Dr. Aaron Brennan
Following graduation from medicine at NUI Galway in 1998, I spent several successful years working and learning in a variety of subspecialties in hospital medicine, in Ireland and abroad. These included Neurology, Cardiology, Respiratory, Endocrinology, Elderly Medicine, Renal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Rheumatology and Palliative Care.
During this time, it became clear to me that my greatest interest lay not in focus on one specialty or organ system, but rather throughout the vast breadth of medical practice, and in the great daily challenges, joys and sorrows of working with individual patients. This prompted me to pursue specialist training in General Practice.
Following the completion of my specialist training in General Practice in the West of Ireland, I spent several years working in practices in counties Galway and Dublin before returning to Galway City and setting-up Galway East Medical Practice with my colleagues Dr Morris and Dr Faherty.
Apart from my clinical role at Galway East Medical Practice, I also have an ongoing role on the Programme Directing team of the Ballinasloe Specialist Training Scheme in General Practice, helping to train the GPs of the future and allowing me to continue my passion for lifelong learning and teaching. I have also been recently appointed as a Trainer with the Western GP Training Scheme, helping to mentor GPs in Training here at Galway East Medical Practice.
My goal is to bring the best bits of this wide experience and these varied practices to Galway East Medical Practice with me, to provide care for people and families rather than illnesses and diseases, and to become an integral and active part of the local community.
When I'm not working....
Throughout my life and career, I have been fascinated by travel, new languages, foods and cultures. I have been incredibly lucky in that my career in medicine has allowed me to work throughout Ireland, Australia and Africa. Thankfully my wife shares this passion and although our travel itineraries may have changed in recent years - from back-packing across South America to European city-breaks with our daughters - we seem to have passed on our love of travel to our girls. I also enjoy cycling, soccer, film and world cinema.
Academics
Bachelor of Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics (MB BCh BAO Hons) NUI Galway 1998
Diploma in Obstetrics and Women's Health (DOWH) 2006
Diploma in Child Health (DCH) 2007
Certificate in Advanced Osteoporosis Training 2009
Diploma in Travel Medicine 2010
Affilations
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland (MRCPI)
Membership of the Irish College of General Practitioners (MICGP)
Membership of the National Association of Programme Directors (NAPD)
Registration
Specialist Registration with the Irish Medical Council MCRN 022618
Areas of Special Interest
Given my background in general internal medicine and Membership of the Royal College of Physicians I have particular interest in chronic disease management e.g. hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, asthma, COPD etc. and multi-morbidity i.e. people with multiple ongoing medical diagnoses and often under the care of multiple specialist doctors.
Having spent over a year in Neurology prior to GP training and also as a migraine sufferer myself, I have a special interest in migraine treatment and prophylaxis. Unfortunately, as I know from personal experience, migraine treatments do not respond to a "one medication suits all" approach - I am keen to work with patients to find treatment that can work for them.
Having also spent a prolonged period working in Rheumatology, I have a keen interest in both inflammatory and degenerative (osteo-) arthritis. I have undertaken advanced training in osteoporosis with the International Osteoporosis Foundation in 2009 and am passionate about Bone Health. I also have extensive experience in joint examination and intra-articular injection techniques for joints such as the shoulder, knee, trigger finger, Trochanteric bursitis and others.
Dr Aileen Faherty
To date, my career in medicine has afforded an exciting and diverse career path both here in Ireland and abroad. In 2003, I completed my undergraduate training in NUI Galway with an honours degree. Following my internship, I spent a year in emergency medicine in a busy Emergency Department outside sunny Brisbane, Australia. Here, I experienced a wide range of medical care and conditions and realised the complexity and variety of care offered through general practice appealed the most.
On my return from Australia, I worked as a non- consultant Hospital Doctor in Galway University Hospital and Merlin Park Hospital gaining experience in many hospital specialities including Renal Medicine, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Haematology/Oncology. In 2006, I secured a place on the Mid-Western GP Training program in Limerick. In 2010, I completed my specialist training and became a member of the Irish College of General Practitioners. I spent three years practicing in Kildare and before returning home to Galway and I have been practicing in the city since 2013.
I believe integrating clinical practice and education is one of the most effective ways to ensure our practice maintains the highest possible standards in healthcare. It allows us to keep abreast of the latest medical development in medical education and healthcare research. With this in mind, I balance my career between clinical practice at Galway East Medical Practice and lecturing with the department of General Practice, in NUI Galway. Working as a lecturer in the medical school at NUIG has been an excellent opportunity for me to keep abreast of medical developments while being involved in health-related research and we are pleased to be a practice that regularly participates in research studies. In addition to working at the practice and lecturing at NUIG I also do sessional work with the Galway Family Planning Clinic.
My goal is to bring excellent, efficient, evidence-based healthcare to the people of Galway, while maintaining a friendly, accessible and approachable relationship with our local community.
