Internship in University of Galway West/North West

Internship in University of Galway West-Northwest

Internship is 12 months consecutive education and training in the first postgraduate year and is made up of four 3-month rotations in a named hospital or GP practice.

All interns in the West-Northwest Intern Training Network rotate through University Hospital Galway. 
 
There are an additional 7 affiliated hospitals in the network and 3 general practices:

• Sligo University Hospital
• Mayo University Hospital
• Portiuncula University Hospital
• Roscommon General Hospital
• Letterkenny University Hospital
• Galway Clinic
• Bon Secours Hospital

Why Choose University of Galway West-Northwest?

Career Opportunities

In the West-Northwest Intern Training Network, the intern training team strives to set you up for career progression in your chosen field, via the facilitation of extra educational workshops (such as point-of-care-ultrasound, advanced airway management and more), research projects and dissemination support, and medical education opportunities.

Academic Track

The West-Northwest Intern Training Network offers eight Academic Track Interns (ATIs) - a unique opportunity to experience life as a clinical academic.

Culture

We pride ourselves on our focus on a culture of learning, support and feedback. 

Further Information

Q: How do I apply for internship in the West-Northwest Intern Training Network?
A: Internship is applied for centrally via the website: https://careerhub.hse.ie/medical-internship/
 
Q: What educational opportunities exist in the West-Northwest Intern Training Network?
A: In the West-Northwest Intern Training Network, we pride ourselves on having a culture of learning. Based on the national intern curriculum, we facilitate an education programme that includes:

• High-Fidelity Simulations: Participate in life-like interprofessional simulations focusing on both clinical scenarios and skills practice in The Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation
• Interactive Case-Based Discussions: Discuss with our clinical tutors discuss what you would do when true-to-life scenarios you may encounter on call are presented to you
• Small-Group Workshops: Learn hands-on skills with our clinical experts, including suturing, casting, point-of-care ultrasound, basic airway management and cultural competency
• Research Workshops: From perfecting your research question to presenting your research findings – we will help you polish your academic skills so you are ready for national and international conference presentations
• Guidance on Clinical Audit and Quality Improvement Projects: We show you the first steps of making your project a reality and let you know who to contact for support with your projects
• Prescribing Sessions: A common point of concern for newly-qualified doctors, our local experts will help you improve your confidence this key clinical skill
• Consultant-Delivered Talks: Local experts across a diverse range of subspecialties are always keen to share their clinical pearls of wisdom with our interns
• Palliative Care Seminar Series: End-of-life care can pose many difficult questions - let our palliative care team support you to provide patient care with compassion and confidence
• University of Galway: As a student of the University of Galway, you have access to its library services and all the benefits a student card affords
• Academic Office: The Galway University Hospitals’ Academic Office hosts academic and research conferences and facilitates careers evenings – you are invited!
• All this, and much more!

Q: How is internship supported in the West-Northwest Intern Training Network? 
A: We support all West-Northwest Intern Training Network interns in a compassionate, respectful, and efficient manner.

• Induction: Our 2-week paid induction prepares you for clinical life. It includes high-fidelity interprofessional simulation and debrief, skills practice sessions, a prescribing workshop, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification, and a hands-on clinical attachment with the team you will join in your first intern post.
• Educational Review Meetings: Our team of lecturers and tutors will meet with you personally to help you set and achieve your educational goals, in line with the National Intern Education and Training Agreement, so that you can successfully complete your internship
• Near-Peer Programmes: You are invited to join near-peer programmes, both with medical students and with postgraduate trainees – enjoy both the satisfaction of guiding your juniors, and the benefits of hearing the experiences of your seniors
• Careers Event: Representatives from the postgraduate schemes meet with you, giving you the opportunity to ask the questions that will help you decide your next steps after internship, and plan how to get there
• CV and Interview Workshops: Our expert guides you through the process of preparing your CV and honing your interview skills, preparing you for a successful career upon completion of your intern year, whichever path you choose to take
• Student Supports Officer: Should any difficulties arise for you during your intern year, the University of Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing, & Health Sciences Student Supports Officer is there to provide a confidential, non-judgmental support and an empathetic space for you to share your concerns

Q: What is the academic track? 
A: Academic Track Internships at the West North-West Intern Network

The West North-West Intern Network offers eight Academic Track Interns (ATIs) a unique opportunity to experience life as a clinical academic. 
  
