Healing Touch 

16 November 2015

Author and Queensman, Alf McCreary, launched a new book on Irish medics at a special reception at his alma mater earlier this month. Healing Touch: an illustrated history of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, outlines the developments in the institution since 1654.

The richly illustrated volume, tells the extensive history of the College from its origins as the Fraternity of Physicians of Trinity Hall in 1654 through over three centuries of war, revolution, rebirth and medical advancement. It features over 500 illustrations and images taken from the Royal College of Physicians’ (RCIP) archive. Included are photos and architectural plans of the building and its interior, past and present, medical instruments and heritage items and portraits of ex-presidents.

It also tells the stories of the achievements of individual physicians from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland who have helped to make the College a leading player in Irish healthcare, and an internationally-renowned institution in its own right.

Local physicians mentioned include the eminent Queen’s graduate Professor Frank Pantridge, the inventor of the portable defibrillator.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Mr McCreary said: "I hope that people will enjoy this book, and learn something new about the important achievements of the college, and also the history of these islands in a period of significant developments in medicine, politics and major social issues.

"This is also a fresh story of Irish history told through the eyes of physicians and also a host of rich characters including kings and queens, emperors and statesmen, writers, musicians, artists and medical pioneers.

"It also mentions important figures ranging from Napoleon and Wellington, and from Handel to Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, James Joyce and many others."

The book was launched at a reception in the Canada Room at Queen's where speakers included the Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick Johnston, who is a fellow of the Royal College, and Professor John Crowe from Dublin, former President of the RCPI.

 

For further information please contact the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland or telephone 00 353 1 863 9701

 

Photo (courtesy of Belfast Telegraph): (L-R) Dr Len O’Hagan, chairman of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Alf McCreary and Professor John Crowe, former President of the RCPI, at the launch in the Canada Room at Queen’s

Back to Main News

   

           

Top of Page