RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences’ summer conferring ceremonies continued today with 80 candidates graduating from the 2021 and 2022 classes.

From the School of Postgraduate Studies, 11 Master of Science (MSc) by research candidates, 12 Doctor of Medicine (MD) graduates and 44 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates were conferred in the ceremony at the RCSI campus on St Stephen’s Green. The candidates have carried out cutting-edge studies in research areas including COVID-19, tuberculosis and Down syndrome.

The degree of Master of Science (MSc) Physician Associate was awarded to 13 candidates. The MSc in Physician Associate Studies was launched by RCSI in 2016 and is the only programme of its kind in Ireland. Highly-skilled healthcare professionals, physician associates provide a broad range of medical services in a wide variety of workplaces (including all types of hospital and surgical care, GP practices and community health services).

The RCSI Honorary Doctorate was awarded to Professor Patrick McGorry, an Irish-born, Australian psychiatrist known worldwide for his development and scaling up of early intervention and youth mental health services, and for mental health innovation, advocacy and reform.

Professor McGorry was introduced by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at RCSI, Professor Hannah McGee, who said: “With his pioneering approach to psychosis research and care, Professor McGorry is recognised as one of the world leaders in the field of early intervention.

“His outstanding support and commitment to the global effort to enhance mental health care to youth populations has not only changed the trajectory of treatment and care, but also the lives of thousands of young people who have benefitted from the establishment of early intervention services.”

Commenting on the success of RCSI’s newest cohort of graduates, Professor Cathal Kelly, Vice Chancellor and CEO/Registrar of RCSI, said: “We are delighted to be able to gather in person once again to celebrate with the graduates on this momentous day. Today’s conferring marks the culmination of many years of hard work and is a testament to the graduates’ dedicated focus to a career in health sciences. They are now part of the RCSI graduate community who faced adversity and challenge to continue and complete their studies during a global pandemic. Their hard work and resilience will be long-remembered.”

The graduates were addressed by Professor Laura Viani, Vice President of RCSI, who told them: “Health science professionals of the future will need to be adaptive to the constant expansion of medical, pharmacy and systems knowledge, changes in technology, medicines, increased patient, and societal expectations in addition to regulatory change; all of which require a commitment to life-long learning and an ability to adapt to the changing world that we live in. The awards presented here today will give you a solid foundation to continue on this exciting journey.

“RCSI is proud of our commitment to developing healthcare leaders who make a difference worldwide; this is our ambition for you.”