News
UCC Anaesthesiology Newsletter
Welcome to the Summer edition.
As this six-month rotation comes to an end, we reflect back with pride on the quality healthcare that we have provided to the patients who trust us with their care. We also congratulate those who have contributed to their departments by organising educational and academic programs and by coordinating rosters. The editorial team express special thanks to the Cork University Hospital (CUH) Doctors In Training (DIT) Anaesthetic Roster Coordinators: Dr Ciaran Costello (SpR), Dr Kirsten Joyce (SpR), and Dr JR Sheehan (Consultant).
We wish you all the best of luck in the future, especially if you are changing jobs, houses, or countries. We hope that the next rotation brings you continued success in your career and in all other aspects of your life. The editorial team would like to thank editor Dr Alina Petrache for her enthusiasm and contributions to the UCC Anesthesiology Newsletter and we wish her well on her return to her native Romania. We are delighted that Dr Yasi Besharatian is remaining on as editor.
As always, we welcome clinical, academic, or social updates from within and outside of the region.
Editors: Dr Alina Petrache, Registrar; Dr Yasi Besharatian, SHO; Dr Oonagh Hickey, Consultant Cork University Hospital (CUH).
CAI Simulation Program, ASSERT, UCC:
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We congratulate the faculty and the candidates on another successful round of College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland (CAI) Simulation Courses held at the ASSERT Centre, University College Cork (UCC). These courses provide anaesthesiology Doctors in Training with an opportunity to develop their technical and non-technical skills in a safe and supportive environment. We thank Mr Alan Thompson (Simulation Manager, CAI) and Mr David Power (Manager for Simulation Training and Technologies at the ASSERT Centre, UCC) for their assistance in the organisation and delivery of these courses. We particularly thank our anaesthesiology faculty who gave so generously of their time and knowledge. If you are interested in joining our faculty, please contact Dr Oonagh Hickey at yesuccanews@gmail.com.
- Jan 22, SICC (Simulation in Intensive & Critical Care): Dr Paudie Delaney (Consultant Anaesthesiologist, CUH - lead faculty), Dr Santosh Kumar (PNB Fellow, CUH), Dr Kirsten Joyce, Dr Mairead Hennessy, Dr Aoife Driscoll (SpR’s, CUH).
- Feb 6, AE (Anaesthetic Emergencies): Dr Owen O’Sullivan (Consultant Anaesthesiologist, MUH - lead faculty), Dr Ciaran Costello, Dr Aoife Driscoll, Dr Kirsten Joyce (SpR’s, CUH).
- March 6, COAST (Crisis in Obstetric Anaesthesiology Simulation Training): Dr Oonagh Hickey (Consultant Anaesthesiologist, CUH - lead faculty), Dr Murtaza Hassan (Consultant Anaesthesiologist, CUH), Dr Ahmed Shehata (Consultant Anaesthesiologist, University Hospital Waterford), Dr Santosh Kumar (PNB Fellow, CUH), Dr Michael O’Sullivan, Dr Mairead Hennessy (SpR’s CUH) (photo).
- May 16, COAST (Crisis in Obstetric Anaesthesiology Simulation Training): Dr Murray Connolly (Consultant Anaesthesiologist, CUH - lead faculty), Dr Aisling Buckley (Consultant Anaesthesiologist, Bons Secours Hospital, Cork), Dr Andrew Maxwell, Dr Andrew O’Donoghue, Dr Michael O’Sullivan (SpR’s, CUH).
PROMPT, CUMH:
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Another successful PROMPT (PRactical Obstetric Multi-Professional Training) course was held at the Cork University Maternity Hospital on May 24th. The PROMPT course has a strong emphasis on teamwork and has been shown to improve maternal and foetal outcomes. Midwifery, obstetric and anaesthesiology candidates viewed online lectures and attended workshops during which knowledge and skills necessary for the multidisciplinary management of obstetric emergencies were practised. Faculty for the Maternal Collapse and Anaesthetic Emergencies Workshop included Ms Breda Hayes (NRP Clinical Skills Facilitator and Coordinator) and Dr Oonagh Hickey (Consultant Anaesthesiologist).
The 6th International Symposium for Perioperative Medicine, Exercise Physiology and Nutrition:
Dr Brian O'Donnell, Consultant Anaesthetist CUH, Lecturer in Anaesthesia UCC
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The 6th edition of the International Symposium for Perioperative Medicine, Exercise Physiology and Nutrition took place in Palmanova, Mallorca. 65 attendees from Ireland, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia took part in a week of fun, cycling and CPD while enjoying the beautiful island of Mallorca.
