Launch of Junior Health Sciences Academy Early Careers Online Event 2024

Click here to watch the video.

THE MINISTER for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Mr Patrick O’Donovan TD, and students from across the Mid West, gathered at Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh to launch the 2024 Junior Health Sciences Academy Early Careers Event, which takes place online in early October.

The Minister raised the curtain on a diverse line-up of speakers and activity, aiming to inspire second-level students through a varied programme with an insightful edge, informed by the experience of clinical staff, academics and students from the frontline of healthcare in hospital, community and third level education in the region.

Targeted at Transition Year, Fifth Year and Leaving Certificate students interested in careers in healthcare, the annual online event is organised by the Health Sciences Academy based at University Hospital Limerick, along with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and Limerick Education Support Centre.

Clinical staff representing more than 20 healthcare professions will participate, as well as academic staff and students from health programmes at University of Limerick. And for the first time, students from the Technological University of the Shannon will share their experiences and provide insights into the health programmes on offer at TUS.

All of this will be hosted online, via Zoom, over two mornings (9am-11.30am on Tuesday October 8th and Thursday October 10th). Also lined up are short video tours of clinical departments including radiology and laboratory, a ‘Business in Health’ segment, a Q&A session and patient perspectives, the latter including an interactive video tracking the experience of a ‘patient’ having a heart attack.

All students are welcome, and  registration  is essential and simple.

Minister Patrick O’Donovan said: “I am honoured to launch the 2024 Junior Health Sciences Academy Early Careers Event organised by the Health Sciences Academy at University Hospital Limerick, along with the Limerick & Clare Education Training Board and Limerick Education Support Centre. With insight from the clinical staff and students from health programmes at University of Limerick, and for the first time students from Technological University of the Shannon sharing their experiences and insights into health programmes on offer at TUS. This online event is very important for second level students interested in careers in healthcare, and for our Irish health services in the region and on a national level”.

Miriam McCarthy, Manager, Health Sciences Academy Manager, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this annual Early Careers event with our education partners. Our aim is to support students interested in healthcare careers by providing the opportunity to hear from clinical staff working in hospital and community healthcare settings across the Mid-West, and from students at UL and, for the first time, TUS. From previous years, we know that students find this really helpful in making informed choices. Collaboration across health and education sectors with student engagement is critical to the success of the event, and we’re looking forward to hosting the 2024 event in a few weeks’ time.”

Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Acting Chief Executive, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, said: “We are delighted to support the launch of www.healthcareers.ie. This innovative platform will play a key role in attracting and nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals across Limerick and Clare. With our region's growing healthcare sector, it's crucial that we inspire the next generation to consider the vast array of rewarding careers available. This website provides a one-stop shop for them to explore different specialities, training pathways, and the incredible impact they can make on people's lives. We're delighted to support this initiative and encourage all our students to delve into the exciting world of healthcare.”

Photo Caption:

Students from across the Mid West region gathered at Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh on Clare Street in Limerick to welcome the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Mr Patrick O’Donovan TD, for the launch of the next Junior Health Sciences Academy Early Careers Online Event, which will be hosted online on the 8th and 10th of October from 9.15am-11am. Pictured are (from left): Julian Mahango (Mungret Community College); Meadhbh Treacy (Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh); Yvonne Moloney, Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Diabetes, UL Hospitals Group; Miriam McCarthy, Health Sciences Academy Manager; Mr Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Acting Chief Executive, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board;  Roisín McGowan, Primary Care Dietitian, HSE Mid West; Professor Shane Kilcommins, Provost and Deputy President and Acting Chief Officer at University of Limerick; Sarah Wallace (Thomond Community College) and Tadhg Fitzpatrick (Castletroy College).

Photograph by Brian Arthur.