RCSI was honoured yesterday evening, Monday 17 February at a Mayoral Reception hosted by Kerry County Council, followed by a reception and dinner at the Institute of Technology, Tralee.

The event was held in recognition of RCSI’s contribution to Kerry through its collaborative initiative, the International Medical Commencement Programme (IMCP) with the IT, Tralee. The IMCP is an intensive two or three semester course of study for students from the Gulf countries who intend to progress to the RCSI to study medicine, pharmacy or physiotherapy. The IMCP was developed five years ago and is jointly delivered in Tralee by the Institute of Technology, Tralee, RCSI and Castel Education.

The programme has been designed to provide students with the knowledge, attitudes and skills that are required for third level study. More specifically, students develop their technical and general English language proficiency through integrated classes, their knowledge of basic sciences, their communication and integration skills as well as their cultural awareness. In addition, students are encouraged to attend guest lectures, to avail of cultural tours and to actively participate in the many clubs and societies on offer at IT, Tralee. IMCP is a unique and challenging programme, designed to ensure that its graduates are ready for full engagement with their intended professional studies.

Commenting at the reception Dr Oliver Murphy, President at IT, Tralee said, “The IMCP is a very important initiative for the Institute. As well as the economic gain for the county, estimated at €6 million annually, the students bring a rich and diverse range of cultures and customs which further enhance our multi-cultural campus. The success of this programme is based on the excellent relationship between RCSI and IT Tralee. It is a model of best practise that both organisations can be rightly proud of. The programme has gone from strength to strength since its commencement in September 2008 with 49 students. In the current academic year, we have over 160 students enrolled in this programme, with students from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.”

Mayor of Kerry Cllr Seamus Cosaí Fitzgerald pointed to the benefits of the relationship between RCSI and IT Tralee. “I think an occasion like this is appropriate to acknowledge and welcome the excellent working relationship between RCSI and IT Tralee,” he said.

“The relationship is a key factor in ensuring that the IT Tralee continues to grow and prosper and in doing so continues to play a key role in the development of this county. As Mayor of Kerry, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Oliver Murphy, his staff, the board and students for their efforts, for what they have done for this county and for the way they have forged links, both national and international. They have always taken a proactive view throughout their existence in terms of moving forward and exploring possible opportunities.”

Professor Patrick Broe, RCSI President said: “It is an honour to be invited here today and afforded a civic reception by Kerry County Council. Since the IMCP was introduced in 2008 the programme has successfully equipped students with the necessary knowledge, attitudes and skills that are needed to study medicine, pharmacy or physiotherapy in RCSI. The IMCP is a great example of a highly successful inter-institutional collaboration and we look forward to continuing to work closely with IT Tralee and Castel Education to deliver the IMCP.”