The evening academic programme incorporated sessions on medical education, updates on perioperative medicine, refresher talks on basic physiology and a masterclass on the knee from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Six groups of riders took to the roads and mountains on their bikes. The routes chosen catered both for those who wished a challenge and those whose priority was coffee and cake.
Cork was strongly represented with colleagues from Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital and the Bons Secours Hospital. This annual event will take place again in April 2025.
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Recent graduations:
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We congratulate all those who have enjoyed recent academic success- especially the latest Members and Fellows of the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland, including Dr Hafsa Raoof, FCAI (Reg, CUH) (photo above) and Dr Saba Noor Hamid, MCAI (Reg, CUH), pictured with Dr Gabriella Iohom (Consultant Anaesthesiologist, CUH), Ms Jyotsina Cherian (CNM2, CUH), and Dr Brian O’Brien (Consultant Anaesthesiologist, CUH).
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We also congratulate Dr Kim O’Brien (SpR, CUH) on being awarded a Masters of Science on Sustainability in Enterprise!
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Recent publications:
- Mullins CF, Royds J, Al-Kaisy A. Radiographic lead migration in percutaneous spinal cord stimulator trials. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2024 May 7;49(5):332-338. doi: 10.1136/rapm-2023-104347. PMID: 37479237.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37479237/
- Mullins CF, Harris S, Pang D. A retrospective review of elevated lead impedances in impedance-dependent magnetic resonance-conditional spinal cord stimulation devices. Pain Pract. 2024 Feb;24(2):270-277. doi: 10.1111/papr.13301. Epub 2023 Oct 14. PMID: 37837248.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37837248/
- Mullins CF, Palumbo GJ, Harris S, Al-Kaisy O, Wesley S, Yearwood T, Al-Kaisy A. Effectiveness of combined dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord stimulation: a retrospective, single-centre case series for chronic focal neuropathic pain. Pain Med. 2024 Feb 1;25(2):116-124. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnad128. PMID: 37738574.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37738574/
- Masaud K, Collins JM, Rubio RC, Corrigan M, Cotter PD, O'Brien N, Bluett R, Jimenez CK, O'Mahony SM, Shorten GD. The gut microbiota in persistent post-operative pain following breast cancer surgery. Sci Rep. 2024 May 30;14(1):12401.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38811609/
- Connolly M, Iohom G, O'Brien N, Volz J, O'Muircheartaigh A, Serchan P, Biculescu A, Gadre KG, Soare C, Griseto L, Shorten G. Delivering clinical tutorials to medical students using the Microsoft HoloLens 2: A mixed-methods evaluation. BMC Med Educ. 2024 May 4;24(1):498.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38704522/
- Johnston M, O'Mahony M, O'Brien N, Connolly M, Iohom G, Kamal M, Shehata A, Shorten G. The feasibility and usability of mixed reality teaching in a hospital setting based on self-reported perceptions of medical students. BMC Med Educ. 2024 Jun 27;24(1):701.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38937764/
- Shorten G. Learning analytics and the future of postgraduate medical training. Ir J Med Sci. 2024 May 24. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38782856/
Departmental Dinner, CUH:
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In June, the CUH Department of Anaesthesia gathered at The Green Room in The Crawford Art Gallery for the Summer Departmental Dinner.
Following the dinner, the CUH Anaesthesia Wellness Committee were honoured to present the winner of the ‘Anaesthesiologist of the Year’ award to Dr Mairead Hennessy (SpR), which was accepted by Dr JR Sheehan (Consultant and CAI Wellness Lead) in her absence. This award was decided solely by the Doctors in Training and Mairéad won in a unanimous decision, reflecting the complete and enthusiastic support that she has for each trainee and that we have for her.
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Kayaking:
The CUH Department of Anaesthesia held the annual departmental kayaking outing at the Oysterhaven Activity Centre (“for more fun, just add water”). With the prior agreement that “what happens in Oysterhaven stays in Oysterhaven,” candidates braved bracing wind and sea conditions on a guided kayak around the bay.
