UL Medical Research Forum explores topics from cancer cell biology to music therapy, clinical therapies to medical law.

The University of Limerick recently welcomed leading researcher in Primary Care Research and Professor of General Practice at RCSI, Tom Fahey, who delivered a keynote address at the 5th Annual Graduate Entry Medical School (GEMS) Research Forum.

In his keynote address entitled “Essential Ingredients for Successful Clinical Research” Professor Fahey explored how and why competency in research and research methods enables clinicians to keep abreast of clinical evidence that impacts on the quality, safety and cost effectiveness of patient care. Professor Fahey outlined how protocol development and standardised reporting of research is a competency that provides a framework for critically appraising research evidence, providing a structure for continuing professional development for all health professionals.

Over twenty researchers from the University of Limerick took part in this year’s forum covering research in the areas of cancer cell biology, clinical therapies, population health data, health informatics, music therapy and medical law.  All types of opportunities for translational medicine (i.e. applying basic research from the sciences, social sciences and political sciences to optimize patient care) will be showcased at this event.

Professor William T O'Connor, Head of Teaching & Research in Physiology, UL and conference organiser said; “Researchers who want to translate their basic finding into clinical practice find it a frustratingly long process, often taking 10 to 20 years. The forum is designed to shorten this timeframe by providing an opportunity for these researchers - both clinicians and non-clinicians – to meet for our graduate medical students and these contacts may be useful later-on.”

Professor Fahey has 20 years of experience of clinical general practice which includes working as a GP in Oxford, Bristol, Dundee and Dublin. He combines clinical work with teaching and research, and continues to see patients in a practice in Belgrave Clinic, Dublin. Professor Fahey was presented the Samuel Crumpe keynote speaker award by the Graduate Entry Medical School.

The Annual Research Forum is a unique event in the university sector in Ireland. This type of forum provides a broad overview of the interdisciplinary and collaborative research in the field of healthcare undertaken across UL's student body, faculty and research community.

For further information go to www.ul.ie/medicalschool