When I'm not working....
I enjoy being in the outdoors, dabbling in interior design and sometimes the odd table quiz! I love nothing more than living and holidaying by the sea. Whether it’s walking my dog on the prom or taking a dip at Blackrock, I love living in my hometown, Galway. Open water swimming has become a real passion of mine in recent years. I am hoping to expand on this and do my first triathlon soon! When I am not in Galway I love to travel, so far making it to 28 countries (and counting!).
Academics and Qualifications
Masters in Health Science (Clinical education) 2017
Bachelor of Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics (MB BCh BAO Hons) NUI Galway 2003
Certificate in Contraception 2018
Methadone Level One Training (ICGP), 2010
Diploma in Psychiatry 2007
Diploma in Child Health 2008
Affilations
Membership of the Irish College of General Practitioners (MICGP)
Irish Medical Organisation
Publications
- Hayes M, Faherty A, Hannon D. Delayed prescriptions: Attitudes and experiences of General Practitioners in the Midwest. Irish medical journal. 2013 Jun 1.
- Faherty A. Getting to grips with antibiotic over-prescribing. Forum. 2014
- Lydon S, Cupples ME, Hart N, Murphy AW, Faherty A, O’Connor P. The safety climate in primary care (SAP-C) study: study protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility study. Pilot and Feasibility Studies. 2016 Sep 16;2(1):56.
Registration
Specialist Registration with the Irish Medical Council MCRN 180500
Areas of Special Interest
I do sessional work with the Galway Family Planning Clinic and have an interest in women’s health, contraception and sexual health. I have lectured in paediatrics and have a special interest in children’s health. Management of diabetes and dermatology are other areas of medicine I also enjoy practicing.
Dr John Morris
I hope to continue the work I have been doing in Galway as a GP over the past 12 years, listening to, caring for, diagnosing and treating patients in an empathetic and compassionate way. I will work with my partners, our nursing and administrative staff to ensure the delivery of the highest quality medical care both in prevention and treatment of disease. I look at illness in the biological, psychological and social context in which it exists, and I am passionate about equality in medical care.
Work has taken me to some of the most interesting and desolate places on Earth. I have worked with overseas aid agencies MSF, CRUDEM and Haven in places like Haiti and Chad. I spent time with VSA in the Philippines. I worked on 2 occasions with WHO in Geneva, with the Outbreak Response Team in 2001 as an intern and with the Meningitis team in 2008.
Most recently I have been appointed by Minister Simon Harris TD., as a Non-Executive Director of Saolta Healthcare Group. In this role I represent the interests of general practice, community-based healthcare and our patients, in their relationship with the acute hospital sector.
When I'm not working....
My wife and my beautiful daughters are the centre of my life. They bring me joy and happiness every day. I love sports and have played many over the years. I golf when I can. I find it an oasis of calm in a busy life. I have run marathons, competed in triathlons, played GAA and soccer over the years. I have a keen interest in politics and am a Past President of the Irish Medical Organisation (2009). I like to read biographies, novels and a little philosophy. I listen to music and play a little.
Academics
Cochrane Research Fellowship Holder 2012-14
Master’s in Public Health (MPH), University College Dublin 2014
Bachelor of Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics (MB BCh BAO), NUI Galway 2003
Affiliations
Non-Executive Director of Saolta Healthcare Group 2018-present
Irish Medical Organisation – Past President 2009-10
European Junior Doctors – Chairman of the EU/EEA Subcommittee 2009-11
Cochrane Collaboration – author (current)
Member of the Irish College of General Practitioners (MICGP)
Member of the International Society of Travel Medicine
Publications
- Morris JS, Glynn LG, Murphy AW, Fahey T, Smyth M, Tummon O. Organisational interventions for improving control of blood pressure in individuals with hypertension (Protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD011500. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011500.
- ‘Life in the field’ a series of articles published in the Irish Times. www.irishtimes.com
- ‘Back from the extremities of life’; February 28th, 2012
- ‘A death sentence that changes nothing’; Irish Times, July 5th 2011
- ‘Security is tough, but worth it’; May 10th, 2011
- ‘Nobody died today and that itself is a reward’; March 22nd, 2011
- Guiding principles for international outbreak alert and response (WHO/GOARN) 2001. www.who.int
- SIDS – clinical update. Medicine Weekly, September 2007.
- Multiple print interviews and opinion publications relating to IMO work.
