman of the organisation. The comments... Read more

Professional cert for PMI

Dara Gantly | 19 May 2009

A new professional certificate in pharmaceutical business management was unveiled at the recent Pharmaceutical Managers’ Institute (PMI) AGM, which took place in Cork. The accredited programme, which will be run in association with UCD’s Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School over... Read more

TILDA study gets a home for its research in Trinity College

Gary Culliton | 12 May 2009

The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, has launched The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) Health Assessment Centre at Trinity College Dublin and the public phase of the TILDA study that involves interviewing 8,000 older people over the next 10... Read more

Irish neurologist presented with major US award for MND work

Dara Gantly | 11 May 2009

A consultant neurologist at Beaumont Hospital and TCD has been presented with a major US award for her work on Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Prof Orla Hardiman received the prestigious Sheila Essey Award from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN)... Read more

International animal testing pact signed

11 May 2009

The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, together with its counterparts in the US, Canada and Japan, have signed a new agreement aimed at reducing the number of animal experiments undertaken in labs worldwide. The co-operation document signed on Monday (April... Read more

Research needed into 'legal high' drug

Niamh Mullen | 08 May 2009

MORE research is needed into the effects of the stimulant drug 4-MCC, a so-called ‘legal high’ linked to hallucinations, psychosis and even death, following indications it is being used in Ireland. Dr Gerry McCarney, a psychiatrist with the Drug Treatment... Read more

RCSI looks to recruit new chief executive

Niamh Mullen | 05 May 2009

THE RCSI is recruiting for a new chief executive officer. The candidate will replace Michael Horgan, who announced earlier this year that he planned to step down from the post. The RSCI said candidates should have a proven track record... Read more

Galway University Hospitals top MRSA list

Niamh Mullen | 29 April 2009

Galway University Hospitals reported the highest number of MRSA cases in 2008 at acute public hospitals. The University College Hospital, Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital together reported 47 cases of MRSA to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) in... Read more

Prof Kenny rewarded for France research collaborations

Niamh Mullen | 28 April 2009

A PROFESSOR at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has won a €10,000 award for his contribution to research collaborations with France. Prof Dermot Kenny, Director of the Clinical Research Centre at the RCSI and Beaumont Hospital, was... Read more

TRUST Director is overall winner

Niamh Mullen | 27 April 2009

A campaigner who ‘em-powers those sleeping on the streets of Dublin’ is the overall winner of the Health Literacy Awards for her life’s work providing services for the homeless. Alice Leahy — a trained nurse and midwife — is the... Read more

Repressing feelings can affect teenagers' studies

Niamh Mullen | 27 April 2009

TEENAGERS whose parents have separated should not repress their feelings because it can affect their studies and involvement in activities outside school. That is the message from Teen Between, a support service operated by the Marriage and Relationship Counselling Service... Read more

Views sought on the issue of human tissue

Gary Culliton | 20 April 2009

Health Minister Harney has urged the public and interest groups to submit views as part of a public consultation process on proposals for a Human Tissue Bill. The Bill will regulate the removal, retention, storage, use and disposal of human... Read more

Prisoners' health standards below general populations'

Dara Gantly | 20 April 2009

Standards of healthcare for prisoners are often below those of the general population, despite clear evidence of their widespread need. Any revision of the landmark Declaration of Tokyo from the World Medical Association must emphasise the importance of privacy and... Read more

Stakeholders' view needed in HTAs

Dara Gantly | 08 April 2009

A body representing the medical technology industry in the EU has called for greater stakeholder involvement in health technology assessments (HTAs) across Europe. Eucomed welcomed a compromise adopted by the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food... Read more

International Hepatitis C Conference

Gary Culliton | 31 March 2009

An international Hepatitis C Conference will be held from June 11 to 19 this year at Dublin Castle 'Hepatitis C - the Third Decade and Beyond' is a three day conference being hosted by the Consultative Council on Hepatitis C.... Read more

Mental health lessons can reduce prejudice

Dara Gantly | 31 March 2009

Teaching school children about common mental health problems can reduce prejudice and negative attitudes towards mental illness. According to a new study published in the April issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry, teenagers who received just six lessons on... Read more

Doctors wanted for TV programme

31 March 2009

A TV production company is looking for Irish doctors with the ‘x-factor’ to audition for new health show. But fear not, you will not be expected to sing or dance. Waddell Media is based in Northern Ireland and made the... Read more

NBIP gets funding for biophotonic research

31 March 2009

A RESEARCH programme for an emerging technique that uses light and other forms of radiant energy to understand more about the inner working of cells and tissues has been launched with an inaugural conference at the RCSI. The National Biophotonics... Read more

Research targets women with learning disabilities

Niamh Mullen | 30 March 2009

Research into why many women with learning disabilities fail to attend breast cancer screening appointments will be carried out at the University of Ulster. A grant of £20,000 has been awarded by the UK charity Breast Cancer Campaign. One of... Read more

Awards shortlist announced

Gary Culliton | 28 March 2009

The shortlist for the 2009 Helix Health Irish Pharmacist Awards was announced today. The Pharmacist Awards are open to all those in the pharmacy profession in research, science and community or hospital based practice fields. The shortlist includes pharmacists throughout... Read more

ALS breakthrough for RCSI researchers

Gary Culliton | 27 March 2009

Researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland have advanced the potential for the treatment of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a fatal neurodegenerative condition. The findings, which were recently published in the Journal of Neuroscience (in its December 24,... Read more

New site for Trinity School of Medicine

Dara Gantly | 25 March 2009

The School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin will launch a new website today (March 27) celebrating its past 300 years. Including historical snapshots of the most significant events at the School of Medicine since the first medical building was... Read more

Research targets women with learning disabilities

Niamh Mullen | 24 March 2009

Research into why many women with learning disabilities fail to attend breast cancer screening appointments will be carried out at the University of Ulster. A grant of £20,000 has been awarded by the UK charity Breast Cancer Campaign. One of... Read more

Health promotion specialist honoured

Gary Culliton | 24 March 2009

An Honorary Fellowship by the Waterford Institute of Technology has been awarded to HSE Health Promotion specialist Beatrice Barry-Murphy from Wexford. Ms Barry-Murphy has been with the HSE and its predecessor the South Eastern Health Board since moving from her... Read more

Raynaud's Society’s Annual Awareness Conference

Gary Culliton | 23 March 2009

The Irish Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Society, which aims to improve the quality of life of people with these conditions, will hold its annual patient conference next month. 
 The featured speakers are leading consultants Dame Carol Black, Professor Douglas Veale,... Read more

Music therapy helps with language ability

Niamh Mullen | 20 March 2009

PLAYING Mozart to children with developmental disorders can dramatically improve their language ability, according to a leading speech and language therapist. Karen O’Connor, who trained in the LiFT music therapy programme in Canada and runs clinics in Dublin and Galway,... Read more

Maggots shown to benefit leg ulcers

Dara Gantly | 20 March 2009

Maggots have similar health benefits and costs compared with a standard treatment for leg ulcers, according to two new studies. A team of UK researchers has carried out the first randomised controlled trial to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of... Read more

Irish cancer research awarded €500,000

Niamh Mullen | 19 March 2009

FUNDING of half a million euro has been awarded to three Irish breast-cancer research projects. The charity Breast Cancer Campaign awarded €3 million to 29 research projects in the UK and Ireland. It is the first time the charity has... Read more

WHO to tackle diarrhoea deaths

Dara Gantly | 19 March 2009

The World Health Organization (WHO) is convening a meeting of major supporters of child health research at the end of the month to tackle the nearly two million children who die from diarrhoea each year. The Organization has identified a... Read more

