UCC Anaesthesiology 深夜亚洲福利久久letter
Welcome to the Spring Edition
Hello all and welcome to the Spring Edition of the UCC Anaesthesiology 深夜亚洲福利久久letter.
We would like to wish our Muslim friends and colleagues a very happy Eid Mubarak and we hope that you had an opportunity to celebrate with your family and friends.
With the rainiest February in memory behind us, we look forward to longer days and sunnier spells over the next few months. However, here in Cork we have managed to keep the spirits up with a number of courses such as the Obstetric Anaesthesia Bootcamp, the Irish Regional Anaesthesia Course and PROMPT. Also featured is the joint Age Anaesthesia Association and the Irish Gerontological Society Scientific Meeting held in Cork recently.
We congratulate the UCC undergraduate SimWars teams on their outstanding performances at the recent National SimWars Competition. We include an interesting article looking at the work of CUH service dog Kim and her proud caretaker Susan. A recent dinosaur exhibition at the Glucksman Gallery in UCC is also featured.
As always, we welcome academic and social contributions and updates from the region and beyond.
Obstetric Anaesthesia Bootcamp, CUMH:
On the 13th of January, the first Obstetric Anaesthesia Bootcamp of the year was held at the Cork 深夜亚洲福利久久 Maternity Hospital (CUMH). Anaesthesiology trainees starting their obstetric anaesthesiology modules were given an opportunity to practice skills such as neuraxial ultrasound. Important topics such as the management of a collapsed obstetric patient and failed intubation were also covered. The Bootcamp is an important initiative to prepare trainees for this challenging, yet very rewarding, field of anaesthesiology.
ISRA courses, CUH:
Foundation and Advanced Irish Society of Regional Anaesthesia (ISRA) courses were held on the 24th of January at the Cork 深夜亚洲福利久久 Hospital, run by an expert faculty from Cork and Dublin (above). Candidates included anaesthesiologists of all grades from around the country.
Lectures were delivered on the principles of ultrasonography, relevant anatomy and the practice of core regional blocks. These were followed by hands-on workshops where candidates could practise their ultrasound skills on volunteers.
The course was deemed to be a huge success with many candidates on the foundation course promising to return for the advanced course next year.
Organisers Dr Geraldine Armissoglio and Dr Fahd Aamir would like to thank the ISRA committee, the faculty, the candidates and the volunteers for contributing to the success of the day.
PROMPT, CUMH:
Successful PRactical Obstetric Multi-Professional Training (PROMPT) courses were held on January 28th and March 26th at the CUMH. This program involves team training for the management of obstetric emergencies and it has been shown to improve outcomes for mothers and their babies. Candidates and faculty include midwives, obstetricians and anaesthesiologists.
On January 28th, the faculty for the 鈥淢aternal Collapse and Anaesthetic Emergencies鈥� workshop included Dr Caolan Abrahams (Anaesthesiology SHO) and Dr Oonagh Hickey (Consultant Anaesthesiologist). The March workshop faculty included Ms 脕ine Blake (Midwifery Specialist Co-ordinator) and Dr Don Walsh (Consultant Anaesthesiologist).
Adult Resuscitation Simulation, CUMH:
A multidisciplinary Adult Resuscitation Simulation was held in the CUMH Theatre Recovery Room on February 17th. These simulations provide team training in the management of critical events and staff from the CUMH Theatre Complex and Delivery Suite attended. Anaesthesiology participants included Dr Fiza Zaib (Registrar) and Dr Oonagh Hickey (Consultant).
CAI Simulation course, ASSERT Centre, UCC:
A College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland ARREST (Anaesthesiology Related Rare Emergencies Simulation Training) course was held on March 27th at the ASSERT Centre at UCC. These courses provide anaesthesiology trainees with an opportunity to develop vital clinical and non-clinical skills in the management of critical events.
The anaesthesiology faculty consisted of Dr Orna N铆 Choile谩in (SAT 6), Dr Eleanor O鈥橰iordan, Dr Greta Scanlon (SAT 5) and Dr Oonagh Hickey (Consultant) (below). They would like to thank the faculty at the ASSERT Centre, UCC, and the faculty at the CAI Simulation Centre for facilitating the course. They would especially like to thank the participants, many of whom had travelled long distances, for engaging so enthusiastically with the program.
UCC SIMWARS:
Barry Sheerin, GEM 2, UCC:
The 2025/26 深夜亚洲福利久久 College Cork鈥檚 SimWars initiative was led by Barry Sheerin and Eoin Morrison. Under their leadership, three UCC teams trained year long to compete in the National SimWars Competition, this year hosted by Trinity College Dublin at the Trinity Health Sciences building, St James鈥� Campus, Dublin.
The achievements of all participating teams reflected the high standard of preparation and dedication throughout the year- demonstrating exceptional teamwork, clinical reasoning, and composure under pressure. UCC team 鈥淜etamindset鈥� delivered an outstanding performance, securing 2nd place nationally.
The teams鈥� success was supported by Dr. Ammar Ahmed (Emergency Medicine SpR, CUH), whose mentorship, guidance, and training sessions were instrumental in developing both the skills and confidence necessary for high-level competition. They would also like to thank Dr Dhari Rasheed (Consultant Anaesthesiologist, CUH) and Dr Caolan Abrahams (Anaesthesiology SHO, CUH) for their assistance in preparing for the competition.
The 2025/26 SimWars season highlighted the talent and motivation within UCC鈥檚 student body, and the leadership team looks forward to continued growth and success in the coming year.
As with everything in life, there is always room for improvement, so stay tuned to see if UCC can bring the first place title home next year for the 2026/27 academic year!
