Dr. John Gilmore awarded prestigious Ireland US Alumni Emerging Leader Award

Dr John Gilmore Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to healthcare and social justice with the prestigious Ireland US Alumni Emerging Leader Award. The award, presented by US Embassy Chief of Mission Michael Clausen, highlights Dr Gilmore’s dedication to making healthcare fairer and more accessible to all, particularly for LGBTQ+ communities and other marginalised groups.

Introducing Dr Gilmore at the ceremony, Dr Rita Melia, Vice President of the Ireland United States Alumni Association (IUSA), praised his tireless efforts to drive positive change. She acknowledged his significant work in fostering collaborations with scholars, clinicians, and community leaders across the United States and beyond, promoting a culture of mutual respect, learning, and understanding.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Gilmore reflected on key advancements in LGBTQ+ health in the US, highlighting how his Fulbright exchange in 2023 has enabled him to integrate innovative healthcare strategies into his work in Ireland. "For generations, LGBTQ+ people have looked to the USA for leadership in issues of LGBTQ+ health, activism and community. It's now time for Ireland to be a leader". He issued a powerful call to action for fellow Irish US alumni, urging them to leverage their networks to promote human rights, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals, migrants, and the reproductive rights of women, which he noted are increasingly under threat in the US.

Dr Gilmore, a Fulbright HRB Health Impact Award alumnus, travelled to the University of California, San Francisco, and Columbia University, New York, in 2023 to explore various models of LGBTQ+ healthcare. His research and collaborations have strengthened international ties and paved the way for impactful reforms in healthcare accessibility and inclusion. Later this year Dr Gilmore will return to the US to speak at Stanford University. 

Dr Gilmore received his award alongside Professor Siobhán Mullally from the University of Galway, who also serves as the UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons. Their recognition underscores the vital contributions of Irish scholars in the global fight for justice and equality.

The Ireland United States Alumni Association (IUSA) is a network of alumni from US State Department exchange programmes, including the Fulbright Scholarships, International Visitor Leadership Programme, J1, and the Washington Ireland Programme. The organisation fosters cross-border collaboration and knowledge-sharing to drive meaningful social and political change.

Dr Gilmore’s achievement reflects not only his personal dedication to healthcare equity but also the broader potential of academic and professional exchanges to inspire progress and advocacy on a global scale.