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With a rising wind and an incoming tide, we were then invited to paddle out to the pontoon on a giant stand-up paddle-board. Our destination was reached more by utilising sheer determination rather than any particular skill or teamwork. Dr David Reidy was the first to successfully run to the end of the inflatable “moonwalk” before the inevitable splash landing into the sea. There were only minor attempts at piracy and casualties were limited to a pair of sunglasses that now rest in Davy Jones' locker. We returned to dry land for a debrief over chocolate and biscuits.
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Coffee and a Gas Program:
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In June, the CUH Department of Anaesthesia held the last Coffee and a Gas of the rotation. The Coffee and a Gas Program is a wellness initiative endorsed by the Association of Anaesthetists and the College of Anaesthesiologists in Ireland. It provides an opportunity for members of the department to meet in an informal setting- which is especially important for such a large department.
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Wellness board:
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The CUH Wellness Leads unveiled a Wellness Board in the CUH Anaesthetic Department. Upcoming activities are outlined on this. It also includes resources available to members of staff who feel that they or a colleague are in need of support, including details of the HSE Employee Assistance Program.
The CUH CAI Wellness Leads include Dr Oonagh Hickey, Dr JR Sheehan (Consultants), Dr Kim O’Brien (SpR), Dr Vignesh Naidu (Reg), and Dr Cathal Lee (SHO). Dr Hickey and Dr Sheehan would like to thank Dr O’Brien, Dr Naidu and Dr Lee for their enthusiasm throughout the past year. They would also like to thank those who coordinated team building activities including the December swim (Dr Aoife Driscoll, SpR), go-karting (Dr Andrew Maxwell, SpR), The Darkness into Light Walk (Dr Ciaran Costello, SpR), the Anaesthesiology of the Week Awards (Dr Kim O’Brien, SpR), and two very successful pizza nights out (Dr Rachael O’Connell, SHO). The December Swim raised €2,245 for Medicins Sans Frontiers and the Darkness into Light Walk raised €625 for Pieta House (see below).
The CUH Wellness Team would like to thank the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland for providing the Tutor Fund which funded/subsidised many of these team building events.
Retirement:
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It was with mixed emotions that the Department of Anaesthesia, CUH, celebrated Professor George Shorten’s last clinical day. Professor Shorten is well known to be an excellent clinician and academic as well as being an absolute gentleman to all. He was until recently the President of the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland. In May this year, Prof Shorten was awarded the University College Cork Medical School Medal. This award, inaugurated in 2001, was created to honour alumni of the School of Medicine who have made notable and exceptional contributions to Medicine and Society. Professor Shorten was chosen on the basis of “many contributions as a founder, leader, educator and researcher in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care speciality specifically but more widely in Medicine”.
It was a testament to the high esteem that Professor Shorten is held by the theatre team that the gathering included anaesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, clinical perfusionists, secretarial, portering and household staff. Ms Michelle Karreman (CNM2) gave a presentation to Professor Shorten in recognition of their long working relationship. We wish Professor Shorten and his family the very best of luck in the future.
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We wish Dr’s Cormac and Soraya Mullins the best of good fortune and happiness in their future together. Dr Cormac Mullins is a Consultant Anaesthesiologist and Pain Specialist in the Cork University Hospital and the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital.
Baby News:
There must be something in the water in the CUH as we’ve welcomed six beautiful babies within the department in the last academic year - congratulations to Dr Mike O’Sullivan (SpR), Dr Vignesh Naidu Reg), Dr Andrew O’Donoghue (SpR), Dr Sershin Moodley (Reg) and Dr Kirsten Joyce (SpR- whose baby has already declared for ManU!).
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Congratulations also to Dr Kevin Murphy (PNB Fellow, CUH) on the birth of his second daughter!
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Darkness into Light:
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Dr Ciaran Costello (SpR, CUH) mobilised members of the CUH Anaesthetic Department to participate in the annual Darkness into Light initiative at University College Cork (UCC) on May 11 to raise funds for suicide prevention. Joined by family members, we gathered at the Boole library at 04:15 before joining the other hundreds of participants on a 5km walk.
Clouds covered the Aurora Borealis that was visible throughout the rest of the country, but the weather thankfully remained dry. The walk was followed by a picnic by the Main Quadrangle of UCC. This initiative raised €625 for an excellent cause and many more from the department who couldn’t attend donated directly to Pieta House.
