RCSI will confer 159 healthcare professionals with postgraduate awards at a conferring ceremony taking place in the College this evening.

Dr Conor Delaney will be awarded an Honorary Fellowship of RCSI at the ceremony. Dr Delaney is the Chairman of the Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. Ranked second in the nation by US News, the clinic’s Digestive Disease Institute is one of the largest in the USA, and many of the academic staff, departments and sections are the leaders in their field. Dr Delaney, a colorectal surgeon and professor of surgery with more than 25 years’ experience in healthcare, is a leading international figure in the field of coloproctology.

Among Dr Delaney’s many contributions to surgery include the publication of more than 350 peer-reviewed manuscripts covering all areas of colorectal surgery and has published eight books. Building on his interest in IT, he has also founded a medical analytics company which helps hospitals and physicians collect and analyse administrative and operating room data.

Mr Kenneth Mealy, President of RCSI, said, “For our candidates being conferred today, this is a very important milestone as this ceremony recognises their dedication and commitment to professional development. It is a pleasure to celebrate their application to their training and dedication and commitment to their patients and their profession”.

“I congratulate Dr Delaney on his award of Honorary Fellowship of RCSI. In his distinguished career, he has been a leader in the field of colorectal cancer surgery and laparoscopic colorectal surgery and has helped to shape clinical practice globally. For his outstanding contributions to healthcare and inspiring future generations of surgeons, Dr Delaney is a most worthy recipient of the highest distinction this College has to offer.” Mr Mealy concluded.

In surgery, awards include Fellowships of RCSI in Cardiothoracic Surgery; General Surgery; Neurosurgery; Ophthalmology; Plastic Surgery; Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery; and Urology. Memberships of RCSI will be awarded including Memberships in Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology.

Fellowships of the Faculty of Radiologists will be awarded in Radiodiagnosis and Radiation Oncology and Fellowships Ad Eundem. In Dentistry, Fellowships will be awarded in Endodontics; Oral Surgery with Oral Medicine; Oral Surgery; Orthodontics; Paediatric Dentistry; Periodontics; and Prosthodontics. Memberships of the Faculty of Dentistry; Memberships in General Dental Surgery; and Diplomas of Primary Care Dentistry will also be awarded.

For the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Fellowships by Examination and Fellowships Ad Eundem will be conferred. The Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine will award a Fellowship; Fellowships by Election; and Fellowships Ad Eundem. Memberships of the Faculty of Sports & Exercise Medicine will also be conferred.