Last week the sun set on a long career journey, yet marked the beginning of a new exciting one. I accepted the offer of a substantive Consultant Liver Transplant Surgeon position in Edinburgh.
Over 9 years ago, I arrived in the UK full of energy and enthusiasm, following HPB and transplant training at @NliHpb. ‘Without UK formal training, It’s nearly impossible to reach that mountain peak’, I was told. ‘However, there is an alternative path’, they pointed. ‘It will be windy and you will have no guide’, they warned. ‘It’s called CESR route’, they said.
Long and rough, battered and bruised. A blend of agony, joy, despair and fun!
Along the path, multiple slips smacked me down, while other achievements kept me alive. Bouncing back up was easier said than done, but believing in my competencies and self-worth, and focusing on my mental health were fundamental to how I fought back till the end.
Undoubtedly, I wouldn’t have reached the end, as confident and sane, without the support of my wife, family, dear friends and colleagues in Edinburgh Transplant/HPB surgery. @NHS_Lothian@EdinSurg
This is to thank all who contributed to that journey. Without a doubt, it armed me with knowledge and experience, enough to enjoy the next ride!
What an emotive launch, truly inspiring the work that goes into raising awareness of paediatric organ donation. If you are in Belfast in the next 2 weeks definitely worth a visit #GiftOfLife#Donate4Daithi@Donate4Daithi@OrganDonationNI
'The Call' launch was powerful❤️ An amazing, rewarding and emotional experience to take part in raising awareness of paediatric organ donation in NI @niodst with our donor families, recipients, children waiting for a call for transplant and charity groups #HaveTheChat#LifeSaver
OUR JUNIOR INTERPROVINCIAL CHAMPIONS 🏆
Ulster are victorious after a hard fought match against Leinster, defeating them 34-22.
A massive congrats to the lads 🙌
With immense gratitude and sadness @niodst celebrated RHN Monica Hackett's well deserved retirement.We had the privilege of sharing an incredible journey together @NHSBT@NHSBT_RM Under her guidance team has thrived and accomplished great milestones.Happy retirement Monica 💞
Organ donation law in Northern Ireland has changed.
This means that most adults are now considered potential donors unless they choose to opt out.
Lead Nurse Nisa Francis and Consultant Dr Dominic Trainor explain why the new legislation is important.
➡️https://t.co/xsaPeYgipb
A momentous day for everyone who worked hard over the years for this change in Northern Ireland. Dáithí's Law is LIVE #lifesaver#HaveTheChat to support potential donors and their families to save more lives. Dàithí you are an inspiration 💕 @niodst@Donate4Daithi@NHSBT
🩷Dáithí's Law goes live tomorrow🩷
🌟 It means all adults in NI will be considered potential organ donors unless they opt out.
👦It's named after Belfast 6-year-old Dáithí MacGabhann, who is waiting on a heart transplant.
🗣 His dad Máirtín spoke with Reporter @jamesgould23 .
🏆 Congratulations to the Junior Cup winners, @Ballyclare_RFC!
They beat @EknRugby 42-36 in one of the best domestic finals we’ve seen at Kingspan Stadium, a frantic end-to-end game which could have been won by either side 👏
After 42 years of sterling service, ‘Our’ Liz McAlea is retiring. She has had many vital roles at BHSCT, and leaves us as Co-Director, Medical Specialties. We will miss her so very very much. All the best in the future Liz, you have been nothing short of inspirational.
The law around #OrganDonation is changing on 1 June to help save more lives.
#DáithísLaw means if organ donation is a possibility after they die, all adults will be considered a potential donor, unless they choose to opt-out or are in an excluded group.
https://t.co/gF8wEizUjd
This weekend marks the 12th Anniversary of Benjamins tragic death.
Please could I ask you to share this simple message far and wide 🙏
In memory of Benjamin Peter Robinson ❤️
“If In Doubt, Sit Them Out”
No HIA in Schools Rugby
https://t.co/XyIjbgcNxA