Lifetime achievement award for vascular surgeon

AN Irish surgeon who pioneered keyhole surgery in Ireland 18 years’ ago received a lifetime award at the “Medical Oscars” in Dublin last night.

Prof David Bouchier-Hayes was described as an excellent vascular surgeon and a master at his craft during the presentation.

The Medical Oscars, officially known as the Doctor Awards, are in their eighth year and run in conjunction with the Irish Journal of Medical Science and the Royal Academy of Medicines in Ireland.

The head of surgical science at the University of Limerick, Prof Pierce Grace, said Prof Bouchier-Hayes, originally from Limerick, influenced a generation of surgeons across the world.

Britain’s health minister, Lord Darzi, appointed to lead a review of the National Health Service, was one of the retired professor’s most attentive scholars, he pointed out.

“We all learned from him, not only surgery, but also the public service ethos that underpinned his philosophy and practice,” said Prof Grace.

The event’s top accolade, Doctor of the Year, was awarded to Ireland’s leading authority in immunology, Prof Luke O’Neill.

He was praised for pioneering research in identifying key proteins in fighting malaria and TB.

His winning research was based on identifying a human protein in white blood cells that act as a master switch turning on the immune response to harmful bacteria in the body.

The professor at the School of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity College Dublin and his team obtained funding for their research from the Science Foundation of Ireland and the Health Research Board. His discovery could lead to better treatment for certain inflammatory diseases.

Nine doctors were presented with specially commissioned awards across disciplines as diverse as cardiology, oncology and general practice at the ceremony.