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Caitríona Duggan: Being one of the “elite” nurses to pursue a PhD is a true testament to the power of expert mentorship

Caitríona Duggan/LinkedIn

Feb 3, 2025, 11:13

Caitríona Duggan: Being one of the “elite” nurses to pursue a PhD is a true testament to the power of expert mentorship

Caitríona Duggan, PhD Candidate of Vascular access devices for systemic anti-cancer therapy at the University of Galway, shared a post on LinkedIn by Cancer Trials Ireland, adding:

“I had the privilege of speaking at the Cancer Trials Ireland/ISMO National Training Day this morning regarding expanding Nurse-led research and to present the progress of my PhD research, generously funded by Irish Cancer Society, NCCP, and ONMSD, and guided by the exceptional mentorship of Peter Carr University of Galway – College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

Being one of the ‘elite’ nurses to pursue a PhD is a true testament to the power of expert mentorship, personal determination, and crucial organisational support from HSE West North West.

I’m very grateful for the opportunity to explore new research opportunities around Vascular access devices for the delivery of anti-cancer therapies and contribute to evidence-based healthcare with our University of Galway Vascular Access Research Group Orlaith Hernon, Jiaxin (Ciara) Deng, Michelle O’Dowd and Prof. Andrew Simpkin and led by Peter Carr.

Dr. Mary Ryder published a paper a ‘Call to action’ in 2022 to ensure healthcare organisations provide the necessary structures and pathways for nurses to continue building clinical research careers.

By fostering research opportunities, we not only enhance our professional practice but also advance scientific knowledge for the benefit of patients everywhere.

Together, let’s continue to shape the future of nursing and research!”

Quoting Cancer Trials Ireland’s post:

“The theme of our morning session at the CTI/ISMO National Training Day was ‘Integrating Trainees, RTs, and Nurses into Research’ which recognised the vital contributions of a range of disciplines.

Thanks to our speakers: Prof. Declan Devane HRB- Trials Methodology Research Network Ireland, Dr David O’Reilly, Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, Roisin O’Maolalai, IRROGTrials, Dr Jill Nicholson SLRON and Caitriona Duggan University of Galway and Prof. Seamus O’Reilly, Clinical Lead Cancer Trials Ireland and our Chair Michael McCarthy, University Hospital Galway.”

Caitríona Duggan: Being one of the “elite” nurses to pursue a PhD is a true testament to the power of expert mentorship