Asthma research gets EC funding

Mary Anne Kenny | 18 March 2009

Irish research into curing asthma got a major boost last week with the awarding of an initial grant of €600,000 to Dr Conor Burke, Consultant at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Connolly Hospital. The funding came follow-ing an EU competition... Read more

Formation of Professional Competence Steering Committee

Gary Culliton | 13 March 2009

A Professional Competence Steering Committee has been established by the Medical Council and the Forum of Postgraduate Training Bodies to facilitate the development and implementation of comprehensive and effective Professional Competence Schemes for medical practitioners. The Committee represents a partnership... Read more

College of Psychiatry hosts first conference

June Shannon | 13 March 2009

The recently formed College of Psychiatry of Ireland is to hold its inaugural conference later this month during which the new entity will be officially launched. According to the President of the College Dr Justin Brophy, the Spring Conference will... Read more

TCD showcases bioscience

Gary Culliton | 12 March 2009

Trinity Research and Innovation will be showcasing a selection of the latest bioscience technologies developed by TCD researchers at an event in the Science Gallery this evening (March 12th) between 6.30pm and 9.30pm. The Science Gallery, TCD (enter via Pearse... Read more

Irish doc celebrated

Niamh Mullen | 11 March 2009

An eminent Irish-born doctor who made major advances in the understanding of epilepsy has been honoured with a memorial lecture to mark 200 years since his birth. Prof Robert Bentley Todd was instrumental in the setting up of King’s College... Read more

UCD MedSoc raises €200,000 for charity

09 March 2009

UCD Medical Society presented €43,000 to Irish charities this week, bringing the total it has raised over the last three years to €200,000. Beneficiaries included the Irish Cancer Society, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, Barretstown, Cardiac Risk in the Young, Dundrum Arch... Read more

Pharma CEOs are still confident of success

Dara Gantly | 09 March 2009

A third of pharmaceutical industry CEOs are very confident that they can increase their companies’ revenues over the next 12 months. According to the Pricewater-houseCoopers (PwC) 12th annual CEO survey, the credit crunch may actually provide opportunities for many large... Read more

UCC expands its pilot AED programme

Niamh Mullen | 04 March 2009

AN initiative aimed at preventing sudden cardiac death has been expanded at University College Cork (UCC) following a successful pilot scheme. The First Responder Auto-matic External Defibrillation (AED) Programme began in 2007 with 10 defibrillators and 40 volunteers at four... Read more

Irish dancers suffer from overuse injuries

June Shannon | 02 March 2009

Professional Irish dancers suffer from a range of over-use ankle injuries including Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, bone oedema and calcaneocuboid joint degeneration, according to the first ever study on ankle injuries in this professional group. The research from Cappagh National... Read more

Research could improve lab tests

Niamh Mullen | 25 February 2009

Irish research showing that viruses can be detected in fluids could lead to better blood tests and more sensitive ways of measuring whether new drugs are binding to their targets. The discovery was made by Martin Hegner, a Professor of... Read more

Irish surgeon presents at international event

Dara Gantly | 25 February 2009

Impressive results from an innovative treatment carried out by an Irish vascular surgeon have been presented at a major international meeting in the US. Mr Sherif Sultan of the Western Vascular Institute presented a paper on laser-assisted angioplasty versus tibial... Read more

UCC split over embryonic stem cell research

25 February 2009

A professor of mathematics at University College Cork (UCC) has slammed the university's recent decision to allow embryonic stem cell research. Professor Des McHale, also a well-known author, said that he was "deeply ashamed" that UCC's governing body had passed... Read more

TCD course links with Europe

June Shannon | 24 February 2009

The School of Medicine at TCD, in collaboration with its partners in the Eurolife Network of European Universities in Life Science, has launched a new European postgraduate programme in molecular medicine. Launched at Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands... Read more

Aptitude test launched for would-be doctors

Gary Culliton | 19 February 2009

More than 3,000 would-be doctors took a new aptitude assessment test at centres around the country this week. It is the first year that students hoping to attend an undergraduate medicine course must take the Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT).... Read more

Remove barriers to improve research

Dara Gantly | 19 February 2009

A national strategy is required to remove the barriers to promoting greater clinical research in this country, a new report has urged. The shortage of research nurses and a freeze on recruiting clinical staff are two key elements to address,... Read more

Irish team leads the way in HIV research

Gary Culliton | 18 February 2009

New research presented by an Irish team at an international medical conference in Montreal last week helps explain why some HIV patients treated with antiretroviral medications experience increased incidence of heart attacks. Researchers from UCD School of Medicine, the Mater... Read more

Abstracts wanted for Wonca conference

June Shannon | 18 February 2009

The Scientific Committee of Wonca (World Organization of Family Doctors) Europe 2009 has issued a call for abstracts from doctors worldwide who are involved in the provision of primary care to patients. The 15th Wonca Europe Conference takes place this... Read more

Darwin 'had Asperger's Syndrome' – TCD Professor

Dara Gantly | 18 February 2009

The father of the theory of evolution through natural selection, Charles Darwin, most likely had Asperger’s syndrome, a TCD professor has claimed. Psychiatrist Prof Michael Fitzgerald believes the mild form of autism gave Darwin the ability to “hyperfocus, the extra... Read more

Experts meet to enhance social care

Gary Culliton | 17 February 2009

Key European experts met in Dublin recently to discuss enhancing social care services across Europe. Hosted by the Health Information and Quality Authority, together with the Council of Europe, the conference (which was held in Farmleigh, Dublin) was aimed at... Read more

Gynaecology society born

Dara Gantly | 17 February 2009

A new society is being established to promote the increased use of the endoscopic approach to gynaecological surgery. The Irish Gynaecological Endoscopy Society — an organisation for consultants and trainees — wants to bring the use of such methods in... Read more

New medical aptitude test

Gary Culliton | 16 February 2009

More than 3,000 would-be doctors took a new aptitude assessment test at centres around the country today. It is the first year that students hoping to attend an undergraduate medicine course at colleges in Ireland must take the Health Professions... Read more

Students change minds on donations

Gary Culliton | 16 February 2009

The physical reality of dissection significantly altered the willingness of first-year medical students to become whole-body donors themselves, a UCD School of Medicine study published in the journal Anatomical Sciences Education shows. The more time students spent with a cadaver,... Read more

New site explains testing to patients

Mary Anne Kenny | 13 February 2009

Doctors can now refer patients to a website that can help them learn more about any laboratory tests they need and how the results of these tests are used. Labtestsonline.ie was launched recently in St Vincent’s Hospital by Mike Hallworth,... Read more

New fellowship will help rheumatology patients

Mary Anne Kenny | 12 February 2009

A new €100,000 fellowship that medical professionals hope will drive levels of patient care in the field of rheumatology has been announced by the RCPI. The Professors Bresnihan and Molloy International Education Fellowship will be awarded each year to one... Read more

Drugs found to block HIV in Monkeys

editor@imt.ie | 10 February 2009

The Washington Post is reporting that AIDS researchers gathered in Montreal yesterday heard encouraging results from studies of three strategies for preventing HIV infection using pharmaceuticals, particularly in women. Two experiments in monkeys showed that antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, given by... Read more

RCSI Charter Days to focus on cancer care

June Shannon | 28 January 2009

Olympic gold medallist Ronnie Delany will receive an Honorary Fellowship of the RCSI next month as part of the College’s annual Charter Day Meetings. The Irish athlete will be joined by Dr Carlos Pellegrini, Department of Surgery at the University... Read more

WHO to research medicines for children

28 January 2009

More than 50 per cent of medicines prescribed for children either have not been developed specifically for them or have not been proven to be safe and effective for use in this age group, according to the World Health Organization... Read more

