Faculty of Public Health Medicine hosts Winter Scientific Meeting

The Faculty of Public Health Medicine Winter Scientific Meeting took place on Wednesday, 6 December 2023, welcoming both in-person and online attendees. 

The programme included two keynote lectures: 

• "Developing a National Public Health Agency - Reflections and Opportunities" by Dr Tracey Cooper, Chief Executive of Public Health Wales. Dr Cooper's presentation was followed by a panel discussion, joined by Prof Cecily Kelleher (Chair), Dr Tracey Cooper, Prof Breda Smyth, Dr John Cuddihy and Prof Patricia Fitzpatrick 

• "Reducing Sexual Ill-Health, Improving Sexual Health - A Team Approach" by Prof Fiona Lyons - Consultant in Genitourinary Medicine at the GUIDE Clinic, St. James’s Hospital, Clinical Professor in Genitourinary Medicine at the School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, and National Clinical Lead at the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme 

This year's event showcased Short and Long Oral Presentations on hot topics in public health, data analysis and service developments, and health protection, which were selected based on a competitive scientific abstract submission process. 

Attendees had the chance to experience the popular live poster tour with 24 posters. The tour was led by Prof Cecily Kelleher, Dean of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine and allowed authors to present their work and answer questions from the audience. 

Winners 
 

Long Oral Presentations 

• Kevin Kelleher Medal Winner: The Irish General Practice Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Programme (CDM) - Dr Orlaith O Reilly 

• Second Prize: Impact of the COVID-19 vaccination programme on symptomatic and severe SARS-CoV-2 infection during a period of Omicron variant dominance in Ireland - Louise Marron 

Short Oral Presentations: 

• First Prize: Analysis of the HSE National Children’s Screening Programmes 2020–2022 - Dr Ellen Cosgrave 

• Second Prize: A Rabies-Like Virus Exposure Incident with a Multifaceted One Health Response - Dr Margaret O’ Sullivan and Dr June Fanning 

• Third Prize: Survey of National and Regional datasets to assess their potential to support targeted service planning - Prof Catherine Hayes 

Posters: 

• First Prize: An evaluation of the severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) surveillance system in Ireland - Louise Marron 

• Second Prize: A Ten-Year Tale: An Evaluation of the Irish Newborn Screening for Cystic Fibrosis (NBSCF) Programme - Fiona McGuire 

• Third Prize: Reduce uptake of MMR vaccination in Cork & Kerry post-pandemic. Increased refusals or delayed uptake? - Michael Hanrahan 

Find out more about the Faculty of Public Health Medicine at RCPI

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