Suzanne Donnelly

Associate Professor Suzanne Donnelly serves as Director of Clinical Education and Associate Dean for Programmes & Educational Innovation at University College Dublin's School of Medicine, while maintaining a part-time consultant rheumatology practice at Mater Misericordiae University Hospital specializing in systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy management in rheumatic conditions.

Education:

• Medical degree from Trinity College, University of Dublin
• Specialty clinical training in Ireland and Oxford

Her research integrates medical education with clinical practice, pioneering initiatives like the UCD Patient Educator Programme and Care in Medicine curriculum. She investigates empathy development in clinicians, clinical handover protocols, and evidence-based rheumatology care pathways through national collaborations with the Medical Council and National Clinical Effectiveness Committee.

Scientific Awards:

• MD for research on empathy and care in medical education (2016)
• University Fellowship in Teaching and Academic Development (2014)

Dr. Donnelly led Ireland's Medical Council report establishing the Safe Start initiative for new physicians and co-developed national clinical handover guidelines. She serves as external examiner for University of Dundee's medical program and contributes to key textbooks including Medicine At a Glance.

She co-leads UCD's Care in Medicine curriculum with Professor Brendan Drumm, represents Ireland on EULAR's Standing Committee on Education, and maintains active roles with Arthritis Ireland, Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Ireland, and Lupus Group Ireland.