UL to get Professor of General Practice

28 January 2009

Ireland’s newest medical school at the University of Limerick is due to advertise the position of Professor of General Practice and Primary Care. The fledgling medical school is further strengthening its other clinical academic areas following recent advertisements for Chairs... Read more

Ready, teddy, go at Bear Hospital

Terence Cosgrave | 28 January 2009

Due to popular demand, a second day has been added to the annual Teddy Bear Hospital at NUI Galway, which will be visited by a record 950 children this year. The children, from 24 primary schools in the Galway region,... Read more

New facility for cellular research

Mary Anne Kenny | 27 January 2009

Cellular research in Ireland has been given a boost with the opening this week of a Flow Cytometry Facility in Trinity College Dublin’s Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM). The €840,000 facility, located at St James’s Hospital, received an equipment grant... Read more

FDA paves way for embryonic stem cell research

Gary Culliton | 26 January 2009

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared the way for the world's first study of human embryonic stem cell therapy, Geron Corp has said.... Read more

Jim’ll fix it in pain film

By Mary Anne Kenny | 23 January 2009

Acclaimed Irish film director Jim Sheridan is backing an initiative calling on neuropathic pain sufferers to tell their stories, so that others affected by the condition feel they do not have to suffer in silence. The Irish Chronic Pain Association... Read more

Anu Research Centre gets major cash injection from the Wellcome Trust

Rebecca Kiernan | 23 January 2009

A cash boost to help develop a blood test identifying pregnancy complications has been welcomed by a research team from University College Cork. The Anu Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, received a €800,000 award from the UK-based Wellcome... Read more

Gene therapy: 'encouraging results for muscular dystrophy'

Gary Culliton | 22 January 2009

New research published today by NUI Maynooth and the University of Western Australia proves the efficiency of an innovative gene therapy for the treatment of muscular dystrophy and brings a cure closer to reality. There is no cure currently available... Read more

NUI alumni award for medical science goes to Prof Michael O'Brien

June Shannon | 22 January 2009

The NUI Galway Medtronic Alumni Award for Healthcare and Medical Science has been awarded to Prof Michael O’Brien, Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Chief of the Department of Anatomic Pathology at Boston Medical... Read more

TCD researches ADHD kids' genes

By Gary Culliton | 16 January 2009

Trinity College Dublin research investigating the relationship between genetics and psychology of children with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been judged by an international jury of the European Psychiatric Association as the best in Child & Adolescent... Read more

Survival of patients discharged to long term care

Gary Culliton | 15 January 2009

The first data on the life expectancy of elderly people in long term care facilities, has been published in the Irish Medical Journal. This will be important for effective service planning and monitoring quality of care. A random sample of... Read more

Poison prevention plan needed for older people

Gary Culliton | 13 January 2009

A study conducted of National Poisons Information Centre data shows that 575 adults over 65 years of age were poisoned during the period 2001–2003. Some 70.3% (404) of poisonings involved pharmaceuticals, 29.0% (167) chemicals, and 0.7% (4) foreign bodies. A... Read more

Health literacy won't wait

Terence Cosgrave | 13 January 2009

Time is running out for entering the Crystal Clear Health Literacy Awards, which reward doctors and healthcare professionals for making health information easier for patients to understand. Nominations for the six categories of awards (and the overall award) must be... Read more

Study launched into aging and intellectual disability

Gary Culliton | 09 January 2009

The largest study on ageing in persons with an intellectual disability ever to be undertaken in Ireland was launched recently by the Minister for Equality, Disability and Mental Health, John Moloney. The study will involve approximately 800 persons with intellectual... Read more

Ulster gets two grants for study of Alzheimer's

Alan Deely | 08 January 2009

Two new research grants made to the University of Ulster are intended to further the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and how it relates to stem-cell depletion and diabetes. The grants, awarded by the UK Alzheimer’s Research Trust (ART), will provide... Read more

IMT scoops award for top website

17 December 2008

Irish Medical Times has been crowned Website of the Year at the Periodical Publishers Association of Ireland Awards (PPAI).

The award was presented to editor Terence Cosgrave at a gala dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel last Thursday night. It’s a... Read more

Grant funding for alimentary centre

Gary Culliton | 17 December 2008

The Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC) based at University College Cork which is focusing on research in gastrointestinal health is to benefit from new grant funding announced today. The five-year funding awards recipients under the Science Foundation Ireland Centres for Science,... Read more

Charities to double research funding

Ian McGuinness | 09 December 2008

Certain medical charities are planning to almost double their spending on research, despite the downturn in the economy, it has emerged. Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Medical Research Charities Group (MRCG), Chairperson John McCormack said that when... Read more

Stem cells can 'protect motor neurons, screen therapeutics'

Gary Culliton | 04 December 2008

Two new research studies have used motor neurons derived from human embryonic stem (hES) cells to demonstrate that multiple toxic pathways contribute to the devastating degeneration associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and that protective therapeutics will need to oppose... Read more

National Therapy Strategy is launched

Greg Baxter | 02 December 2008

The National Therapy Strategy 2008 - 2013 has been launched by Minister for Health, Mary Harney. The Strategy will promote research in the therapy professions: chiropodists/podiatrists, dietetics, occupational therapists, orthoptists, physiotherapists, and speech-and-language therapists. The Strategy sets five goals to... Read more

SFI DG receives doctorate

02 December 2008

Director-General of Science Foundation Ireland, Prof Frank Gannon, this week received an honorary doctorate from the University of Queensland, Australia. The university recognised his outstanding contribution to molecular bioscience, including some 200 research articles published in international journals. Prof Gannon’s... Read more

UCC regulations 'restrict rogue scientists'

Gary Culliton | 01 December 2008

Currently there are no legal guidelines for stemcell research in Ireland and a “rogue scientist could do ethically and medically unsubstantiated experiments and not be punished,” leading Irish researcher Dr Stephen Sullivan has said. What UCC has done in introducing... Read more

Education could be cut

Ian McGuinness | 28 November 2008

Education for doctors could be cut if excessively strict guidelines are created to regulate GPs’ relationships with pharmaceutical companies, the Chairman of the Irish Medical Organisation’s GP Committee has warned. Dr Ronan Boland was responding to the recent Dáil Public... Read more

Cheaper research from all-Ireland gene library

Ian McGuinness | 21 November 2008

An all-Ireland gene library is being planned, which would ‘make it relatively cheap to conduct research’, the CEO of the charity Molecular Medicine Ireland (MMI) has said. Speaking at the AGM of the Medical Research Charities Group, Dr Ruth Barrington... Read more

Report on continuing education in pharmacy

Gary Culliton | 20 November 2008

The Irish Centre for Continuing Pharmaceutical Education (ICCPE) launched a report at the All Ireland Pharmacy Healthcare Conference in Dundalk on 10/11 November on ‘Continuing Pharmaceutical Education in Ireland’. Tom Mc Guinn, Chairman of the ICCPE Management Committee said, “The... Read more

Time to enter Health Literacy Awards

Terence Cosgrave | 19 November 2008

A new national health literacy campaign to help health professionals communicate clearly with patients was launched last week. The initiative was announced along with the call for entries for the Crystal Clear Health Literacy Awards 2009 and aims to provide... Read more

Health Research Board reveals €10,000 surplus in 2007 annual report

Ian McGuinness | 14 November 2008

The Health Research Board (HRB) had a €10,164 surplus last year, compared to a deficit of nearly €4.3 million in its revenue income and expenditure account in 2006. The Board’s annual report for 2007 showed that it received €39.19 million... Read more

OCF to fund research into oesophageal cancer

13 November 2008

The Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) is pledging up to €500,000 over three years for research into oesophageal cancer and is inviting applications for programme grant funding for national multi-centre, collaborative, clinical research into any aspect of oesophageal cancer care. Established... Read more

