Miriam commenced in her role as Health Sciences Academy Manager in October 2019, working across University of Limerick and HSE Midwest (acute and community healthcare services). The main objective of the Academy is to build on the expertise in the organisations to bring research, education and innovation closer together, leading to high-level educational experience, career development opportunities and ultimately, enhanced patient outcomes. There have been many successes since the Health Science’s Academy was established including securing several hundred thousand euros funding awards in Ireland and the UK to support project development, winner at the Irish Healthcare Centre Awards 2023 for its work in equality and inclusion, top three finalists in national HSE Excellence Awards 2025 for two projects (Early Careers for Transition Year students; STEMI Patient Journey video). She sits on the National Chief Academic Officer Forum and plays a critical leadership role in the development of an academic health sciences system in the Midwest.
Miriam graduated with a primary degree in physiotherapy from University College Dublin and gained experience in a wide variety of specialities during her early career working in Ireland, both public and private sector, and Australia. As a Senior Physiotherapist, she established physiotherapy services in Adult Cystic Fibrosis in University Hospital Limerick before moving to primary care, again establishing and delivering physiotherapy services in the west and south county Limerick areas, supporting a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
In 2010, she completed her Masters in Healthcare Management and shortly after, successfully transitioned to her first non-clinical role with the Irish Hospice Foundation as Programme Coordinator for the Hospice Friendly Hospitals Programme in the Midwest. She subsequently commenced as Patient Advocacy and Liaison Services (PALS) Manager in UL Hospitals Group. This was a new position, the purpose of which was to develop and implement a PALS service that was responsive to patients’ needs, working to strengthen the voice of the patient and public in planning and delivering health services and having a strong focus on quality improvement.
In addition, Miriam holds a Diploma in Quality Improvement and Leadership and is a faculty member of the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland involved in quality improvement programmes for healthcare staff. Most recently, she has secured her ACC credential with the International Coaching Federation and has just completed an Executive MBA at Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick. She is Director of the MBA Association Midwest Chapter and Board member.