Summer School 2008
The second ICGP Summer School took place in the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny at the end of June. It can now be marked up as one of the success stories for the ICGP.
One would never guess that it was a 'summer' school if you looked out the window or tried to take a walk - it was an Irish weather summer school. But the surroundings of the Hotel were luxurious, the hotel staff were attentive to our every need and the atmosphere was great.
The variety of presentations left many attendees spoilt for choice and debating over the clash of interesting parallel sessions. But in the end 'you can't go to everything' seemed to be a common theme. A priority of the organisers was time keeping and this was achieved with all sessions starting on time and no sessions running over the allotted time. Most felt that we could have stayed for more and an hour was insufficient for most topics.
Sessions have been judged to be highly professional and relevant to general practice. The combination and mixture of topics was appealing - there were plenty of clinical topics and a good mixture of legal, management, IT and communication topics. Some opted to visit St Luke's Hospital on Wednesday afternoon and were given insights into Hospital operations from the perspective of a hospital manager, communication and co-operation from the perspective of both a GP and Hospital consultant as well as enlightening visits to departments including the Medical Assessment unit.
People drifted in and out on different days depending on their interest and ability to escape from practice. All sessions were interactive and participation made the presentations all the more relevant - questions were asked, issues discussed and clarification forthcoming.
Some availed of the opportunity to indulge in the spa and leisure facilities and others just caught up with old friends and made new ones.
On the social side the participants were invited to explore the great possibilities and opportunities that photography provides and to examine the artistic side of their personalities in creative writing. Our sincere thanks to John Cuddihy and Richie Dwyer for their photographic expertise and to Paul Carson for the pensive journey into creative writing through his personal story telling.
The Summer School dinner was well attended and a most enjoyable evening was had by all rounded off by the comic thoughts and stories from the college president Dr Michael Tangney and after dinner speaker Dr Matt Saddlier.
Some short phrases uttered towards the end of the week include: "Fabulous"; "most enjoyable"; "Best kept secret of the college"; "refreshing"; "Must organise myself better for next year"; "Should invite more Trainees"; "Spot on and up to date"; and "Well worth the effort and cost".
We are already planning next years event - so plan ahead and make sure the last week of June is well used. If there are specific topics you would like the college to include in this event or other educational events please do contact us.
Keep an eye on the ICGP website for upcoming courses - The college prospectus is available online and applications are now being accepted for all courses. Also look out for upcoming conferences including the Drugs and Alcohol conference on November 8th, the Winter Meeting on November 22nd.
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE CONFERENCE
Click thumbnail images to view larger versions.
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