Galway academic is VP of Optical Society

13 November 2008

An academic from NUI Galway has been elected the 2009 vice-president of the Optical Society of America. Prof Chris Dainty, NUI Galway’s chair of applied physics in the School of Physics, will automatically become president-elect in 2010 and then the... Read more

Junior docs can train while doing PhDs

Ian McGuinness | 10 November 2008

Junior doctors will be able to train to become a consultant while simultaneously conducting research to acquire a PhD, it has emerged. The initiative, which is being established by the Health Research Board (HRB) and the Health Service Executive (HSE),... Read more

Trial examines injection of stem cells into heart

Greg Baxter | 05 November 2008

Irish doctors could be injecting stem cells directly into patients’ hearts in order to repair damage caused by heart attacks, if a groundbreaking trial in the UK shows success. Prof John Martin, who delivered the Irish Heart Foundation’s Mulcahy Lecture... Read more

Experts urge patience regarding MS drug

Alan Deeley | 03 November 2008

Consultant neurologist Dr John Moran of Bon Secours Hospital, Co Galway, has cautioned that doctors and patients must wait for ‘all the ups and downs’ in the development of alemtuzumab for people with multiple sclerosis, as initial clinical trials in... Read more

Record investment into sight research

Gary Culliton | 29 October 2008

The Irish charity Fighting Blindness has reported that net income rose by nearly 50 per cent for the year ending March 2008 from €1,022,000 to €1,528,000, resulting in ‘record investment’ in research. Fighting Blindness is funding nine research projects in... Read more

UCC allows embryonic cell research

Gary Culliton | 29 October 2008

The Governing Body of University College Cork yesterday backed the recommendation of the University’s Academic Council allowing embryonic stem cell research at UCC "under strict guidelines drawn up by the University Research Ethics Board (UREB)". A code of practice for... Read more

Nobel Prize goes to HIV research

Gary Culliton | 10 October 2008

France’s Francoise Barré-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier will share the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. In its citation, the Nobel Foundation said: “Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier’s discovery of HIV... Read more

Bully conference launch

Terence Cosgrave | 01 October 2008

The National Bullying Con-ference 2008 was launched last week and will take place on Tuesday, October 21 at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Northwood Hotel. The Conference will be chaired by presenter Matt Cooper and will include a panel of experienced... Read more

Nurse prescribing kicks off in Cork

Greg Baxter | 30 September 2008

Six nurse prescribers are prescribing medication this week at Cork University Hospital (CUH), following completion of the Nurse/Midwife Prescribing Programme in conjunction with University College Cork (UCC). This is the first time that nurses have prescribed drugs in Cork, following... Read more

Judging of 2008 Awards completed

26 September 2008

The judging of the Irish Healthcare Awards place has now taken place. The judges met last week at the Shelbourne Hotel to consider the merits of the record number of entries submitted this year for the Awards, which have grown... Read more

Irish students lack depression smarts

Mary Anne Kenny | 25 September 2008

A new study has revealed that although the majority of students in Ireland believe that depression is a very real problem, just over one-quarter (27 per cent) would know what to do if someone close to them was suffering from... Read more

Patients need more time

Greg Baxter | 24 September 2008

Child and adolescent psychiatrists need to spend less time in clinical meetings and more time seeing patients, a professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin has told Irish Medical Times. Prof Michael Fitzgerald, speaking following the launch... Read more

St James's to get new inpatient and research facility

Ian McGuinness | 23 September 2008

A new inpatient and clinical research facility is to be built at St James’s Hospital in Dublin. Planning permission was recently granted to the largest hospital in Ireland for the three-storey building. A number of conditions were attached to the... Read more

Older volunteers needed

Mary Anne Kenny | 18 September 2008

Scientists from UCC, Cork area hospitals and Teagasc are looking for people to take part in a new project, which aims to improve digestive health in older people through a better understanding of intestinal bacteria. The ELDERMET project is investigating... Read more

New system to estimate CVD risk in older people

By Gary Culliton, reporting from Munich | 12 September 2008

A new system for estimating risk of total coronary vascular disease (CVD) in the older age group, called SCORE ELD, was outlined by Tallaght Hospital research cardiologist Dr Marie Therese Cooney, at last week’s Congress of the European Society of... Read more

Valentine’s Day test for medical aptitude

Alan Deeley | 10 September 2008

The State will test the aptitude of Leaving Cert students eager to study medicine on February 14 next, in a process aimed at attracting. more suitable candidates to medicine – but fifteen years will pass before patients see the impact... Read more

Study will impact PD care

By Mary Anne Kenny | 08 September 2008

Results from a new study have the potential to completely change the way Parkinson’s disease (PD) is treated, delegates at the 12th Congress of the European Federation of Neurological Societies in Madrid heard last week. The results from the ADAGIO... Read more

Trans-Atlantic lectures to begin at UCD

04 September 2008

University College Dublin and University of Kentucky will begin a new period of collaboration through a transatlantic lecture series beginning September 25. Prof. William Powderly, head of the school of medicine and medical sciences at UCD, said the focus of... Read more

Breakthrough in understanding of cell suicide that hinders cancer chemotherapy

Alan Deeley | 02 September 2008

Irish researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how cell suicide is regulated, with potential knock-on benefits for therapies fighting cancer. The Trinity College team, led by Prof. Seamus Martin, discovered the Bcl-2 gene family 'double jobs' to perform two... Read more

IMT hits top with 7,022 docs

Terence Cosgrave | 29 August 2008

According to the latest figures from the Audit Bureau of Circulation the Irish Medical Times average net circulation has risen to over 7,000. The average net circulation of the paper for the audit period July 1 2007 - June 30... Read more

National elderly research centre to be operational in September

Mary Anne Kenny | 27 August 2008

The HSE has announced that the National Research Centre for the Protection of Older People is expected to be operational by September. The Centre, which is part of the Elder Abuse Programme, will be located within the Department of Nursing... Read more

Galway meeting a success

Gary Culliton | 27 August 2008

Professor Aviva Tolkovski from the University of Cambridge presented a paper on the mechanisms of neurodegeneration at the second National Meeting of Neuroscience Ireland at NUI Galway. The conference also looked at strategies to promote regeneration of neurons, which may... Read more

Galway hosts Ireland's largest surgical conference

Gary Culliton | 26 August 2008

NUI Galway’s Department of Surgery will host the largest surgical conference in Ireland, the 33rd Sir Peter Freyer Memorial Lecture and Surgical Symposium on 5-6 September 2008. Dr Ernest E. Moore, from Denver General Hospital, will deliver the Memorial Lecture... Read more

Galway hosts Ireland's largest surgical conference

Gary Culliton | 26 August 2008

NUI Galway’s Department of Surgery will host the largest surgical conference in Ireland, the 33rd Sir Peter Freyer Memorial Lecture and Surgical Symposium on 5-6 September 2008. Dr Ernest E. Moore, from Denver General Hospital, will deliver the Memorial Lecture... Read more

Irish students studying medicine abroad have doubled

Terence Cosgrave | 18 August 2008

The numbers of Irish students studying medicine abroad has more than doubled in the last five years, according to new figures released this month. A total of 523 Irish students were studying medicine in the UK in the 2006/2007 academic... Read more

Waterford to offer graduate qualifications for nurses and midwives

Greg Baxter | 12 August 2008

Waterford Insititute of Technology (WIT) and the Health Service Executive South will offer a Post-Graduate Diploma and MSc for experienced nurses and midwives. The programme will be open to nurses and midwives in Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford... Read more

