A NEW €100,000 fellowship which medical professionals hope will drive levels of patient care in the field of rheumatology has been announced by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
The fellowship will be awarded each year to one specialist registrar working in the field of rheumatology to fund their education, research and ongoing expenses outside of Ireland.
It will be split over a two-year period.
More than a dozen medical students are expected to apply for the fellowship.
It is anticipated that the chosen candidate will travel to the United States or Britain - both leaders in the field of rheumatology research - to further their studies.
Dr John Donohoe, president of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, said such initiatives were important in developing high standards of medical education and training in Ireland.
"This is an invaluable opportunity for doctors, specialising in rheumatology, to grow their awareness of international developments - a process which will ultimately benefit patient care in Ireland," he said.
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland has partnered with pharmaceutical manufacturer Abbott in developing the Professors Bresnihan and Molloy International Education Fellowship.
It is named after two recently retired experts in the field of rheumatology - Prof Michael Molloy, who worked in University College Cork, and Prof Barry Bresnihan, formerly of University College Dublin.
The Royal College of Physicians said the fellowship paid tribute to the achievements of both professors, who dedicated a lifetime of service to working in the field of rheumatology.
Prof Molloy said he was honoured to be associated with such an important international education project and that he believes the winner of the fellowship will be in an excellent position to advance their knowledge of rheumatology.
He said he expected there to be much interest in the initiative, the experience of which he believes will stand to participants as they seek to further their careers.
"This is an excellent opportunity especially in the current climate where funding for further education is becoming more difficult to secure," Prof Molloy said.
Those selected to receive the fellowship will be required to share their research and experience with fellow rheumatologists when they return to Ireland.
Applicants' submissions will have to suggest ways that their experience studying abroad will help others.
