Adventurer Mark Pollock’s bravery honoured with degree

A blind adventurer who was paralysed in 2010 was described as an inspiration to the next generation of doctors alongside whom he received an honorary degree.

Mark Pollock was given the doctorate by Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) at the RDS in Dublin yesterday as almost 300 doctors from 24 countries received their medical degrees.

The Co Down adventure athlete lost his sight due to a detached retina in 1998 but went on to run six marathons in seven days in the Gobi Desert. He was the first blind person to race to the South Pole, and won two rowing medals at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Rousing round of applause as @markpollock begins his address to the Class of 2015 #RCSIconferring pic.twitter.com/plVYl8eIGm

— RCSI (@RCSI_Irl) June 4, 2015

Five years ago, Mark was left paralysed by a fall from a second-storey window, but he has since begun a mission to help connect people around the world to try find a cure for paralysis. He is working with neuroscientists in the US and Russia, and is piloting research on robotic leg implants and attachments to communicate messages from the brain that were formerly transmitted by the spinal cord.

Cathal Kelly, RCSI chief executive and registrar, said Mark was chosen for the honorary doctorate because of his determination and refusal to give up in the face of such daunting physical challenges, and also for his perseverance in pioneering medical progress with scientific collaboration.

“He has led an extraordinary life and will be an inspiration to our graduands on their graduation day as they embark on their careers and choose to make a difference in the world with their talents and education, just as he is doing,” said Prof Kelly.

Honorary Doctor Mark Pollock addresses the attendees of #RCSIconferring at the RDS pic.twitter.com/HtMeuUkovG

— RCSI (@RCSI_Irl) June 4, 2015

RCSI said its school of medicine conferring ceremony sees the largest number of doctors graduate in Ireland each year, and yesterday’s graduating class was the biggest group to be conferred to date. The 282 men and women graduated with degrees in medicine, surgery, and obstetrics, watched by families who travelled from around the world.

“These future doctors have been equipped with all the necessary knowledge, skills and patient-centred attitudes required for a fulfilling and successful career in this noble profession,” said Prof Kelly.

Mark’s name is added to a list of RCSI honorary doctorate recipients that includes former president Mary McAleese, and HIV/Aids expert Fr Michael Kelly.

Congratulations to all 282 of the #classof2015 who #graduate as #doctors today at #RCSIconferring at… https://t.co/bLkEKmU0FE

— RCSI (@RCSI_Irl) June 4, 2015