New Alzheimer's drug but not yet

Terence Cosgrave | 08 August 2008

It will be several years before a new drug that has shown remarkable results in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is available for Irish patients outside of clinical trials — according to Prof Rose Anne Kenny, head of the Department... Read more

New TCD schizophrenia breakthrough

Gary Culliton | 07 August 2008

Irish researchers have played a key role in developing new information on understanding schizophrenia. People living with schizophrenia are far more likely to carry rare chromosomal structural changes of all types, particularly those that have the potential to alter gene... Read more

Pain researched in Galway

Greg Baxter | 06 August 2008

New research on chronic pain and health economics will take place at NUI Galway this autumn as part of Health Research Board-funded scholar programme. Two student projects will be overseen by senior researchers at the university. A second-year economics and... Read more

Science Foundation gives value for money

Gary Culliton | 06 August 2008

Science Foundation Ire-land (SFI) last week welcomed the publication of the Value for Money Review of Science Foundation Ireland report, commissioned by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. This report, conducted by Indecon International Economic Consultants, was undertaken in... Read more

Downturn hits HRB conference

05 August 2008

A conference that was to be held in November by the Health Research Board has been postponed because of the economic downturn and the budgetary restraints being imposed because of that situation. The conference, Working Together To Improve People’s Health,... Read more

Midlands and West get counselling and psychotherapy degree

Mary Anne Kenny | 04 August 2008

The first BA in Counselling and Psychotherapy in the Midlands and West will commence this September. Details of the new degree were announced on Monday by Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) and ATI Training and Education. The degree is the... Read more

Science Foundation Ireland to fund €23m

Mary Anne Kenny | 01 August 2008

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) has announced new funding of over €23 million for 143 projects, under the SFI Research Frontiers Programme, for 2008. At the launch of the SFI’s annual report for 2007 in the RCPI last week, Chairman Prof... Read more

Single embryo IVF is 'promising', says study

Greg Baxter | 01 August 2008

Single-embryo IVF is a promising option for women with favourable reproductive profiles, authors of a new study in Fertility and Sterility have argued. According to the study, pregnancy outcomes were not adversely affected when comparing single-embryo versus double-embryo IVF in... Read more

NUIG doctor selected for exemplary teaching award

Terence Cosgrave | 31 July 2008

Dr Peter Cantillon of the Department of General Practice in NUI Galway has been selected for one of five national awards. Dr Cantillon will be honoured by the National Academy for the Integration of Research & Teaching and Learning (NAIRTL)... Read more

Malaysian doctor honoured by RCSI

29 July 2008

Prof Tom Gorey introduced Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ismail Merican (the titles preceeding the ‘Dr’ are royal) as an ideal role model for the health sciences graduates of today, as he received the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland’s highest... Read more

Atlantic Philanthropies elects Prof William Hall

Mary Anne Kenny | 25 July 2008

Prof William Hall from the UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, and Director of the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, has been elected to the board of The Atlantic Philanthropies. The Atlantic Philanthropies are dedicated to tackling problems... Read more

Cancer care conference to be held in Göteborg

Greg Baxter | 17 July 2008

The European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology’s (ESTRO’s) 27th annual congress, in September, will be the largest in the organisation’s history. More than 4,500 cancer and radiotherapy specialists will meet at the 27th congress in Göteborg, Sweden, from 14-18... Read more

UCD research helps find Alzheimer’s ‘toxic key’

Mary Anne Kenny | 09 July 2008

Researchers at University College Dublin have helped to identify the ‘toxic key’ to Alzheimer’s disease memory-loss by unlocking the cascade of molecular events that lead to the onset of the disease. The findings, published in the latest edition of Nature... Read more

Criticism of lack of funds for research

Sandra Ryan | 04 July 2008

The Government has been criticised for refusing to fund a clinical trial taking place in the UK into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic condition that causes premature death by the age of 18-22. The Exon Skipping Trials had asked for... Read more

Child conceived free of hereditary cancer gene

Greg Baxter | 03 July 2008

A couple in Britain have used embryo screening to conceive a child that is guaranteed to be free from hereditary breast cancer gene BRCA-1. Following a decision in May 2007 by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority doctors to screen... Read more

Research centre is named after Trinity alumnus

Gary Culliton | 03 July 2008

A research laboratory at the Trinity Centre for Health Sciences at St James’s Hospital was named after a distinguished Trinity alumnus, Dr Seamus Ó Floinn, at a special ceremony on 20 June. The research laboratory will house the pulmonary group,... Read more

Preparing for a vital medical interview

Rory Hafford | 22 June 2008

In the first article of a new Irish Medical Times series on communication in medicine, Rory Hafford, Senior Consultant with Carr Communications, looks at the best preparation for the medical interview. Doctors are arguably the most highly-trained and best prepared... Read more

Innovation award won by infusion device

18 June 2008

This year’s winner of the Cruickshank Technology Innovation Award was an add-on device that attaches to infusion drips and eliminates bubbles before they reach the patient’s bloodstream. The device took Enterprise Ireland’s Student Enterprise Awards 2008 by storm. Peter Sullivan,... Read more

Emer Casey studentships launched

Mary Anne Kenny | 17 June 2008

The Emer Casey PhD Studentships to research ovarian and endometrial cancer were launched last week by the Department of Histopathology at the School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin. The Emer Casey Foundation was established in memory of Ms Emer Casey,... Read more

New categories for Irish awards

Mary Anne Kenny | 12 June 2008

Keeping to the high standards set in previous years, the 2008 Irish Healthcare Awards will reward people and projects that have made a difference or demonstrated innovation in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Irish Medical Times is calling for entries... Read more

HIQA hosts RDS event

Gary Culliton | 12 June 2008

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is to host a major international conference involving 1,600 international delegates at Dublin’s RDS in two years’ time. The Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi) Conference will be held from June 6-9, 2010. HIQA’s... Read more

RCPI audit highlights training challenges

Sandra Ryan | 06 June 2008

The first full audit of medical training posts in Ireland has been released by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI), who have highlighted ‘significant’ challenges in postgraduate medical training (including the number of posts not actually accredited) and... Read more

Interns working 'above grade', says report

Sandra Ryan | 30 May 2008

Many interns are working without proper or adequate training, according to the Medical Council’s new review of undergraduate medical training. “Interns are sometimes being asked to act ‘above grade’, at a level that is not appropriate for a new and... Read more

HRB conference to be held in November

28 May 2008

The Health Research Board is holding a conference entitled ‘Working Together to Improve People’s Health’, aimed at researchers, policy makers and people working in the health services on 11 November in Dublin Castle. The conference will discuss the best approach... Read more

O’Sullivan elected President of ESA

23 May 2008

RCSI President Prof Gerald O’Sullivan has been elected President of the European Surgical Association (ESA).Prof O’Sullivan, whose term in office as President of RCSI concludes in June, will take up his office as President of ESA in April next year.... Read more

Medical schools agree to new admissions test

Sandra Ryan | 23 May 2008

Medical schools have agreed to and approved the Government’s new proposals for undergraduate medical education, which will see students combine their Leaving Certificate results with a separate admissions test for the first time. The proposals stem from the Fottrell... Read more

New discovery demonstrates DNA link

21 May 2008

A recent discovery at TCD’s Institute of Molecular Medicine, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute USA, has demonstrated a link between DNA repair genes and the development of multiple myeloma. TCD Professor of Experimental Haematology, Mark Lawler, and his... Read more

Stem cell research goes to Paris

Gary Culliton | 16 May 2008

Ballymena-born stem cell researcher Prof Colin McGuckin has this week launched a Paris-based consortium, to provide ‘a platform for research’. McGuckin and the internationally-renowned research group on cord blood at Newcastle University and the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune in Paris have... Read more

