RCPI Faculty of Occupational Medicine’s Autumn Conference moves focus to inside the hospital
Discussions on workplace health – including impactful factors within Irish hospital and healthcare environments – were part of RCPI Faculty of Occupational Medicine’s Autumn Conference, which took place at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland on Kildare Street on 27 September.
In their opening remarks, Dr Sheelagh O’Brien, faculty dean, welcomed conference attendees, and mentioned that preparations have begun for a special event marking the faculty’s 50th anniversary in 2026.
A morning panel focused on neurological conditions and work, with presentations by Prof Niall Pender (Principal Clinical Neuropsychologist, Beaumont Hospital), Prof David Robinson (Consultant Geriatrician, St. James’s Hospital), Dr Lenon Gwaunza (Neurologist working in private sector in Zimbabwe), and Dr Audrey Reynolds (UCD Novartis Newman Fellowship in Multiple Sclerosis, St Vincent's University Hospital).
The panel in the afternoon concerned musculoskeletal conditions and work, and featured presentations by Prof Gaye Cunnane (Clinical Professor of Rheumatology, Trinity College Dublin and St. James’s Hospital) and Dr Ronan Kearney (Consultant Sports & Exercise Medicine Physician at the UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic, Sport Ireland Institute).
A hot topics session at the end of the conference brought the focus to inside healthcare workplace settings. Prof Fiona Lyons (Genito-urinary Medicine at GUIDE Clinic, St. James’s Hospital) presented on HIV stigma, and quoted research showing that significant percentages of healthcare workers lack knowledge on the virus’s transmission and prevention, while a majority of patients admitted feeling hesitant about seeking help due to how they might be treated by healthcare workers. Diversity issues were highlighted by Mr James Glover (National Lead of Diversity Equality and Inclusion, HSE) in their presentation about providing an inclusive Occupational Health service to staff.