Working hours crisis costs junior doctors

George Shorten, the dean of UCC’s School of Medicine, said he hoped the students would learn about the good and the bad associated with pursuing a career in medicine.  “There are difficulties,” said Prof Shorten. “It’s hard work, it’s long hours, and particularly, it’s dynamic. “But there is genuine pleasure and fulfilment that comes from taking care of people and a community.”

Siún O’Flynn, UCC’s head of medical education, said things need to change to ensure that the Irish health system recognises junior doctors as a valuable resource. “It takes a certain kind of person to get into the course, to survive the course and to do well in medicine,” said Dr O’Flynn. “There are a lot of downsides to this job. It is demanding and it takes resilience. But I can think of very few other things that are as rewarding. Ask a lot of people working in medicine would they do anything else, and I think the answer would be no. Working conditions are challenging but there are a lot of rewards and a lot of positives to this profession as well. You are let into people’s lives at a very vulnerable time and you can do a lot of good in this job.” (Examiner) >