This one day conference will incorporate key opinion leaders focusing on the areas of diet (Prof Donal O’Shea – The Power of Fat), exercise (Dr Louise Larkin – Physical Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis) and work (Ms Yvonne Codd – Addressing Employment Participation in Inflammatory Arthritis) (Ms Grainne O’Leary – Facing Arthritis Together) as well as three patient case study presentations by members of the multidisciplinary team from Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services and the patient offering their personal experience.

With an interactive, case-based format there will be an opportunity for insightful audience participation and the building of enhanced awareness into patient care.

Conference Programme

Speakers

Prof. Donal O’Shea
Prof. O’Shea is a consultant endocrinologist and physician based in St Vincent’s University Hospital and St Columcille’s Hospital.  He is the principle investigator in a research group that currently focuses on the study of the health consequences of obesity. Dr O’Shea qualified from University College Dublin in 1989. He moved to Hammersmith Hospital in London and worked as a Registrar in General Medicine, Cardiology and Endocrinology before being appointed as Senior Registrar in the Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology. In 1996, he was appointed to the post of Consultant Physician/Senior Lecturer in Diabetes and Endocrinology at Charing Cross Hospital, UK. In 1999, he moved to his current position in St Vincent’s University Hospital.

Dr. Louise Larkin
Dr. Larkin completed her MSc (Research and Thesis) and PhD at the Department of Clinical Therapies, University of Limerick in the area of physical activity and behaviour change in inflammatory arthritis. Dr. Larkin’s primary research interests are in the fields of physical activity and behaviour change in the primary care setting.  She has clinical experience in both the public and private sectors in Ireland, having worked in the areas of musculoskeletal, neurology, rheumatology and gerontology.

Ms Grainne O’Leary
Gráinne O’Leary is Acting CEO and Head of Services in Arthritis Ireland.  Over the past 13 years she has developed, lead and implemented an ambitious services programme for people living with arthritis and supporting infrastructure for service delivery, including the Stanford University Self-Management Programme to over 5,000 people.  She has actively participated in the growth of the organisation and the ongoing development and implementation of its long- term strategy.  Gráinne has built, motivated and managed teams of staff and volunteers to deliver on the strategic goals, objectives and targets of the services.  She is a Stanford University accredited Master Trainer in the Chronic Disease and Arthritis Self-Management Programmes.

Ms. Yvonne Codd
Ms. Codd is a senior occupational therapist in rheumatology at Naas General Hospital and a PhD researcher with Trinity College Dublin. She is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, holding a BSc. and an MSc. in Occupational Therapy. She has worked in Primary Care Paediatric OT and School Support Team roles as well as in Primary Care (adult services). Her research interests include inflammatory arthritis, supporting engagement and participation in employment, social and community roles.

Please click here to view talk from our previous conference.

Continuing Professional Development / Accreditation

• Nurses: Being sought from Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
• Doctors: Being sought from Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI).
• Health and Social Care Professionals: As per relevant body.
• Certificates stating hours of learning will be issued after the event.

DIRECTIONS: For transport and location please visit our Location page