More than 370 healthcare professionals have joined RCSI’s global community of Fellows and Members at the December conferring ceremony, held at RCSI’s St Stephen’s Green campus yesterday.

During the morning ceremony, Fellowships and Memberships were conferred by the Faculty of Radiologists and Radiation Oncologists, the Faculty of Dentistry, the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery and the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine.

In the afternoon, awards conferred included Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (JSCFE; encompassing Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology, Plastic Surgery, Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology) and Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, including ENT and Ophthalmology.

These professionals join RCSI’s global professional network of more than 11,000 surgical Fellows and Members advancing excellence in surgical practice across 90 countries.

The new Fellows and Members were admitted by President of RCSI, Professor Deborah McNamara. Addressing the candidates, she said: “Throughout our 241-year history, RCSI Fellows, Members and Diplomates have a proud legacy of healthcare service and innovation across the world. Each of you has the potential to make a difference in the lives of many individuals as well as society at large. Especially in these turbulent times, each of us has the power to improve the world around us.”

During the second ceremony, Honorary Fellowship of RCSI was bestowed upon Dr Clare-Ellen McNaught, consultant colorectal surgeon at Harrogate District General Hospital and President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. The Citation was read by RCSI council member, Professor Kevin Conlon, who applauded Dr McNaught’s longstanding dedication to training and supporting the next generation of surgeons through her roles as educational supervisor, research mentor and MRCS examiner. After receiving her honorary Fellowship, Dr McNaught delivered a guess address to those in attendance.

Following this, Dr Javad Parvizi (MD, MS, FRCS), Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Acibadem University, Istanbul, was awarded Honorary Fellowship of RCSI. Dr Parvizi is an American board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, specialising in young patients with hip disorders. His citation was read by Professor John Quinlan, Council member of RCSI, who acknowledged Dr Parvizi’s renowned expertise in periprosthetic joint infection, joint preservation and joint reconstruction.

A recording of the ceremony will be available on the RCSI YouTube channel.