Unlocking Innovation in Healthcare: An Alum Q&A with Gavin Kennedy

At Trinity Innovation & Enterprise, Trinity College Dublin, we believe in empowering healthcare professionals to drive meaningful change. Our Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Innovation is designed for those ready to transform challenges into opportunities, enhancing patient care and shaping the future of healthcare delivery. 

We recently sat down with Gavin Kennedy, a Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist at St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network in Dublin, and a proud alumnus of our PG Cert in Healthcare Innovation. With 15 years of experience, Gavin has been at the forefront of  many advancements in oncology. Here, he shares his journey through the course, his key takeaways, and how it has profoundly impacted his aspirations and outlook. 

Q: Gavin, tell us a bit about your professional background. 

"I’m a Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist, focusing on treatment planning at St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network in Dublin. I've been in this field for 15 years, during which I've actively participated in implementing numerous changes within the oncology network. Part of my role also involves teaching and training new staff in developing clinically acceptable treatment plans." 

Q: What first sparked your interest in the Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Innovation? 

"Funnily enough, I first stumbled upon the course through an ad on Instagram via Springboard. Once I clicked on it, it immediately caught my attention. Working in an ever-changing field like radiation oncology, I felt a strong desire to refine my skills in managing and implementing new processes, procedures, and techniques. This course really resonated with that need." 

Q: Did you have any initial reservations about undertaking the program? 

"Absolutely, I did. My biggest concern was the significant gap I had since my last academic pursuit. I was genuinely afraid of failure and disappointing myself. However, I challenged those fears head-on, pushed through, and decided to apply anyway. I’m so glad I did." 

Q: What aspects of the course did you find most enjoyable or beneficial? 

"Honestly, the entire experience was fantastic. The 'mature student' life was unexpectedly fulfilling. The level of support, camaraderie, and encouragement from both my fellow students and the staff was exceptional. It truly felt like a collaborative and supportive environment." 

Q: What would you say was your biggest takeaway from the Postgraduate Certificate? 

"The biggest impact has been a complete shift in my mindset.  I now approach problems with a far more analytical perspective, able to break them down effectively. We, as humans, are inherently change-averse, but the skills I gained have equipped me to identify the core 'pain points' of a problem and strategise how to overcome resistance to change." 

Q: How has the course helped you professionally since completing it? 

"It's had a direct, tangible impact. My final project from the course is actually about to go live, which is something I'm incredibly proud of. It feels like an amazing personal achievement, but more importantly, it represents a huge advantage for our cancer patients. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the learnings I gained translate into real-world benefits." 

Q: What are your hopes and ambitions for the future? 

"The course has definitely rekindled and awakened my passion for academia and research. Who knows, maybe a doctorate is on the horizon!" 

Q: What advice would you offer to someone considering applying for the Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Innovation? 

"Do not hesitate! Apply immediately – you absolutely will not regret it. These courses fill up quickly. I actually applied the year before but found the course was already full, so I had to wait. My advice: get in fast!" 

Gavin's journey highlights the transformative power of continuous learning and strategic innovation in healthcare. If you're a healthcare professional eager to develop your leadership in innovation, problem-solving, and change management, the Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Innovation could be your next step. 

Ready to make an impact? Learn more about the Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Innovation at Trinity College Dublin and secure your place today!