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Stearne Lecture and Bryan Alton Medal Lecture presented at the Institute of Medicine November Symposium
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Stearne Lecture and Bryan Alton Medal Lecture presented at the Institute of Medicine November Symposium

On 28 November 2024, the Institute of Medicine hosted its prestigious November Symposium, an in-person event that honours tradition and celebrates innovation. The symposium featured two lectures: the Stearne Lecture and the Bryan Alton Medal Lecture. 

The Stearne Lecture, named in honor of Professor John Stearne, founder and first president of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, explores the fundamental role of humanities in the origins of medical practice.  

This year’s lecture, "Adventures in Hormones, Metabolism, and Behaviour," was presented by Professor Sir Stephen O’Rahilly, providing the audience with profound insights drawn from his research. 

Professor Sir Stephen O’Rahilly is Professor of Clinical Biochemistry and Medicine and Director of the MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit at the University of Cambridge and Honorary Consultant Physician at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Institute of Metabolic Science, a leading international research centre focused on obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic and endocrine disease since its opening in 2008. 

A highlight of the symposium was the presentation of the Bryan Alton Medal, recognising outstanding contributions to medicine. This year, the medal was awarded to Professor Fergus Shanahan, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Medicine at University College Cork, delivered an engaging lecture titled "No Stool Left Unturned - Lessons from Outliers." 

Professor Shanahan, a clinician, teacher, researcher, entrepreneur, and author, is a graduate of University College Dublin. He trained in immunology at McMaster University, Canada, and in gastroenterology at UCLA. As the founder of one of the world’s first microbiome research centres, APC Microbiome Ireland, and co-founder of three successful start-up companies, Professor Shanahan is a trailblazer in his field. Recently ranked among the top 1% of highly cited scientists by Clarivate, he has received numerous awards for his contributions to medical science and the medical humanities. 

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