In Profile: Aoibhinn McDonnell

Dr Aoibhinn McDonnell graduated from UCD with a degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1988.  Following a period as a clinician at the University of Edinburgh Veterinary School and in veterinary practice, Aoibhinn completed a Masters degree in Veterinary Medicine 
(Pathological Biochemistry) and a PhD in Molecular Genetics and Phylogenetics at the 
University of Glasgow.  This was followed by a period of post-doctoral research in the 
Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Glasgow, working on Rett Syndrome, a 
neurodevelopmental disorder.  Aoibhinn then went on to work in the pharmaceutical 
industry, where she was responsible for design and implementation of proof of concept studies in veterinary patients in companion animal 
internal medicine, and as a manager in Regulatory Affairs.  She subsequently moved into Human Health, taking up a position as a clinician in the area of Pain and Sensory Disorders, responsible for design and implementation of proof of concept studies in patients with pain and neurosensory disorders.   She is currently Safety Risk Lead in Safety Surveillance/Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management, and has recently completed a Master of Laws degree in Medical Law and Ethics from the Edinburgh University Law School.  Aoibhinn has a strong interest in mentoring and working with younger colleagues and in sharing her journey from Veterinary Medicine to Human 
Health, and also her own experience of the multiple uses of a Veterinary Medicine 
qualification.