Daniel Kane

I completing my PhD at RCSI from 2022–2025; [it] was a deeply meaningful and formative experience. My research focused on sexual violence and the care provided through sexual assault treatment units (SATUs), a subject that demands both clinical sensitivity and academic rigour. Undertaking this work while serving as a Clinical Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Rotunda Hospital allowed me to integrate research with frontline healthcare and education.

RCSI was an outstanding place to pursue this work. As a specialist health sciences university, RCSI fosters a research culture that is clinically relevant, multidisciplinary, and grounded in real-world impact. The support I received—from supervisors, academic staff and those working in the Postgraduate School—was consistently excellent.

One of RCSI’s greatest strengths is how well it bridges clinical and academic domains. The close ties with clinical hospital sites and other clinical partners mean that research here remains directly relevant to patient care. For someone researching a complex and sensitive topic like sexual violence, this integration was invaluable—giving me access to both practical insights and ethical guidance, and ensuring my work could ultimately inform service delivery and patient support.

I was honoured to be named valedictorian of my graduating class and to receive an award for research output. These recognitions reflect not only personal effort, but the remarkable academic and pastoral support that RCSI offers its PhD candidates.

Most of all, this experience has given me a profound appreciation for the participants who made the research possible. Their willingness to engage in research during a deeply vulnerable time is a testament to their strength, and a reminder of the responsibility we carry as researchers.

RCSI gave me the platform to pursue meaningful, patient-centred research at the highest level. It has been a privilege to study here.

Dr Daniel Kane, PhD graduate 2025