UCC biochemist develops new neuroscience technique

14 May 2008

A biochemist at University College Cork (UCC) has developed a new technique in neuroscience research, and has published an article about the method in Nature Neuroscience. Dr Paul Young’s technique allows scientists to both visualise brain cells in great detail,... Read more

35 extra teens could be cured in child facilities

Greg Baxter | 10 May 2008

Many adolescents are slipping through the cracks when it comes to cancer care because they are not put on clinical trials and they are being treated with less-than-optimum protocols and in inappropriate pyschosocial settings. An additional 35 adolescents could be... Read more

National Institute to collaborate on research

09 May 2008

The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) and US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly is embarking on a research collaboration with Eli Lilly’s biologics research and development organisation at its headquarters in Indianapolis in the US. The collaboration will... Read more

Interns asked to act 'above grade'

Sandra Ryan | 02 May 2008

A large national survey of GPs by the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) has found that half of GPs plan to retire in the next 12 years. The survey aimed to determine the current state of general practice around... Read more

Barriers to healthcare hinder non-Catholics

Sandra Ryan | 01 May 2008

A report examining health services for non-Catholic patients has found that many encounter significant barriers to accessing care due to the inadequate training of healthcare professionals and a lack of communication. The Health Research Board-funded report, entitled Health, Faith and... Read more

Students receive varying levels of medical training

Greg Baxter | 30 April 2008

There is still significant inconsistency in the level of educational facilities in medical schools, according to the Medical Council’s Review of Medical Schools in Ireland 2007. Additionally, medical schools should take advantage of different training environments to address a capacity... Read more

Challenging medical education

Greg Baxter | 27 April 2008

Greg Baxter spoke to Prof Geraldine MacCarrick, about the introduction of outcomes-based medical education. The principles of medical education that dominated the 20th century, proposed in 1910 by Abraham Flexner, stated that future doctors ought to spend years listening to... Read more

Virtual research centres for primary care

Greg Baxter | 25 April 2008

The Health Research Board will spend €10 million to fund the first ever virtual research centres in Ireland – one to help people suffering from diabetes or obesity and the other to protect vulnerable patient groups such as the elderly,... Read more

Connolly to head up HRB

25 April 2008

Mr Enda Connolly has been appointed Chief Executive of the Health Research Board (HRB). Currently Manager of the Industrial Development Authority’s (IDA) Life Sciences and Research, Development and Innovation Division, he will take up the new position in June 2008.... Read more

Physical exams nearly as effective as lab tests in monitoring AIDS treatment

Greg Baxter | 25 April 2008

Doctors who treat HIV-infected patients in poor countries can monitor AIDS treatments, using physical examination, nearly as effectively as doctors in rich countries monitor patients with expensive laboratory tests, according to a study in the Lancet. The study finds that... Read more

Alzheimer's epidemic due

Gary Culliton | 17 April 2008

Alzheimer’s will reach epidemic proportions within 40 years unless new disease-modifying therapies can be developed, a conference at the Mansion House in Dublin on 15 April heard. Alzheimer’s or a related dementia currently afflicts 38,000 people in Ireland but, due... Read more

UCC women's research centre opens

Gary Culliton | 10 April 2008

The first purpose-built, integrated research and clinical centre focusing on women’s health and reproduction in Ireland was officially opened last Friday by Mr Micheál Martin, TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH). Named after... Read more

Rapid genetic test for GPs

Gary Culliton | 03 April 2008

Gary Culliton on a new DNA testing device, developed in Cork, which will allow GPs to select the most appropriate drug for patients and to customise dosage. The Tyndall National Institute — a scientific research institute and graduate school in... Read more

'Buy out' of training will be resisted

Ian McGuinness | 29 March 2008

Any attempt by employers to ‘buy out’ junior doctors’ training will be resisted, the Irish Medical Organisation has said. The Chairman of the union’s Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors Committee, Dr John Morris, said the IMO ‘won’t tolerate’ any attempts at offering... Read more

Irish team present innovative paper

Gary Culliton | 29 March 2008

A pioneering paper was presented at last week’s meeting, in Washington, DC of the Society of Interventional Radiology by Dr John Moriarty, Specialist Registrar in Dublin’s Mater Hospital. His colleague Dr Leo Lawler was the lead author of the paper.... Read more

TCD research into mothers with disabilities

12 March 2008

New research has begun at the Trinity College School of Nursing and Midwifery, to explore the strengths and weaknesses of publicly-funded Irish health services for women with disabilities in relation to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. The researchers are looking... Read more

Submissions accepted for Tom Power Medal

12 March 2008

The Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) is accepting submissions for the 2nd Annual Tom Power Medal, which is awarded to a person or group who has demonstrated commitment, leadership and vision to defeat the tobacco epidemic in Ireland. The award... Read more

Cork maternity hospital involved in international study on pre-eclampsia

Sandra Ryan | 12 March 2008

Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) has joined a large international study on pre-eclampsia and will screen 3,000 Munster women for the condition over the next three years. The Study Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) is an international research programme involving... Read more

Cork — new clinical research facility

Greg Baxter | 11 March 2008

A new, €11 million clinical research facility (CRF) in Cork was announced last week, jointly funded by the Health Research Board (HRB) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HRB/HSE Clinical Research Facility, which will be located at Cork University... Read more

Top award for University of Ulster research

11 March 2008

Two researchers from the University of Ulster have won a top healthcare award for their work in improving the quality of life of people with lung disease in Northern Ireland. Both from the University’s Health and Rehabilitation Science Research Institute,... Read more

NUIG award for Irish cancer specialist

Gary Culliton | 05 March 2008

Dr Frank Giles was presented with the Medtronic Award for Healthcare and Medical Science at the ninth annual NUI Galway Gala Banquet in Galway on 1 March. The Galway-born doctor is Chief of the Division of Haematology and Medical Oncology... Read more

Ten academic posts approved

Sandra Ryan | 05 March 2008

The Government has approved ten Academic Clinician posts, as recommended in the Fottrell and Buttimer reports, according to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Each of the country’s medical schools must compete for the posts, which will be... Read more

Shrinking frog may help diabetes

Greg Baxter | 05 March 2008

A synthetic version of the skin secretions from South America’s Paradoxical frog could be used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Scientists from the University of Ulster have found that a peptide found on the skin of the Pseudis paradoxa frog,... Read more

Health Research Board funding questioned

05 March 2008

Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of funding her Department provides to the Health Research Board; and if this funding is always taken up. Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, said the... Read more

No funding for research in UK

26 February 2008

A request for the Govern-ment to fund research in the UK aimed at helping people in Ireland with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy has been denied, as the Irish State cannot fund research abroad, according to Minister of State at the Department... Read more

ICGP AGM to take place in Galway

26 February 2008

The 2008 Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) AGM will take place from Saturday/Sunday 17/18 May in the Radisson Hotel, Galway. The keynote session will focus on the ICGP Strategic Plan 2008-2013. The Foundation Lecture will take place on Saturday... Read more

Three-day mental health awareness course

26 February 2008

The National Learning Network is holding a three-day Mental Health Awareness course in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise on 12/13 March, targeted at anyone working with people who experience mental health difficulties. The focus of the course is on different approaches... Read more

Online information portal re-vamped

19 February 2008

The pharmaceutical industry has revamped its online clinical trials portal (www.ifpma.org/clinicaltrials) to help keep doctors up-to-date on new clinical trials. Doctors can now individualise the site with ‘MyPortal’, which allows users to record search criteria, to easily repeat searches and... Read more