Age Anaesthesia Association Annual Meeting:
The Age Anaesthesia Association and the Irish Gerontology Society held a joint Scientific Meeting at the Metropole Hotel, Cork City, on March 27th and 28th. There was a focus on perioperative management of the older adult, including trauma and major abdominal surgeries- both of which can have significant consequences for this cohort.
There was a strong representation from the region. Dr Paudie Delaney (ICU Clinical Lead, CUH) spoke about some of the challenges in the critical care management of the older adult, including the introduction of a ceiling of care.
Dr Ryan Barter (Regional Fellow, CUH) gave an interesting talk on pain management options for older patients. Dr Brian O Donnell (Director of the Regional Anaesthesia and Acute Pain Fellowship Program, CUH) and Dr Barter provided a live demonstration of ultrasound for regional anaesthesia for the attendees. They are pictured above with their treasured ultrasound and obliging model Mr Sean Flood (UCC) - invaluable elements for the demonstration.
Dr MJ Van Jaarsveld (SHO, CUH) and Dr Barter were photographed below with their poster which explored some of the challenges associated with revision hip surgeries.
Baby 深夜亚洲福利久久:
We congratulate Dr Saba Noor (SAT 1, CUH) and Mr Fahad Muneer on the safe arrival of baby Mustafa Fahad.
My Canine Companion: Kim鈥檚 role in Cork 深夜亚洲福利久久 Hospital:
Dr Roisin Devane (on right of photo):
As co-editor of the Spring edition of the UCC Anaesthesiology 深夜亚洲福利久久letter, I recently had the opportunity to interview a very special member of the CUH staff. Ms Susan O鈥橳oole works in an administrative role in the Radiology Department, but she jokes that she can鈥檛 walk down the corridors of the hospital without being stopped or greeted by every second person she passes. Much of this attention, she says, is thanks to her wonderful companion Kim, pictured above. I can personally confirm this鈥攐ur conversation at Marina Market had lasted less than ten minutes before several people approached Kim, drawn in by her calm and friendly presence.
Kim, a labradoodle named after Ms Kardashian, is a service dog who has been working alongside Susan for more than six years. Her primary role is supporting Susan鈥檚 son who has autism. Kim was provided by My Canine Companion, a Cork-based charity which also supplies two other service dogs working in different roles within the CUH. Susan and her son first met Kim when she was six months old, just as she began her service dog training. This training includes a two-year period known as the 鈥淧uppy Programme,鈥� followed by two and a half years of full-time schooling before the dogs become fully qualified.
Because of Kim鈥檚 role as a service dog, Susan received permission to bring her to work in the Radiology Department. Two days each week, Kim can be found helping a wide range of people in the hospital, including children, elderly patients, patients with intellectual disabilities, and their family members. Her role is to offer both emotional and physical support to those who need it most. By simply being there, her calm presence can provide reassurance, comfort, and a welcome distraction.
Kim often accompanies children and adults with intellectual disabilities when they come in for X-rays or CT scans. In some cases, her presence can even remove the need for sedative medications in these situations. Service dogs have been shown to be particularly helpful in the paediatric setting, where they can assist with the administration of premedications and support children鈥攅specially those with additional needs鈥攚ho benefit from extra help regulating their emotions. In addition, Kim visits the paediatric ward and works alongside the play therapist to support children who may benefit from extra psychological support.
Susan is also passionate about expanding the role of service dogs within CUH. Her goal is to one day have a dog available on every ward in the hospital. Fundraising has been an essential part of making this possible, with coffee mornings, fun runs, and radio interviews helping to raise the 鈧�10,000鈥撯偓15,000 required to train a service dog like Kim. After meeting both Susan and Kim, it is clear that every cent has been well spent. From the work Kim does at home supporting Susan鈥檚 son to the comfort she provides to patients in hospital, she is truly a very special member of the community.
Dr Seshagiri Mallampati:
We extend our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dr Seshagiri Mallampati who passed away on the 9th of February at the age of 85. He is best known for proposing the Mallampati Score in 1985, an airway assessment tool used by anaesthesiologists globally.
Dr Mallampati was born in the Madras Province of India and studied medicine at Andhra Medical College. He began his training in anaesthesiology at the Lahey Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts. He worked at the Brigham and Women's Hospital for most of his career. Several of the current CUH department members had the privilege of training under him, including Dr Miriam Harnett and Dr Patrick Seigne (CUH), and all spoke very highly of him.
Bhagwan unki aatma ko shanti pradhan kare.
May he rest in peace.
Domain of the Dinosaurs, Glucksman Gallery, UCC:
For young (and not so young) dinosaur enthusiasts, the current Domain of the Dinosaurs exhibition at the Glucksman Gallery (UCC) which runs until April 12th is a must see. This initiative has been spearheaded by Professor Maria McNamara (Professor of Palaeontology) and Ms Fiona Kearney (Director of the Glucksman).
Exhibits include casts of skeletons of extinct land and marine creatures, as well as fossilised bones, teeth, footprints, coprolites, gastroliths, shells and plants.
Upstairs at the Glucksman Gallery, visitors will also find Eilis O鈥機onnell鈥檚 exhibition HAPPENSTANCE. Ms O鈥機onnell also designed the Great Wall of Kinsale sculpture which is located by the quays in Kinsale and which has kept generations of small children amused.
Having left the gallery, a short walk towards the Alumni Bridge will bring you past a living fossil- a young Wollemi tree. These were thought to have been extinct for two million years until a grove of living trees was found in Australia in 1994. The location has been kept secret but the trees are at particular risk during bush fires. As a result, specimens have been planted globally- including at UCC.
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Editors:
Dr Roisin Devane (SHO, CUH), Dr Alan Horan, Dr Oonagh Hickey (Consultants, CUH)