The latest developments in clinical practice and patient care were explored at the Institute of Medicine’s Autumn Symposium held on Thursday, 17 September 2026. The symposium brought together experts from across internal medicine, both in person and online, and featured specialist-led discussions and updates, alongside case-based learning across general internal medicine.
The programme covered a broad range of topics including clinical pharmacology, advanced respiratory monitoring, gastroenterology, acute medicine, palliative care, genitourinary medicine and endocrinology, highlighting the breadth of expertise across the Institute of Medicine.
In his gastroenterology update, Professor Garret Cullen explored how the specialty continues to evolve with developments in artificial intelligence, endoscopy and treatments for inflammatory bowel disease. He also emphasised the continuing importance of fundamental clinical skills and simple investigations including careful history-taking, blood tests, stool samples and abdominal X-rays alongside newer technologies.
The acute medicine session examined how services are responding to increasing demand for unscheduled care. Dr Vicky Price discussed the benefits of acute medical units and enhanced care, including reduced morbidity, shorter hospital stays, fewer readmissions and increased patient satisfaction. She also highlighted pragmatism as an important skill in acute medicine and the importance of understanding what matters to patients when making decisions about their care.
Dr Catherine McGorrian explored the growing pressures created by unscheduled care, while Dr Rachel Sutherland considered the distinction between what clinicians could do and what they should do for patients.
The afternoon programme continued with case presentations in palliative medicine, genitourinary medicine and endocrinology before the symposium’s final session, the Bryan Alton Medal Lecture.
Introducing the lecture, Prof. Edward McKone, Dean of the Institute of Medicine, highlighted the significance of the Bryan Alton Medal which recognises physicians who have made a significant contribution to clinical and academic medicine. This year’s medal was awarded to Professor John Crown, Consultant Medical Oncologist at St Vincent’s Medical Group. Professor McKone described Professor Crown as a colleague who had “contributed immensely to the advances in oncology, particularly in Ireland, and specifically in breast cancer oncology.”
Professor Crown delivered the lecture, Bridging the Gap - How Translational Research is Improving Breast Cancer Outcomes, exploring the evolution of breast cancer treatment and the role of translational research in turning scientific discoveries into advances in patient care.
Reflecting on the significance of the award, Professor Crown said: “I cannot tell you how deeply honoured I am to have this award.”
His lecture traced developments in breast cancer treatment from surgery, endocrine therapy and chemotherapy through to targeted therapies and immunotherapy, drawing on his own experience of clinical trials and translational cancer research in Ireland and internationally.
Speaking about the impact of research on breast cancer outcomes, Professor Crown said: “So cancer research works. It's worked very, very well.”
Reflecting on the symposium, Prof. McKone highlighted the breadth of expertise and commitment within internal medicine and the importance of continued collaboration, learning and innovation in improving patient care.
Image gallery
View a selection of images from the Institute of Medicine Autumn Symposium