Bet you didn’t know…

People are not as aware of great Irish doctors as those in Europe or America. But if they knew, they would be surprised. In the nineteenth century, Ireland’s sons brought about new teaching techniques and great inventions that would be commemorated by the world.

One of the most famous surgeons from Ireland is Dr. Robert James Graves. He removed the Edinburgh system of teaching, an archaic approach based on instructions only; and insisted, “…. that Students must examine patients for themselves under the guidance of their teachers, they must make suggestions as to diagnosis, morbid anatomy and treatment to their teacher who will discuss the cases with them” (Great doctors of the nineteenth century by Sir William Hale-White). Through the nineteenth century, Dr. Graves was credited as introducing this method of teaching into Ireland. Within 20 years of his advocacy, his techniques became required material. (As we mentioned in earlier posts, Dr. Graves also invented the seconds hand on your watch).

Then there was Dr. Robert Collis, he pioneered the technique of feeding premature infants via a tube inserted at the nose. Before Dr. Collis’ technique was put forth and proposed, premature infants were always spoon fed and they almost always did not survive. Dr. Collis’ technique ensured that there was at least an 85 per cent chance of survival for premature infants.

Did you ever wonder where the hypodemic injection came from? In 1845 Dr. Francis Rynd invented the first hollow needle and used it to administer drugs directly into a vien. So, each time you have to give an injection yourself, remember Dr. Rynd. He worked in Dublin’s Meath Hospital catering to the needs of poor patients. At the time his salary was 100 Irish pounds per annum. A paltry sum when compared to doctors who had their own practices.

Lastly, but not least, Dr. Vincent Barry, although a Chemist, was summoned to work with the doctors to synthesize compounds for medicines. He and his team of nine scientists synthesized a compound called B663 (Clofazimine) that proved effective against Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium that causes leprosy. Clofazimine is one of three components in multidrug therapy (MDT), used today to treat patients with leprosy.

We have only introduced you to a few physicians. There are more. Their legacy in teaching techniques and inventions are still very much alive in Irish medical schools today. Students entering Ireland to study medical sciences or pharmacology today will be able to follow in their footsteps. Each one of these doctors had passion and a desire to alleviate suffering. And every one made a big difference in this world.

Irish doctors are still researching and making break through discoveries today. Some have found different ways of clearing blocked arteries; and still others are inventing different styled stethescopes for more effective detection. Bet there are others who are on the brink of discovery, and you may well be one of the….

Amazing, isn’t it?

Reference articles

http://www.ilep.org.uk/news-events/article/view/centenary-of-birth-of-vincent-barry-091208/302/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Collis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_Mosse

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2388172/pdf/annrcse00838-0035.pdf

http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/Top-10-surprising-Irish-inventions-92890604.html?page=1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Wilde

http://our-ireland.com/dr-francis-rynd-irish-inventor-of-the-hypodermic-needle-and-syringe/