History of Medicine Program Hosts Conversations with Ireland's Ambassador & Consul General

On Friday, August 18, our History of Medicine Program faculty members at the Department of Surgery hosted a lunch with Ireland's Ambassador and Consul General to discuss connections between healthcare in Ireland and Minnesota. The leaders from Ireland were in the area to celebrate the 2023 Annual Irish Fair of Minnesota - one of the nation's largest and most authentic Irish festivals. 

Associate Professor Matthew Reznicek, PhD, recently joined the Department of Surgery and also serves as the current president of the American Conference for Irish Studies (ACIS). He spearheaded the meet and greet with the US Ambassador of Ireland, Geraldine Byrne Nason, and the Irish Consul-General, Kevin Boyle, to connect with Medical School leaders on building community outreach through the academic network. 

"Health Humanities provides a unique opportunity, especially as we think about our new medical school curriculum's immigrant and global health stream," said Dr. Reznicek. "Opportunities for increased exchange and ways of using interdisciplinary approaches to expand academic conversations to the world around us will aim to reach more communities and diverse populations.” 

Ireland fosters a global network and a history that intertwines medicine, illness, emigration, and development. Dr. Reznicek believes the U of M can provide an outlet to showcase Irish contributions to healthcare, like the development of trauma medicine during The Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland. 

Thank you to the Ambassador and Consul General of Ireland for the wonderful experience!