St John of God University Hospital to provide training to UCD medical students
23 April 2025
Professor Michael Keane, Professor of Medicine and Therapeutics at UCD; Professor Jennifer Hoblyn, Clinical Director at St John of God University Hospital; Professor Brian O'Donoghue, Professor of Adult Psychiatry at UCD; Damien O'Dowd, Chief Executive of St John of God University Hospital
St John of God Hospital has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the UCD School of Medicine, officially making it a university hospital and setting out its role in delivering clinical placements for students.
The Dublin psychiatric facility is being renamed as St John of God University Hospital, and will provide training to undergraduate and graduate-entry medical students of UCD.
It will establish a comprehensive clinical education programme during which UCD students will engage in eight structured rotational placements at the hospital between April and November.
Students on placements will develop their clinical skills by taking psychiatric histories, attending ward rounds and clinics, and building an understanding of common acute and chronic mental health presentations within inpatient and community settings.
In addition, students will participate in detailed placement feedback and adhere clearly to professional conduct standards.
They will also benefit from the expertise of the consultant psychiatrists at the hospital who teach at UCD as adjunct academic staff.
The landmark MOU reinforces the hospital’s longstanding commitment to medical education, reflecting its role as a teaching hospital over many decades, and will deepen collaboration between the hospital and UCD.
“This important MOU creates a significant step in bridging academic theory and clinical practice – something we focus on at UCD,” said (opens in a new window)Professor Brian O’Donoghue, Professor of Adult Psychiatry at UCD.
“Through this partnership, our students can immerse themselves in a clinical environment, where they will develop their skills under the guidance of experienced psychiatrists. St John of God University Hospital has several innovative clinical programmes, which will provide a unique experience for UCD medical students.”
“The memorandum of understanding represents a pivotal step forward in medical education,” said Professor Jennifer Hoblyn, Clinical Director at St John of God University Hospital.
“By partnering with UCD, we hope to continue providing valuable opportunities to students but also support our own model of care at St John of God University Hospital through fresh perspectives and academic collaboration.”
By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
