AFFILIATE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
June 2023
Name: Patrick Kennelly Education Details: MB, BCh, BAO, LRCP & SI from RCSI Intern at St James’s Hospital, Dublin What is your motivation for pursuing a career in surgery? My motivation to pursue a career in surgery stems from a combination of personal and professional influences. Growing up, I witnessed and engaged with my father's passion for engineering and his commitment to creating tangible solutions. This ignited a deep appreciation for precision and problemsolving. As I delved into the world of medicine as a student, I discovered the profound link between engineering principles and the art of surgery. The intricacies of the human body and the surgical procedures designed to restore health captured my imagination. What truly appeals to me is the constant evolution of surgical skill, where new techniques and technologies push the boundaries of what is possible. As a recent graduate from RCSI (Class of 2023), I have developed a focused interest in the field of cardiac surgery. The qualities of surgery that resonate with me at the highest level are encapsulated in its essence and the formidable journey of the discipline across time has fascinated me. Witnessing the standards, both in Ireland and in the USA during my cardiac surgery electives, has only fuelled this desire to become a surgeon. The privilege of being entrusted with the responsibility of guiding patients through the complex realm of surgery and the potential to make a lasting impact on their lives is a profound calling that I look forward to embracing.
What has been the best piece of advice you have received since you started becoming interested in pursuing a career in surgery? “Win a medal !!” ………. was the first piece of advice I received as a medical student upon entering the operating theatre for the first time. As a very naive student, I was baffled to what the surgeon was even talking about, but certainly not brave enough to make him elaborate. I quickly ran home to invest all my evening study efforts to googling the various medals on offer. It was the single most important thing as a medical student in that moment. After a few years of studies and upon graduation from medical school, the humour of the interaction has stuck with me. Fortunately, I have learned there is much more to forging a path to a surgical career. The advice I carry with me today places emphasis on embracing a mindset of continuous learning, seeking mentorship, and prioritizing self-care. The journey is more important than the destination. I can only assume the initial advice about medal winning given to me was a philosophical take on how hard work will yield reward, however the jury is still very much out on that.