Surgery

Welcome to the Discipline of Surgery

Welcome by Head of Discipline to the Discipline of Surgery at University of Galway. I am delighted to introduce you to a Department that sits at the heart of one of Ireland's most dynamic and forward-thinking Medical Schools. Surgery has always been a discipline defined by precision, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of better outcomes for patients. Here at University of Galway, those values underpin everything we do - from the lecture theatre and the simulation laboratory to the operating room and the research bench.

Our mission is straightforward: to train the next generation of skilled, compassionate, and reflective Surgeons, while simultaneously advancing the scientific understanding of surgical disease. We are committed to excellence in undergraduate and postgraduate education, to conducting research that genuinely changes clinical practice, and to fostering a culture where curiosity and collaboration are actively encouraged.

We are proud of the breadth and quality of our Academic and Clinical Faculty, whose expertise spans breast, endocrine, plastic and reconstructive surgery, urology, vascular, orthopaedic and general surgery, among many other specialties. We work in close partnership with our wide Hospital Network, ensuring that students and trainees benefit from a truly integrated academic-clinical environment.

Whether you are a prospective student exploring your options, a trainee Surgeon seeking a research opportunity, or a colleague interested in collaboration, I hope you will find much to interest and inspire you here.

We look forward to welcoming you!

About Us

The Discipline of Surgery at University of Galway is a vibrant academic community dedicated to advancing surgical education, research, and clinical practice. Based within the School of Medicine and closely integrated with the wide regional hospital network, we bring together Clinicians, Researchers, and Educators with expertise spanning breast, endocrine, plastic and reconstructive surgery, urology, vascular, orthopaedic and general surgery.

Our core purpose is threefold: to deliver outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate surgical education; to conduct research that meaningfully improves patient outcomes; and to train Surgeons who are technically proficient, academically rigorous, and patient-centred in their approach.

What sets us apart is the seamless connection between our academic and clinical environments. Students and trainees benefit from direct exposure to active research programmes, including translational studies, investigator-led clinical trials and evidence synthesis alongside a rich and varied clinical experience across multiple hospital sites.

We are guided by values of excellence, integrity, collaboration, and innovation. We believe that the best surgical care grows from a culture where education and research are inseparable from clinical practice.

Whether you are a medical student, a surgical trainee, a prospective research collaborator, or a patient seeking information, you will find a team that is approachable, committed, and genuinely invested in making surgery better - for patients, for trainees, and for the profession as a whole.

We welcome your interest and look forward to engaging with you.

Contact Information

Head of Discipline: Prof. Stewart Walsh

For general enquiries, please contact our administrative office:

Discipline Administrator: Grace Clarke
Email: surgery@universityofgalway.ie
Phone: 091 54 4203
Office Location if applicable: Lambe Institute for Translational Research, University of Galway, Newcastle Road, Galway, Ireland