International Women’s Day 2025
To celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th, we are shining a light on some of the incredible women who contribute to the College of Anaesthesiologists in a variety of ways.
Dr Deirdre McCoy
Honorary Secretary, Vice President, CAI
My responsibility as Honorary Secretary is to assure on behalf of CAI Council, proper governance, efficient administration and compliance with statutory, regulatory and legal obligations. My duties comprise preparation for council meetings, taking minutes and ensuring that decisions and actions on issues that have been discussed are accurately recorded so that meetings are as effective as possible. My role is to assist the CAI President with timetable planning, agenda drafting and timely circulation of relevant papers in advance of meetings. I also play a support role in setting up and facilitating the CAI annual general meeting, extraordinary general meeting(s) as required and I attend other CAI committee meetings as necessary.
Additionally as Honorary Secretary my duties include maintenance of the register of council members, their terms of office, efficient and timely notice of and execution of council elections in accordance with CAI standing orders and CAI constitution, and assurance that council members are aware of requirements to comply with relevant codes of conduct.
I could really be described as a coordinator within CAI, working with council, committees and with the secretariat to ensure that the college fulfills its primary commitment to patient care by pursuing excellence in training and education.
I am indebted in this role for the support of the CAI secretariat in particular Ms Margaret Jenkinson COO, whose wise counsel I frequently seek and to Ms Orna McSorley on whom I rely for her many skills, chief among which is her IT wizardry.
The principal requirement for me as Vice President is to support and assist the President in all CAI activities and events during his term of office and in that regard I work closely with the CAI secretariat and CAI CEO Mr Martin Mc Cormack.
While acknowledging the serious nature of both roles, as I approach the end of my term as CAI Honorary Secretary and Vice President, I can attest to the serendipitous privilege of having been elected to CAI Council, to have enjoyed the opportunity of serving the college, our community of fellows and trainees in Anaesthesiology, intensive care medicine and pain medicine, to have been involved in the evolution of CAI examinations, and to have contributed to airway and simulation training and patient safety initiatives over many years.
McCoy DM, March 2025
Orna McSorley
Executive Administrator, CAI
On this International Women’s Day, I reflect on my journey as an Executive Administrator at the College of Anaesthesiologists.
When I joined CAI in April 2023, I was welcomed into a supportive and inclusive environment where my contributions are valued, and my potential is nurtured.
The College’s leadership truly understands the importance of fostering a culture that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and growth and I was delighted to be involved in our efforts in achieving the Silver in Diversity Award from the Irish Centre for Diversity last year.
As a woman in a leadership role, I’m particularly grateful for the emphasis placed on supporting my professional development in a way that is both empowering and motivating. At the College of Anaesthesiologists, teamwork and collaboration are at the heart of what we do.
As an Executive Administrator, I have the opportunity to work closely with a diverse group of professionals most of whom are woman, who are passionate about advancing the field of Anaesthesia. Whether collaborating with medical experts, administrators, or senior leadership, I am always encouraged to bring my perspective to the table.
When I am not working, I am a huge music fan and love going to concerts. I have a deep appreciation for the arts and have been fortunate to perform in numerous musicals and plays over the years.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I am proud to work in an organisation that not only values the contributions of women but actively works to create an environment where women can flourish. The College of Anaesthesiologists has given me the tools, guidance, and opportunities to grow, and I am grateful for the continual support I receive every day. I want to thank all the staff at CAI but in particular all the incredible woman that I have had the pleasure to work with.
Orna McSorley, March 2025
Prof Maya Contreras
Director of Simulation, CAI
I am privileged to serve as the Director of Simulation Training at the CAI, where we run a well-established programme that has evolved over the past 15 years.
Through immersive simulation and evidence-based learning, we empower trainees to deliver safe, patient-centred anaesthesia care while promoting a culture of innovation, diversity, and continuous improvement. Most importantly, I am incredibly proud to be part of our exceptional faculty and simulation staff, whose dedication to medical education has sustained and advanced our simulation training programme over the years. My journey as an Anaesthesiologist has been marked by both challenges and opportunities.
I earned my medical degree from Semmelweis University and began my Anaesthesia and Intensive Care residency in Hungary.
