Students from RCSI have launched the 12th edition of the RCSI Student Medical Journal (RCSIsmj). The journal is produced entirely by RCSI students and aims to promote student authorship and to foster research, innovation and student participation in healthcare issues.

The 2019 publication was led by a team of students headed by Director, Suzanne Murphy and Editor-in-Chief, Rachel Adilman together with an Executive Committee. The online version of the journal is now available to view and download. 

Speaking at the launch, Professor Hannah McGee, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI said: “Since its inception more than a decade ago, the RCSIsmj has provided a superb platform for our undergraduate students to showcase and publish their research. It gives students a better understanding of how research can be translated from the bench to the patients’ bedside, which in turn leads to better clinical care and best practice patient care.

“As we celebrate another edition of the RCSIsmj, I congratulate all who have been involved over the year, their contribution to the RCSI’s overall research profile and reputation has been invaluable. The success of the RCSIsmj is dependent on the dedication and commitment of students carrying out research, together with their academic supervisors who have supported and encouraged student research projects.”

To mark the launch of the 12th edition, a lively debate on ethics, chaired by Ms Mary Kirwan, barrister and lecturer in RCSI, was held in the Albert Lecture Theatre on the topic of ‘Clinical Decision Making in Neonatology and Paediatrics’. Supporting the clinical service perspective was Dr Regina McQuillan, Palliative Care Consultant, while supporting the parent perspective was Professor Naomi McCallion, Consultant Neonatologist and RCSI Department of Paediatrics. The debate provides a starting point for students to consider the issue, and write a submission for next year’s journal as part of the Ethics Challenge 2019/2020.

The RCSIsmj launch event included the presentation of the 2018/19 Ethics Challenge prize to medical student Alyssa Conti. Alyssa’s winning essay features in the current edition of the RCSIsmj.