312 future doctors from 32 countries around the world donned caps and gowns to graduate from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences today.

In response to the unprecedented situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic, medical degrees were presented to graduands at a virtual conferring ceremony.

RCSI’s School of Medicine conferring ceremony sees the largest number of doctors in Ireland graduate each year and today’s event was a celebration for students and their families.

Professor Cathal Kelly, Chief Executive/Registrar, RCSI, congratulated all those graduating on their success: “We are immensely proud of our graduates, not only for their achievements while studying with us, but also for stepping up to join the frontline response to COVID-19. These future doctors have benefitted from teaching in an environment where excellence in patient-centred care is the priority from day one, equipping our graduates with the all the necessary knowledge and skills required to be rounded and clinically distinguished doctors, in whatever speciality career path they choose. We look forward to watching our graduates progress on the next phase of their journey as healthcare leaders of the future.”

Addressing the class, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “We need you. Whether it’s working in our hospitals, or in our communities to keep people well and tend to the sick. Whether it’s working on vaccines or new medicines or public health matters like contact tracing and testing, we need you on the frontline.”

The Rt Hon. Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham KBE (Medicine, 1984) and Professor Barbara Murphy (Medicine, Class of 1989) also addressed the graduating class during the ceremony.

The 312 candidates were conferred with Honours Degrees of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Obstetrics MB, BCh, BAO (NUI, RCSI), LRCP and SI.

Watch the livestream of RCSI’s first-ever virtual graduation ceremony
Watch the graduation ceremony here