After moving to Ireland, I completed the specialist training at the CAI and a PhD programme at NUI, Galway. Ireland has played an important role in my professional growth, connecting me with exceptional mentors who inspired my transition to simulation-based education and led me to pursue fellowships in Ireland and Canada before becoming a Consultant Anaesthesiologist at University Hospital Galway.
Since returning, my focus has been to develop a vibrant simulation programme and community that brings together our talented people.
I firmly believe in the transformative power of education that is inclusive, diverse, and inspiring – values that lie at the heart of our College.
Recently, my interest has shifted to Organizational Psychology – a fascinating field that explores how organizations function and how simulation can be leveraged to drive cultural change, enhancing safety for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Beyond my professional life, I value the cultural tolerance and education from my Chilean-Hungarian upbringing in Budapest.
This background nurtures my love for reading – particularly books on philosophy, psychology, culture, and art. I also find joy in listening to classical music, watching a good movie, and spending time in nature.
It is a privilege to celebrate International Women’s Day. Each of us carries a unique story, and it is through sharing these experiences that we inspire others and pave the way for future generations!
Maya Contreras, March 2025
Rebeca Williams
Training Team Lead, CAI
I began my journey with the College in 2017 as an Administrator. Over the years, my
role within the Training Department has evolved and expanded. After returning
from maternity leave in November 2024, I am proud to have stepped into the position of Team Lead for the Training Department. I am fortunate to be part of an organization that has not only supported my professional growth but has actively provided opportunities for advancement. This ongoing support has enabled me to take on greater responsibilities and I hope; contribute meaningfully to the College’s mission.
In my current role, I work closely with the Directors of Training and Training manager with trainee hospital rotations, supporting the Chair of the Wellbeing, Health, and Resilience Committee, and acting as Team lead for the department. Additionally, I oversee the SAT 6 Academic and Leadership Programme module.
While my personal hobbies have shifted slightly—currently revolving around reading children’s books and playing football in the garden—I am committed to creating a positive, empowering work environment that encourages professional development.
I am grateful to work alongside inspiring women who are leaders in their respective fields and setting examples of excellence. Their success motivates me, and I seek to learn from them at every opportunity.
Rebeca Williams, March 2025
Dr Amy Donnelly
Co- Director of Training, CAI
I commenced my role as Co-Director of Training with the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland in January. This involves working as part of the team in the Training Department and the College as a whole to coordinate, deliver and develop the Specialist Anaesthesiology Training Program in Ireland.
Some ongoing projects I am involved in include the developing a learning management system, and examining methods of introducing recognition of prior learning. I am currently the SOE1 lead for the FCAI examination, as well as being a co-opted member of the Faculty of Pain Medicine.
Outside of work, I prioritise my busy family life, although returning to playing basketball with Meteors basketball club has certainly helped me achieve a balance in life. It helps to have great teammates, both in sport and in work.
Dr Amy Donnelly, March 2025
Dr Jenny Porter
Co- Director of Training, CAI
It has been a privilege to join the Training Department at the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland. I have always been interested in teaching and training and how best to achieve this for myself, peers and now the next generation.
In addition to recruitment for the Specialist Anaesthesia Training (SAT) and international scholarship programs, Special Interest Year, planning hospital rotations and curriculum development, there are many opportunities to hear from trainees at progression and exit interviews and hospital inspections. The increasing pace of change across the landscape of Irish healthcare is demanding for all stakeholders and challenges us in the College to empower our Trainees to function optimally in our hospitals.
I was so impressed how the entire College staff came together to meet the major challenge of the rescheduling of 90 interviews for the SAT scheme at 24 hours’ notice, mandated by the imminent arrival of Storm Éowyn. I feel very fortunate to be part of this team.
One of my major interests is classical music. I was lucky enough to start studying piano at the age of five and flute a few years later at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. I had wonderful teachers including Rhona Marshall, John O’ Conor and Réamonn Keary. Many opportunities followed for scholarships, competitions, international Master Classes and solo recitals. I have really enjoyed giving piano recitals to fundraise for medical charities, one of which raised over €20,000 for the College Malawi project.
I play the piano and the flute whenever I can, and contribute to the Creative Life program in St James’s Hospital and to liturgical music in Donnybrook parish.
Dr Jenny Porter, March 2025