RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences’ summer conferring ceremonies begin today, with higher-degree candidates graduating from the 2024 classes.

From the School of Postgraduate Studies, three Master of Science (MSc) by research candidates, nine Doctor of Medicine (MD) graduates, nine Master of Surgery (MCh) by module and 34 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates were conferred in the ceremony at the RCSI campus on St Stephen’s Green. The candidates have carried out cutting-edge studies in areas such therapeutic strategies for low von Willebrand Factor levels, DNA and mRNA vaccines for neuroblastoma, and robotic colorectal surgery. 

The degree of Master of Science (MSc) Physician Associate was awarded to 15 candidates. The MSc in Physician Associate Studies at RCSI is the only programme of its kind in Ireland. As highly skilled healthcare professionals, physician associates provide a broad range of medical services in a wide variety of workplaces (including all types of hospital and surgical care, GP practices and community health services). 

As part of the conferring ceremony, we were pleased to award an RCSI Honorary Doctorate upon Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter FRS OBE, Emeritus Professor of Statistics in the Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge. He was knighted in 2014 for services to medical statistics, was President of the Royal Statistical Society (2017-2018), and became a non-executive director of the UK Statistics Authority in 2020.  

Commenting on the success of RCSI’s newest cohort of graduates, Prof. Cathal Kelly, Vice Chancellor and CEO/Registrar of RCSI, said: “My congratulations to each of you on this impressive achievement. Your conferring today marks the culmination of many years of hard work and is a testament to your dedicated focus to a career in health sciences. We are delighted to be able to gather together and share your joy on this momentous day, and we look forward to celebrating your academic and professional successes long into the future.” 

The graduates were addressed by Prof. Laura Viani, President of RCSI, who told them: “Today’s conferring signifies your commitment to your professional development, having continued your education to postgraduate level. All RCSI graduates share a common goal: to improve human health. The legacy of healthcare innovations by our alumni over our 240-year history illustrates how each and every one of you has the potential to shape the delivery of excellence in patient care. This is a great responsibility but also a privilege.”