Trainee Representation and Opportunities

Dr Alessandra Biagini graduated in 2012 in Italy, from the Marche Polytechnic University (UNIVPM) where she also achieved her PhD in Biomedical Science focused on perinatal wellbeing. In Italy, she founded a multi-award-winning start-up company based on her research projects and was clinical manager and co-member of a Biomedical academic spin-off of her university. 

In 2018 Alessandra moved to Ireland and started her training in Paediatrics with RCPI and she is currently on her third year of Higher Specialist Training in Paediatric. She is also a former RCSI clinical lecturer in Neonatology, in 2021 she achieved a Diploma in Health Professions Education (RCSI) and following her keen interest in education she is currently completing a Master degree in Health Professions Education in RCSI with a research project on the effectiveness of gamification within educational environments as didactic tool for medical students.

Dr Sarah Cavallari is a 2nd Year Paediatric Specialist Registrar at the Rotunda Hospital Dublin. A graduate of University College Cork in 2020, she has also earned an RCPI Diploma in Paediatrics, MRCPI in Paediatrics, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Health Professions Education with UCC. Her research focuses on clinical communication experiences for paediatrics trainees.

Dr. Cavallari has held previous leadership roles, including serving as the HST Communication and Digital Projects Rep, and Paediatric Forum Rep on the RCPI Training Committee during 2023-2025. She was the Chairperson of the UCC Medical Society 2018. Dr Cavallari is particularly interested in using her role to build engagement and communication between RCPI, trainees and the trainees' committee. 

Dr Siobhan Coughlan is a final year SpR on the General Paediatric HST programme, currently undertaking a fellowship in Paediatric Cardiology at CHI Crumlin. She holds an undergraduate MBChB from the University of Dundee, as well as an MPH in Evidence Based Healthcare. Having served in roles involving trainee mentorship and assessment evaluation, her aim is to bring both academic and practical experience to the RCPI Trainees Committee.

Dr Lucy Dooley is a specialist registrar in Medicine for Older People currently in her fourth year of clinical training. She graduated from University College Dublin in 2016 and pursued Basic Specialist Training is St Vincent’s University Hospital. She has developed an interest in education and training at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, and is especially interested in protecting trainee health and wellbeing. 

Dr Caoimhe Ryan is currently a first-year Nephrology Trainee in University Hospital Waterford. She graduated from Trinity College in 2020 and completed her internship in the Mater Hospital and Temple Street. She subsequently spent two years in Australia and then returned to the Mater Hospital to complete her BST.

Caoimhe has a strong passion for medical education and is committed to improving learning opportunities for NCHDs. Now in her second year on the committee, she continues to advocate for better, more accessible education for trainees and is dedicated to creating a more supportive training environment.

Dr. Saja Al Hawal is a Saudi Pediatric Emergency Medicine international Fellow at the RCPI. She is a dedicated pediatrician with a strong background in pediatric emergency medicine. Dr. Saja has held multiple leadership roles and is actively involved in pediatric research, international conferences, and quality improvement projects. 

As an international trainee representative, Dr. Saja contributes to the development of training programs, advocates for trainee wellbeing, and supports international colleagues across diverse educational pathways.

She aims to foster an inclusive and innovative training environment that promotes both professional and personal growth. 

Dr Christine Condon is a second year Geriatric Medicine Trainee. A graduate of the University of Galway in 2017, she has earned her MRCPI in General Medicine. She previously held the position of BST GIM Trainee Representative for 2022/2023. Furthermore she is co-host of the MRCPI Bedside podcast.

Dr Niamh Beirne is a Specialist Registrar in Paediatrics. She has a background in law and is currently completing a Master’s in Clinical Education through the University of Edinburgh. Her recent academic work explores the educational needs and real-world preparedness of trainees, aiming to enhance both learning and patient care. As part of the Trainees Committee, she is committed to working collaboratively to improve the quality, safety, and sustainability of paediatric training.

Dr Sarah Kenny is a fourth-year Specialist Registrar in Clinical Microbiology, currently based at St. James’s Hospital, Dublin. She holds both the FRCPath and MRCPI qualifications. Dr. Kenny graduated from the University of Galway in 2016 and completed her Basic Specialist Training in Medicine at St. James’s Hospital in 2021.

Dr Aoife O'Connell is a fourth-year trainee on the SpR scheme in Public Health Medicine.

She studied Medicine in University College Dublin and completed specialist training in General Practice on the Mid-West Scheme in 2005. She has a Masters in Public Health from University College Cork.

Dr O'Connell's prior experience includes twelve years as a practising General Practitioner in Limerick City, work in Community Health and diverse experience in medical education, teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students. More recently, she has worked in both Regional Departments of Public Health and Specialty sites, including the Mid-West Department of Public Health, the National Cancer Control Programme, and the National Screening Service.

Dr Alexandra Boyd Crotty is currently in second year BST at the Mater Hospital. She graduated from Trinity College in 2020 and spent some time in Australia afterwards.

Dr Tommy Harty is currently in his second year of Basic Specialist in Obstetric and Gynaecology in Cork University Maternity Hospital. He graduated from University College Cork in 2020 and following his intern year spent three years working in obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia and New Zealand. 

Tommy has a keen interest in education and has earned a Diploma with RANZCOG and is currently undertaking a MSc in Healthcare Professional's Education in UCC.

Dr Mirza Aun Muhammad Baig is currently an RCPI Paediatrics BST year 2 trainee. He graduated summa cum laude as the Valedictorian of his Medical school in 2018. He became a Member of the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland in 2022 & completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Education from EduQual UK in 2023. In 2024, he was awarded the Membership of the College of Physicians of Ireland in Paediatrics.

Dr Baig has served as the Lead of Education & Training for Train Us For Ireland (TUFI) / Irish Society of International Doctors (ISID) and held the position of Director of Teaching & Training for the Association of Irish Pakistani Physicians and Surgeons (AIPPS).

He is a certified Trainer in Clinical Audit with the HSE National Centre for Clinical Audit, and a Trainer in Open Disclosure with the HSE National Open Disclosure Office.

Dr Baig was named Clinical Audit Professional of the Year 2023 by the Clinical Audit Support Centre UK and is a Keynote Speaker on topics of Leadership & Psychological Safety in Clinical Audit.

Dr Catherine Stacey is a second year Histopathology Basic Specialist Trainee, currently based at the Mater Hospital. She holds a B.A. in Biochemistry, M.Sc in Regenerative Medicine and graduated with an honours medical degree from Trinity College Dublin in 2020. She completed the academic track intern year in St. James's Hospital and worked in clinical medicine, before beginning her career in Histopathology. 

Dr Róisín Cleary is a second year Basic Specialist Trainee in medicine and is currently working in Cork. She graduated from University College Dublin in 2020. On completion of her internship in the Mater Hospital, she worked in various medical specialties within the Australian healthcare system for 2 years.