Structure of the ATI Year

ATIs are based at University Hospital Galway for the full 12‑month internship. During a dedicated 3‑month academic rotation, interns have a blended clinical-academic schedule:

• 3 days per week protected for academic work on their research project 
• 2 days per week in clinical practice in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Radiation Oncology or Radiology

This structure enables ATIs to advance their project work while continuing to gain clinical experience. 
  
Clinical Academic Development

Throughout the rotation, ATIs remain active members of their clinical team.

• Attend all intern teaching 
• Remain on the call rota 
• Meet regularly with the Intern Lecturer who providers guidance on project progress 
• Present at local research workshops, building confidence for their final presentation at the ATI showcase event

This combined approach ensures that West-Northwest ATIs maintain ongoing clinical development while gaining authentic, practical insight into the life and responsibilities of a clinical academic.
 
Q: Who makes up the West-Northwest Intern Team?
A: Our team consists of:

• Dr. Laura Heffernan, Intern Coordinator 
• Ms. Edel Kelly, Intern Operation Manager 
• Dr. Aoife Katie Coughlan, Lecturer in Medical Intern Education
• Dr. Áine de Bhulbh, Lecturer in Medical Intern Education

Testimonials

Carla

As an Australian who moved to Ireland in 2020 and then received an offer to do an internship in the West-North-West Network I had no idea what to expect. It was one of the best experiences I’ve been lucky enough to have during my time in Ireland. The staff at Mayo University Hospital welcomed us as new interns so warmly, tried their best to make our first few weeks less overwhelming, and the community feel at Mayo University Hospital was what made working there a unique experience that I will treasure. A small intern group of just 14, we immediately bonded over the challenges and triumphs our first months of intern year brought. We quickly also made friends with the other NCHDs in the hospital, and there were many regular social events, including nights at the local pub, the Mayo Christmas Ball, surfing trips to the many magical Mayo beaches, and heading out to brunch after night shifts. The hands-on practical experience we received at Mayo University Hospital was one of the highlights of my year, attending arrest calls in the emergency department and being closely involved with senior doctors caring for sick patients. Then we were off to Galway to complete the second half of our Intern year. We soon had 60 new interns to meet and experience living in Galway City with. With a bigger hospital came many new experiences that I loved - scrubbing into surgery, new coffee shop and lunch options, having three other interns to share working nights with, and meeting and making many new friends for life. I commenced my rotations on urology, where I worked in a close team with four other interns. My second rotation in University Hospital Galway on general surgery was a great way to finish off my intern year, working with nine other interns. I loved this rotation, and received the best surgical teaching I’ve had in Ireland thus far. I would highly recommend the West-North-West Intern Programme as a year that is full of unique learning experiences, meeting friends you will have for life, experiencing different clinical environments with different patient populations, and some challenging hands-on experiences that shape you to become a better clinician.

Sibéal

My first 6 months in the West-North-West Intern Programme were spent in Sligo University Hospital and the next 6 months in University Hospital Galway. In Sligo University Hospital is a peripheral hospital, the senior doctors have time to teach and are eager to do so. The majority of procedural skills I performed for the first time were guided by a Senior House Officer or registrar, which built my confidence enormously, knowing I could execute them and execute them safely. I had the opportunity to perform supervised skills often reserved for Senior House Officers, such as stitching and lumbar punctures. For budding surgeons, you can be almost guaranteed time in theatre or in minor-ops if you’re interested. You have a lot of autonomy when on-call as you’ll be the only doctor on the wards, but the NCHD community is close-knit, and it’s easy to text the registrar on-call for advice. The cohort of interns is also small, and you’ll become close quickly. In University Hospital Galway there is a number of interns on call together, which can lighten the load of stressful situations and you’ll always have somebody to bounce your ideas off. In both Sligo and Galway, the tutors attached to Medical School are more than happy to facilitate interns to teach medical students, which is needed when applying for schemes in the future. Relocating teaches you to work well in unfamiliar environments and to adapt to new systems quickly, skills you’ll need for the rest of your career. I feel exceptionally lucky to have worked in both hospitals.