New immigration rules welcomed in UK

12 February 2008

New immigration rules that will restrict international medical graduates’ (IMGs) access to UK post-graduate medical training were welcomed by British Health Secretary, Alan Johnson. The Department of Health said the new rules, which will take effect from February 29, would... Read more

Scholarships awarded

Gary Culliton | 12 February 2008

The HSE has awarded scholarships to eight Specialist Registrars under its newly- established programme of training abroad for Irish specialist and senior registrars.... Read more

Non-EU docs 'thrown out'

By Ian McGuinness | 06 February 2008

Non-European Union doctors in training are being thrown aside ‘like a paper cup’ at the end of their programmes, the Chairman of the IMO’s Non-EU Doctors Committee has said. Mr Syed Jaffrey said that EU and non EU doctors have... Read more

Enzyme test praise from Cancer Research Ireland

Sandra Ryan | 25 January 2008

The new test for breast cancer developed in St Vincent’s University Hospital and UCD in Dublin may spare thousands of women the often needless trauma and expense of chemotherapy. According to Dr Patrick Corley, from Cancer Research Ireland, which part-funded... Read more

Hear hear: the listening skills factor

Greg Baxter | 25 January 2008

New research from the US has found that cancer doctors, given the opportunity, are highly unlikely to express empathy to patients, suggesting that they can do more to improve quality of life for the people they treat. And it has... Read more

Prof Winston to speak in TCD on human ageing and reproduction

Sandra Ryan | 25 January 2008

Leading scientist Prof Robert Winston- best known for his BBC TV series The Human Body and for his work in the ‘70s on IVF treatment- will speak at a special lecture in Trinity College Dublin on ageing and reproduction on... Read more

First-ever health research round table launched

Terence Cosgrave | 25 January 2008

The first-ever health research roundtable was launched this week by the Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive, Prof Brendan Drumm. The Health Research Roundtable will take place this week at The Wilton Room, IDA Ireland, from 4-7 p.m and... Read more

Prostate test to be available soon in US

Greg Baxter | 25 January 2008

A controversial new test to identify a man’s susceptibility to prostate cancer will be available shortly in the US. The test, which will be offered by ProActive Genetics for US$300, will give men of any age the opportunity to see... Read more

Bags packed, but nowhere to go

18 January 2008

This year, the annual number of GP training places was due to increase to 150, as initially planned by the Department of Health since 2006. But because it will not be funded this year, the number of places available will... Read more

Body farm for human decomposition tests

Thecla Scully | 18 January 2008

In the sweltering heat of a Tennessee summer, a young man prises open the boot of an abandoned car and begins to photograph the dismembered corpse that lies within. He collects a number of the animal life happily feeding there.... Read more

Bursary reaches €75,000 for cancer society research

Ian McGuinness | 18 January 2008

The research division of the Irish Cancer Society is currently offering research fellowships that are worth up to €75,000 a year to the successful applicants. Cancer Research Ireland is now calling on scientists, clinicians, nurses or paramedics who want to... Read more

Land sale boosts Royal College’s year-end accounts

Sandra Ryan | 18 January 2008

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) had an income of over €100 million in 2007, according to its annual President’s Report for last year. The College had a surplus last year of €16 million, due to the sale... Read more

New Irish cancer test available in US but not yet Ireland

Sandra Ryan | 18 January 2008

It may be years before a new test for breast cancer developed at St Vincent’s University Hospital and the Conway Institute in UCD is available in Ireland, according to Professor Joe Duffy, who led a team of researchers in developing... Read more

Block on funds for GP training scheme

Sandra Ryan | 11 January 2008

There will be no increase in GP training places this year, despite repeated promises by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide funding to expand the current intake of 121 to 150 in 2008. The steering group on the issue,... Read more

Medical students need not be 'perfect' anymore

Greg Baxter | 04 January 2008

Aspiring medical students no longer need to achieve perfect scores on their Leaving Certificate exam following the announcement of major reforms in the education of medical students. The sweeping changes mean more students than ever before will be able to... Read more

Surgeon pioneers hip re-surfacing technique worldwide

Ian McGuinness | 04 January 2008

An Irish consultant orthopaedic surgeon has demonstrated a hip resurfacing technique that he has pioneered to over 60 surgeons across the world via a satellite link. Mr Tadhg O’Sullivan, who practises at the Whitfield Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic in Waterford,... Read more

Junior doctor scheme is welcomed by Dr Quigley

Greg Baxter | 30 November 2007

A new scheme to assess the technical performance of trainee doctors, underway at Cork University Hospital (CUH), has been welcomed by the President of the Medical Council. Dr Colm Quigley said co-operation between the training bodies and the Council was... Read more

Banking on DNA for a cure

Sandra Ryan | 30 November 2007

Right now in Britain, work on one of the world’s most ambitious and expensive research projects is underway to finally determine what exactly causes cancer. Called the UK Biobank, it is studying half a million people’s DNA, and the results... Read more

New Zealand: New curriculum is set for GP college

02 November 2007

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) has adopted a new curriculum put forward by its Integrated Education Pathway Working Group that will see localised training of GPs. The college said urgency had been added by the burgeoning... Read more

UCD offering CSI course in Sexual Assault Examination

Greg Baxter | 12 October 2007

University College Dublin (UCD) is offering a graduate certificate in Sexual Assault Forensic Examination in conjunction with the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit at Rotunda Hospital. Prof Denis Cusack, who will lead the course along with Drs Andrew Wilkinson and Mary... Read more

Massive research project concludes

Sandra Ryan | 28 September 2007

Seven years ago, a major research programme was launched at University College Dublin (UCD), funded by the Health Research Board’s (HRB) Unit for Health Status and Health Gain. Headed by public health specialist Prof Cecily Kelleher, the research project involved... Read more

A teaching pack for healthy ageing

Greg Baxter | 21 September 2007

A teaching pack on the assessment and management of medical rehabilitation problems in older people has been launched by Aois agus Eolas, the Centre for Ageing, Neuroscience and the Humanities at Tallaght Hospital. The teaching pack, AgePages, includes a list... Read more

Intercultural aims must be supported

Greg Baxter | 14 September 2007

The Health Service Executive’s (HSE) intercultural strategy must have the financial support of the pharmaceutical industry, according to the chair of the National Action Plan Against Racism (NPAR) steering group, which partially funded and facilitated the strategy’s development. Ms Lucy... Read more

Limerick's graduate programme begins

Greg Baxter | 14 September 2007

Ireland’s first graduate medical programme at the University of Limerick began last week with 32 students from a range of backgrounds, the director of the course told Irish Medical Times. Prof Paul Finucane said the programme is more than a... Read more

Opinion split on botox and migraines

Sandra Ryan | 07 September 2007

The Director of the migraine clinic at Cork University Hospital, Dr Eddie O’Sullivan, has said there is not yet enough evidence to suggest botox should be offered to patients as a reliable first-line treatment for migraine, which affects thousands of... Read more

Medical school audit after serious defects found

Sandra Ryan | 07 September 2007

Serious deficits in medical education facilities have been found in a national audit of all training sites, jointly undertaken by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Departments of Health and Children and Education and Science. Irish Medical Times understands... Read more

Beaumont supports RCSI application

Ian McGuinness | 31 August 2007

Beaumont Hospital has said it now supports plans by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) to expand its education and research centre at its Dublin 9 campus, even though the hospital had objected to the proposal. Irish Medical... Read more

ICGP seeks HETAC recognition for courses

Colin Kerr | 31 August 2007

The Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) is to seek recognition for its Distance Learning courses from HETAC, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council. HETAC is the qualifications awarding body for third-level educational and training institutions outside the university... Read more

