This fall marked the first UPMC US and UPMC Ireland visiting resident elective program with Dr. Brenda Iglesias (PGY5) leading the charge. The trip was a success, according to Dr. Igelsias who had this to say:
(Editor's note: In Ireland, fully qualified surgeons traditionally use the titles Mr. or Ms./Mrs. instead of Dr. as a customary professional designation.)
"Being part of the inaugural UPMC Ireland SSC visiting elective was an invaluable opportunity to learn from some of the country’s leading surgeons and sports medicine specialists. I had the privilege of working alongside exceptionally skilled upper-extremity surgeons and observing procedures that utilized new implants only now being adopted in the United States. It was an honor to learn from them and to gain skills and insights that I will carry forward into my future practice. Beyond the clinical experience, it was also an incredible opportunity to build meaningful, long-lasting professional relationships.
I am deeply grateful to the consultants who welcomed me into the operating room, including Ms. Delaney, Mr. Mullett, Ms. Byrne, Mr. Moran, Mr. Hansen, and Mr. Piggott. It was also a pleasure to meet SSC founder and medical director Mr. Ray Moran.
I truly appreciated the chance to learn from the primary care sports physicians, including Dr. Cosgrave, as well as the upper limb physiotherapy team led by Niall Ward. Thank you as well to Dr. James, radiologist, for allowing me to join him for ultrasound-guided injections.
Finally, my sincere thanks to Emer Agnew, Professor Devitt, Ms. Delaney, and Mr. Mullett for organizing such enjoyable weekend activities—they made the experience all the more memorable."
Dr. Igelsias' experience highlights how global training opportunities enrich clinical skills, broaden perspectives and strengthen partnerships across the world. We look forward to a continued and close partnership with our cohorts in UPMC Ireland SSC!