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The CUH Theatre Staff Wellbeing Group:
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International Day of the Midwife:
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The International Day of the Midwife was celebrated on Sunday May 5th by our Midwifery and Nursing colleagues on the Delivery Suite, Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH).We acknowledge the professional and compassionate care that our midwifery and nursing colleagues provide to the mothers and babies of the region at the CUMH.
CUH Charity:
We congratulate John Collins, John Lenihan and John Keenan (Portering Department, CUH, AKA “the 3 Johnnies”) on their initiative to recycle used bottles and cans to raise much needed funds for the CUH Charity fundraising programs. Current fundraising programs are raising much needed money which will be put towards the development of a Children Emergency Department; a sanctum for parents whose infants are being cared for in the Neonatal Unit; and a Children's Hospital.
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Photos reproduced with kind permission from the CUH Charity,
Poetry Corner :
We congratulate Dr Brian O’Brien (Consultant Anaesthesiologist, CUH) and Dr Kirsten Joyce (SpR, CUH) who have recently had their literary contribution published in the Anaesthesia Newsletter.
From mnemonics to earworms.
In 1950, the estimated timeframe over which medical knowledge might double was envisaged as 50 years. Ever since, this hypothetical period has been falling such that, in 2020, it was believed to be as short as 73 days[1]. Given this exponential increase in what is “known” or in material one might wish to recall, it is unsurprising that medics and their students can feel either overwhelmed by this vast corpus of information, or, as often, annoyed at their forgetfulness. We think perhaps less often of the reciprocal phenomenon - where something completely useless becomes entrenched in our memory, such as a phrase or song. Most exasperating is the fact that we don’t even have to like the tune or ditty - it can simply take up residence in ways that feel beyond our control.
In clinical practice, the complexity and pressures of the intensive care patient group, along with their (and their family’s) high expectations, means time is of the essence when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of critical illness. Spotting rare diagnoses is by definition difficult, particularly when they resemble common ones. Thinking of the right test to order when seeing an atypical presentation or a therapeutic failure is the basis of many life-saving interventions. Associative memory is a pattern wherein a piece of information can be recalled if it is linked with another associated experience. In 2004, Koelsch et al showed that short musical pieces can prime the semantic language memory, leading to rapid recognition and recall of certain words or concepts[2].
Thus, in an effort to create an aide memoire for an obscure and potentially fatal condition, we have tried to condense its headline features into a (hopefully) recognisable earworm to tickle, and hopefully remain encoded somewhere in, your hippocampi!
1. Densen P. Challenges and opportunities facing medical education. Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc. 2011; 122:48-58.
2. Koelsch S, Kasper E, Sammler D, Schultz K, Gunter T, Friederici AD. Music, language and meaning: brain signatures of semantic processing. Nat Neurosci. 2004; 7:302-307
A Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Condition.
It’s hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis,
If you learn to say it, you might make the diagnosis,
And should you ever find a case, you’ll bolster their prognosis, It’s hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis!
Check ferritin, ferritin, ferritin.
Check ferritin, ferritin, ferritin.
While in the ICU today, I thought a patient septic,
The Prof – he raised a brow – and with a look I know as sceptic, He asked me if I’d ever seen a case of something rare, A condition with a name quite sure to make the students stare.
It’s hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
If you learn to say it you might make the diagnosis
And should you ever find a case, you’ll bolster their prognosis. It’s hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis!
Check ferritin, ferritin, ferritin.
Check ferritin, ferritin, ferritin.
He’d travelled all around the world and seen all forms of shock, He’d drop this term and all would say “there goes one clever doc”, Especially seeing patients with their cell counts running low, And temperatures – just like their spleens – with a tendency to grow.
It’s hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
If you learn to say it you might make the diagnosis
And should you ever find a case, you’ll bolster their prognosis. It’s hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis!
Check ferritin, ferritin, ferritin.
Check ferritin, ferritin, ferritin.
The problem raging in there is an inflammatory storm, Where cytokines and macrophages make your patient warm, Try steroids or etoposide – and cyclo’s worth a pop, You’ll know you’re getting somewhere if their ferritin should drop.
It’s hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
If you learn to say it you might make the diagnosis And should you ever find a case, you’ll bolster their prognosis.
hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis!
Check ferritin, ferritin, ferritin.
Check ferritin, ferritin, ferritin.
Editors:
Dr Alina Petrache (Registrar); Dr Yasi Besharatian (SHO); Dr Oonagh Hickey (Consultant) Cork University Hospital.
yesuccanews@gmail.com