Thomas

The West-North-West Intern programme is an amazing place to develop as a junior doctor. There is an excellent teaching programme where consultants spend an hour leading clinically focused teaching sessions at least twice per week. This covers a comprehensive range of topics, and interns are encouraged to take an active role in directing and driving these teaching sessions based on what they feel would help them the most. In the West-North-West Intern Programme there is a strong ethos of mentorship. Working with senior clinicians who take a personal role in supporting interns is a great opportunity to build firm foundations for a successful clinical career. There is a strong emphasis on research, and interns have many opportunities to do projects ranging from simple audits to complex research projects with their senior colleagues. One of the great features of the West-North-West Intern Network is the diverse range of experiences interns can obtain. Each of the peripheral hospitals offers a unique insight into facilities in different parts of Ireland. Then, in University Hospital Galway, interns are working in a busy and highly specialised tertiary care unit. The highlight of this network though, is the amazing people you work with. The sense of community and solidarity among the staff in each hospital is palpable and inspiring.

Alex

As a graduate of the University of Galway, choosing the West-North-West Intern Training Programme was an easy decision. Not only was I familiar with the various training sites, but I was also drawn to the programme’s outstanding support network and dynamic learning environment. From day one, I experienced the incredibly friendly and supportive atmosphere within the hospitals. Whether it was University Hospital Galway or one of the other sites in the West-North-West group, there was always a sense of camaraderie among staff, making the transition from medical school to clinical practice so much smoother. Outside of work, the convenience of each hospital’s location - never far from a city or town centre - helped maintain a balanced lifestyle. One of the programme’s biggest strengths is its West-North-West Intern Training Team, who are genuinely invested in our success. They are approachable, communicate personally with interns, and are always ready to listen and address any concerns. Another huge advantage of training here is the strong academic focus. There are countless opportunities to get involved in research, audits, working groups, and medical education, allowing interns to develop skills that will benefit them long after their training year. I was fortunate to work as an academic track intern at University Hospital Galway for 12 months, during which I also served as intern lead (similar to class rep). This role gave me the chance to work closely with the intern coordination team, seeing firsthand just how dedicated they are to ensuring interns feel supported and heard. My time here has been incredibly rewarding - I’ve participated in multiple research projects, contributed to undergraduate curriculum reform, and had the chance to teach and collaborate with various working groups. For anyone considering where to complete their internship, I couldn’t recommend the West-North-West Intern Training Programme more. It provides an excellent foundation for both professional and academic growth in an environment where you feel valued, supported, and encouraged to thrive.

Omar

As an international medical graduate, I was truly delighted to join the West-North-West Internship Programme at University Hospital Galway. This experience was an incredible opportunity that significantly enhanced my clinical training and professional growth. From day one, the programme demonstrated its commitment to excellence. All interns - both local and international - were welcomed with a structured induction period, designed to prepare us for the various clinical scenarios we might face. This induction ensured that we had necessary skills before stepping into our roles, which was an invaluable privilege and a testament to the program’s dedication to high-quality training. Following this, we were introduced to a shadowing week, where we worked alongside current interns to familiarise ourselves with the responsibilities, workflows, and expectations of the role. This transition period was instrumental in boosting our confidence before officially starting our rotations. From my first rotation, I immediately felt the impact of the supportive learning environment. The level of teaching provided was outstanding, with structured protected teaching time three times a week, journal club meetings, and regular discussions with senior registrars, covering key topics. The consultants were phenomenal, providing not just clinical guidance but also mentorship. I had the privilege of learning from a humble, supportive, and inspiring mentor in my consultant supervisor, whose dedication to teaching and patient care was truly remarkable. Beyond clinical exposure, the programme actively involved us in workshops aimed at enhancing our clinical skills, interview preparation for future career opportunities, and hands-on training for essential ward procedures. The West-North-West Intern Training Network Team played an essential role in ensuring the best possible experience, frequently checking in with us and even conducting surveys to tailor the curriculum to our needs. The West-North-West Intern Training Network Team consistently reached out to ensure our training needs were met, reinforcing a strong sense of community and guidance throughout the internship. Even after moving to a peripheral hospital for my subsequent rotations, I never felt isolated. I am incredibly grateful for the rich learning experience, clinical exposure, and exceptional teaching opportunities I received during this program. It has been immensely rewarding.