GP trainers reluctant to relinquish control of training to the HSE

Sandra Ryan | 10 August 2007

GP trainers do not want to surrender power on training to the Health Service Executive (HSE) during talks about a new contract, Irish Medical Times understands. GP trainers have been seeking a new contract for over five years. The HSE... Read more

TCD, St James's and Tallaght collaborate

Greg Baxter | 10 August 2007

A major new research initiative involving Trinity College Dublin (TCD), St James’s Hospital and Tallaght Hospital, could have a major impact on the recruitment of top talent back to Ireland, the head of TCD’s School of Medicine told Irish Medical... Read more

GSK questions new research published on TZD class drugs

Sandra Ryan | 03 August 2007

GSK has questioned new research on the risk of heart failure in diabetes patients. Research was carried out into two diabetes drugs, Avandia and Actos. The study of over 78,000 patients published in Diabetes Care estimates that about one in... Read more

Irish doctor wins award for citations

Ian McGuinness | 03 August 2007

Prof Colm O’Morain has been presented with an award by an American journal for having the most cited article ever published by it during its 20 years in existence. The editorial board of Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics made the presentation... Read more

Training DVD to combat infection

Greg Baxter | 27 July 2007

The Health Management Institute (HMI)– which represents professionals involved in the management of healthcare in Ireland– has launched a new training DVD to help stem the spread of infection in healthcare settings. The DVD, produced in collaboration with management consultants... Read more

Empathy in medicine: optional extra or necessary principle?

Dr Miriam Kennedy | 27 July 2007

“I do not know a single thoughtful person who does not feel that the tragedy of illness is that it delivers you helplessly into the hands of a profession which you deeply mistrust”- George Bernard Shaw. While Shaw’s sentiments may... Read more

Irish children had a lesser chance of cancer survival

Ian McGuinness | 27 July 2007

Survival of Hodgkin’s disease among children in the Republic of Ireland was significantly lower than in the United States of America between 1994 and 2000, according to a recently published piece of research. The paper, Childhood Cancer in Ireland: a... Read more

Detailed Irish opiate study is underway

Ian McGuinness | 20 July 2007

A new study looking at opiate use throughout the Republic has begun and is expected to be complete by February or March of next year, according to the bio-statistician in charge of the research. Dr Alan Kelly, of Trinity College’s... Read more

Travellers' health study underway

Sandra Ryan | 20 July 2007

A study on Travellers’ health status promised by the Department of Health in 2002 is finally underway and will conduct, for the first time, a census on Travellers to determine their life expectancy. The All-Ireland Traveller Health study is a... Read more

Dying young: plight of Irish Travellers

Sandra Ryan | 06 July 2007

The last time in-depth research on mortality rates in the Travelling community was done, in 1986, it found that their life expectancy was the same as settled Irish people in the 1940s. In 1987 the Health Research Board (HRB) found... Read more

Product ads need to be substantiated by clear evidence

Sandra Ryan | 29 June 2007

A new study into the accuracy of pharmaceutical product advertisements has revealed that almost 7 per cent of claims made in the ads are unpublished or unsupported by evidence. Two GP registrars with the HSE Eastern Regional GP Training Scheme... Read more

Irish doctor receives top oncology award in USA

Greg Baxter | 29 June 2007

An Irish doctor working at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, has won a major award for cancer research with a drug designed to help women who have trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer. Dr Brian Hennessy received an ASCO, given... Read more

€3.5m in 2006 for training and education

Greg Baxter | 29 June 2007

The Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) Medical Education, Training and Research Committee approved more than €3.5 million in ring-fenced funding to the postgraduate training bodies, training facilities, and HSE librarians, according to the HSE 2006 Annual Report. The committee, chaired by... Read more

UL awaiting approval from Medical Council

Sandra Ryan | 29 June 2007

The new medical school in the University of Limerick (UL) is still waiting approval from the Medical Council before the first Irish intake of graduate entrants begins in September. The council’s accreditation team visited the medical school a few weeks... Read more

NCHDs are positive about their hospital co-workers

Ian McGuinness | 29 June 2007

Junior doctors are happy with the relationship between themselves and non-medics in hospitals and are also positive about the overall atmosphere in the institution where they work. The findings are revealed in an Irish Medical Organisation’s (IMO) survey of non-consultant... Read more

Testicular cancer awareness among Irish men is poor

Sandra Ryan | 29 June 2007

Knowledge of testicular cancer, the incidence of which has doubled in the last 20 years in Ireland, is very poor among Irish men. Just 17 per cent admitted to being examined by their doctor for the disease. Researchers from the... Read more

Research centre on elder abuse

Greg Baxter | 22 June 2007

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is looking to establish a dedicated national centre for research and evaluation in the area of abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people. The HSE intends to fund the centre for the first three years... Read more

Drug and alcohol use in young to be studied

Ian McGuinness | 15 June 2007

The largest Government-funded research project which will examine drug and alcohol use by young people is due to begin this October or before, according to the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD). The NACD wants a contractor to carry out... Read more

Less than half of all DEXAs are in public hospitals

08 June 2007

Only 22 of the 59 locations in the Republic of Ireland with a DEXA scanner are in public hospitals, a study has found. Furthermore, the review said that just because they were located in public hospitals does not mean that... Read more

Suicide bombings cannot be blamed on mental illness

Sandra Ryan | 08 June 2007

Suicide attacks cannot be blamed on Islamic teachings or mental illness, according to research presented by an Irish psychologist at a meeting in London last week. Dr Akhtar Ali Syed, clinical psychologist and head of psychology at the Brothers of... Read more

Cancer breakthrough

Greg Baxter | 08 June 2007

Recent new findings in the study of the genetics of breast and ovarian cancer could significantly increase the number of women identified with the genetic mutation for ovarian cancer- the biggest gynaecological cancer killer. Dr Sam Coulter-Smith, consultant obstetrician and... Read more

Looking past the statistics

Greg Baxter | 25 May 2007

University College Dublin’s (UCD) health policy thinktank, the Centre for Behaviour and Health at the Geary Institute, makes some bold claims about its ability to see through statistics and into the causes of human behaviour. The Centre, which has been... Read more

Trinity awards honorary fellowships to doctors

Greg Baxter | 25 May 2007

Prof Donal Hollywood was awarded an honorary fellowship by Trinity College Dublin (TCD) for outstanding achievement is his field. Prof Hollywood, the Chair of Oncology at Trinity College, was presented the award last week in recognition of exceptional impact in... Read more

€6.5 million set aside for research

Sandra Ryan | 25 May 2007

Four consultants have been awarded €6.5 million for protected research time by the Health Research Board (HRB). The funding has been allocated under the HRB’s new Clinician Scientist programme. Professor John Crown, consultant oncologist at St Vincent’s University Hospital; Dr... Read more

GP training places will be increased

Sandra Ryan | 18 May 2007

Four GP training programmes will be expanded and a new one created in north Dublin to accommodate demand for GP training and to meet the target of 150 training places by July 2008. Chief Executive of the ICGP Mr Fionán... Read more

Morning-after pill should be OTC

18 May 2007

Over 70 per cent of teenagers surveyed in the South East said the morning-after pill should be available over the counter in pharmacies, according to the results of research presented at the AGM. GP registrar in Waterford Dr Yvonne Kearney... Read more

Launch of health policy thinktank

Greg Baxter | 18 May 2007

A Dublin-based health policy thinktank launched last week, with promises of breakthrough surveys on health, education, ageing, and financial decision making. The Centre for Behaviour and Health at the Geary Institute, University College Dublin (UCD), has been around for a... Read more

RCSI graduate entry programme launched

18 May 2007

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Graduate Entry Programme (GEP) in Medicine was officially launched by the Minister for Children, Brian Lenihan last week at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) approved the intake of 40... Read more