Dean's Award for Staff Development and Mentorship 2024

Professor Tim O'Brien

Prof O'Brien was recruited from the Mayo Clinic to the University of Galway, 23 years ago and in that time his staff development and mentorship contribution has been immense to our School, College and University. He was appointed as an academic consultant and since then has significantly developed the staff in the School of Medicine in the dual domains of clinical / academic, whereby we now have the highest number of academic consultants in Ireland. He has advocated for, created and appointed academic consultants from Geriatrics to Pharmacology, from Endocrinology to Cardiology. He has also made key appointments across the faculty in University, growing School of Medicine to ~300 staff. In addition, he has developed a world class STEM cell research lab, where he has created research posts and provided a pathway for students to develop into faculty roles. 
He mentored countless students, NCHDS and consultants. He continues to mentor several academic and consultant colleagues and has a track record of giving tirelessly to the development of others through his teaching, research and leadership roles (former Dean of CMNHS, Clinical Director of Medicine Saolta University Healthcare Group, Past President of Irish Endocrine Society). His international reputation as a clinician, scholar and leader was recently acknowledged by the prestigious Mayo Clinic Alumni award.