Directed by Dr. Louise Collins, the Mentoring Programme is designed to offer first-year students crucial academic support and guidance as they transition into university life. Aligned with UCC’s ‘Transition In, Through and Out’ framework, this initiative fosters a strong sense of community and belonging, equipping students with the confidence and resources required to thrive within the School of Medicine as they embark on their academic journey.

The BSc Medical and Health Sciences programme offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education in translational medicine. This unique degree combines a solid foundation in the basic sciences with applied medical research, equipping students with the knowledge and skills required for careers in healthcare, research and industry. A cross-college initiative, the programme draws on the expertise of both the College of Medicine and Health and the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, encouraging students to bridge the gap between scientific research and clinical practice. Small class sizes, dedicated faculty and hands-on learning experiences distinguish the programme, fostering a supportive yet challenging academic environment that prepares graduates for diverse and impactful careers in healthcare and research.

The Mentoring Programme’s success is built upon the commitment and expertise of its mentors, all esteemed faculty members dedicated to supporting first-year students.

This year’s mentoring team includes:

•  Dr Louise Collins, Mentoring Programme Director
•  Professor Aideen Sullivan, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics
•  Dr Róisín Kelly-Laubscher, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics
•  Dr Cathal McCarthy, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics
•  Professor Aonghus Lavelle, Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience
•  Dr Cian McCafferty, Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience
•  Dr John Mackrill, Department of Physiology
•  Dr Fiona McDonald, Department of Physiology
•  Professor Ken O’Halloran, Department of Physiology
•  Dr Collette Hand, Department of Pathology

Each academic mentor will work individually with a group of 5 to 6 first-year Medical and Health Sciences students, ensuring that each student has a dedicated academic point of contact. Through regular meetings, mentors provide guidance, address challenges and offer valuable insights into university life and academic expectations. This personalised approach supports students in the ‘Transition In and Through’ phases, aligning with UCC’s commitment to guiding students throughout their studies and preparing them for future professional careers. This robust network of support is sustained across the duration of the programme, laying a strong foundation for student success.

Photo: First year BSc Medical and Health Sciences students with Medical and Health Sciences staff; (Front row from left) Ms Mary McNicholas, Administrator BSc MHS, Dr John Mackrill, Department of Physiology,  Dr Cian McCafferty, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Dr Louise Collins, Academic Coordinator BSc Medical and Health Sciences, Professor Aideen Sullivan, Academic Director BSc Medical and Health Sciences, Dr Cathal McCarthy, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics,  Dr Fiona McDonald, Department of Physiology, Dr Collette Hand, Department of Pathology.

The Year 1 Mentoring Programme is designed to foster a sense of community, identity and belonging, making the transition into university as seamless as possible. Structured to include an initial introductory meeting in semester one, followed by three compulsory mentor-mentee meetings across both semesters, the programme allows students to build essential academic skills, understand the available resources and connect with peers and mentors in a supportive environment. The mentoring initiative also aligns with UCC’s emphasis on fostering Graduate Attributes - skills that transcend academic knowledge and prepare students for life-wide contexts.

Feedback from previous years has been overwhelmingly positive. Past participants have highlighted the reassurance, support and confidence gained through their mentor-mentee interactions. One student shared ‘Having a mentor who understood what I was going through made all the difference’. Another student remarked, ‘The mentoring programme gave me direction and a sense of belonging. I felt like I had someone to turn to whenever I faced challenges’.

Mentors, too, have found the experience rewarding. Dr. Louise Collins noted, ‘The mentoring programme allows us to engage with students beyond the lecture hall. It is a privilege to help them grow and succeed and to watch them gain confidence throughout the year’. Professor Aideen Sullivan, Director of the BSc Medical and Health Sciences programme, added ‘The programme fosters meaningful connections that help students thrive during their time in university and beyond’.

This year’s Meet and Greet Coffee Morning served as the official launch event, giving students and mentors a chance to connect in an informal setting. Held in the Fourth Floor Atrium of the Western Gateway Building, the event captured the spirit of community that the programme aims to foster. With invitations and catering coordinated by Ms. Mary McNicholas, Senior Executive Administrator for the BSc Medical and Health Sciences programme, the morning was filled with engaging conversations and enthusiasm for the year ahead, setting a positive tone for the mentoring relationships to come.

With strong foundations and enthusiastic participants, the Year 1 Mentoring Programme is set to be a cornerstone of support for first-year students in the BSc Medical and Health Sciences programme. Through ongoing mentor-mentee sessions, guidance and a focus on well-being, the programme exemplifies UCC’s commitment to student success, from their first steps on campus to the beginning of their professional lives.

Further information

CK707 BSc Medical and Health Sciences

Medical and Health Sciences website