St. Vincent’s University Hospital Applauds Clinical Specialist Susie Downes on International Recognition at the 7th International Tracheostomy Symposium

14th November 2023

St. Vincent’s University Hospital is delighted to announce the exceptional achievements of Susie Downes, Clinical Specialist Speech & Language Therapist, at the prestigious 7th International Tracheostomy Symposium held at Johns Hopkins University & Hospital in Baltimore, USA, in October 2023.

Susie’s exemplary expertise and unwavering dedication were prominently showcased as she presented two oral presentations along with scientific posters, contributing significantly to the symposium’s discussions on the global stage. The event, hosted at Johns Hopkins, a world-class institution, provided an unparalleled platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The pinnacle of Susie’s success was being awarded the 1st prize for her outstanding oral presentation and scientific poster. This recognition on an international platform underscores Susie’s commitment to advancing the field of Speech & Language Therapy.

Fionnuala Duffy, Speech & Language Therapist Manager and Head of Health & Social Care Professions at SVUH, expressed her heartfelt congratulations, saying, “Susie’s achievements reflect the dedication and innovation we strive for at St. Vincent’s University Hospital. Her success at the 7th International Tracheostomy Symposium not only showcases her individual brilliance but also highlights the collaborative spirit of our healthcare professionals. We are immensely proud of Susie and the Speech and Language Therapy and ICU multidisciplinary teams for their contributions to advancing patient care.”

This remarkable achievement is a testament not only to Susie’s individual prowess but also to the collaborative efforts of an exceptional multidisciplinary team at St. Vincent’s University Hospital. Special acknowledgment is extended to Anna Joyce, Clinical Specialist Speech & Language Therapist, Mary O’Sullivan, Senior Pharmacist, and Dr Patrick O’Sullivan, Consultant Intensivist, whose dedication and teamwork over the past two years culminated in the success of the MDT project presented at the symposium.

St. Vincent’s University Hospital commends Susie and her team for their exemplary work, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to excellence in healthcare. These achievements highlight the impactful contributions made by the hospital’s professionals to the broader field of Speech & Language Therapy.

For further information, please contact | jcotter@svhg.ie