Irish doctors getting to grips with female genital mutilation

10 years ago, examples of female genital mutilation in Ireland were rare. Not so anymore, writes Caroline O’Doherty

GPs are always keen to reassure the reluctant that there’s nothing they can bring to the surgery that hasn’t been seen before — but there is one condition that can leave both doctor and patient at sea.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is something few western doctors have encountered so when it comes through their door, it can test all their medical and interpersonal skills.