- Final report of the National Implementation Group for the European Working Time Directive, December 2008. http://www.dohc.ie/publications/european_working_time_directive.html
- Position paper on patient’s rights in cross-border healthcare, PWG, Lisbon 2010. www.juniordoctors.eu
- IMO position paper on health inequalities a. http://www.imo.ie/policy-international-affair/research-policy/imo-position-papers/imo- position-paper-on-uni/
- IMO/BMA position paper on Obesity in Europe a. http://www.imo.ie/policy-international-affair/research-policy/imo-position-papers/obesity- in-europe-a-joint/
- IMO policy paper on Mental Health Coverage a. http://www.imo.ie/policy-international-affair/research-policy/imo-position-papers/imo- policy-paper-on-menta/
Registration
Specialist Registration with the Irish Medical Council MCRN 181593
Areas of Special Interest
Heart disease and stroke prevention and management
My master’s thesis was based around heart disease and stroke risk factors in the general Irish population. I am very keen to establish prevention programs that tackle these risk factors through a combination of lifestyle changes and medical advances. I am also conducting international research on non-drug treatments for the management of high blood pressure.
Mental Health
I take a very practical approach to mental health and by working with the patient, together we can determine the right path to their best mental health. Most importantly, I listen to my patients and it is often through this that we find the solutions.
Vaccines
With my experience with aid agencies, my Masters degree in Public Health, my work with WHO and my experience as a GP over the past number of years, I try to stay right up to date with all of the latest vaccination research and policies.
Travel Medicine
I have been working in the Tropical Medical Bureau for the past 5 years and am a member of the International Society of Travel Medicine.
Please link each speciality to relevant areas of the website
Connect
T: @DrJSMorris
L: linkedin.com/in/john-morris-18679637
Dr Aisling Hillick
On graduating from Queens University of Belfast in 2003 I worked in a number of specialities in medicine before spending some time specialising in Nephrology in Ireland. I loved working with patients who had long term renal conditions and building up a rapport and relationship over time. Following my time in nephrology I worked for a year in the emergency department. I enjoyed the unpredictability, seeing patients with differing conditions and managing patients with acute illnesses. General practice was a natural progression as it involves all what I loved about my years in the hospital.
I completed my specialist training in General Practice in the Western GP training scheme in 2014.
I worked for several years in Galway City and County Galway and began working with Galway East Medical Practice in October 2018.
During my time on the scheme I completed a module in medical education. Over the years I have been involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and exams. I enjoy teaching and it enables me to keep up to date with medical education and research. I am delighted to be able to continue this in Galway East Medical Practice.
One of my main passions is women’s health. I am fully trained in Coil and Implanon insertion and certified with Irish Family Planning Association. I have an interest in all areas from contraception to fertility to menopause. As relevant in all aspects of medicine I take a holistic approach in women’s health and in addition to the disease itself I address the psychological and social aspect.
Academics
Bachelor of Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics (MB BCh BAO) Queens University of Belfast 2003
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians UK 2006
Membership of the Irish College of Physicans 2014
LARC Certified 2014
Family Planning Certificate 2014
Fellowship in Academic GP with the Department of GP NUIG (2013 – 2014)
Module in Postgraduate clinical teaching methodologies – NUIG 2014
I have a number of publications and presentations in areas of nephrology, psychiatry and general practice.
Areas of Special Interest
I have a wide range of special interest and experience in treating conditions affecting people of all ages.
Women’s Health
As mentioned above I have a passion for women’s health including areas such as Family planning, fertility and Menopause.
Child Health
I have extensive experience in child health in areas such as, vaccination and prevention of disease, feeding issues in infants and acute illness of childhood.
General Medicine and Care of the Elderly
Having spent many years in medicine I am keen to continue to treat acute illness and prevent chronic illness. This would include areas such as, asthma, heart disease and kidney disease.
Emergency Medicine & Minor Injuries
Following on from experience in the emergency department I continue to treat acute medical and surgical Illnesses and minor injuries.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and I teach Irish dancing in Galway city and county. I have adjudicated throughout the world and adjudicated the prestigious World Championships in 2019.
Nurse Ursula Czarnecka
Ursula Czarnecka is a Practice Nurse with over 20 years of professional experience in practice nursing, emergency medicine and intensive care/anaesthetics. She held a position of Clinical Educator and IT System Administrator for many years; serving patients & fellow nurses with good advice and expertise in different areas of medicine.
Ursula is working relentlessly with people of East Galway to provide basic nursing care, as well as influence their lives, empower people to make better choices and promote healthy habits.
Passionate about education and health promotion, she is hoping to support every person/patient in building their better future and DECIDE to change for good, because every Day is a New Day!
Our Reception Team Maureen and Dee
Our Practice Management & Medical Secretary team headed by Maureen O’Reilly & Dee Tierney are available to deal with your phone queries on all matters and will liase with the GPs on your behalf.
Maureen and Dee have been with us since opening the practice in early 2017 and have played a significant part in helping to develop the practice and the efficiency of services available to patients.
Maureen & Dee expertly look after our patients’ queries and appointment requests by phone and at the reception desk. They provide administrative and secretarial support to the doctors, liaising with healthcare professionals, hospitals, HSE PCRS services to ensure an up to date & efficient clinic.