Students from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have launched the 13th 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 2020 publication was led by a team of students headed by Director, Rachel Adilman, and Editor-in-Chief, Alyssa Conti, together with an Executive Committee. This year, the journal was launched digitally, and it is now available to view and download.

In conjunction with the launch of the RCSIsmj, the 2019/20 Ethics Challenge prize was awarded to medical student Gerges Abdelsayed. Gerges’ winning essay features in the current edition of the journal, and it addresses an ethical case challenge involving conflicting clinician and parental wishes in the treatment of a child.

Among the case studies in the journal, students look at treating an asthmatic patient and ask if Morvan Syndrome is rare or underdiagnosed. They also review treatments of drug-resistant epilepsy that use electrical impulses and the efficacy of wearing blue light blocking glasses when looking at screens to protect circadian rhythms. Other topics covered in the journal include the search for an HIV vaccination, a look into the lives of the world’s oldest people and changes being brought on by 3D models.

Speaking on the publication of the journal, Professor Hannah McGee, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI said: “Our students are overcoming unprecedented challenges in healthcare and education. The publication of this edition of RCSIsmj is a perfect example of the resilience and excellence of RCSI students. Despite COVID-19 restrictions and challenges, the 13th Edition was published on schedule.

“In previous years, the launch would involve a lively ethics debate. In lieu of that, I would like to especially thank Professors David Smith and Siobhan O'Sullivan, who usually join for the debate and are now currently centrally involved with the Department of Health’s advice on ethics in the time of COVID-19.

“Since its inception more than a decade ago, the journal 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.

“I congratulate the extraordinary effort of all who have been involved over the year. 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.”