Future ATU Healthcare Workers Receive Scholarships

Tuesday, November 22, 2022 Press Centre
Press Releases
Press Release - ATU Scholars 2022

Two ATU Students Receive Scholarships From United Health Foundation

The United Health Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of Optum Ireland’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), is delighted to announce the 2022 Ireland Healthcare Scholars.

The Ireland Healthcare Scholarship Program is focused on students from less-advantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue a degree in primary or specialised care, or emerging health care technologies. The program supports dedicated scholarships to ATU, Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast, the University of Galway and the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (Dublin).

“This program is helping to create additional and much needed healthcare professionals in Ireland” said Padraig Monaghan, Managing Director of Optum Ireland and UK. “We have seen over recent years how these young people from diverse backgrounds have thrived with the support of the scholarship and I am delighted to announce this year’s recipients.” 

 

2022 Scholars:

ATU: Mia Baikie, Nursing (Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada, Arranmore) Catherine Whiteside, Applied Computing (Abbey Vocational School, Donegal)

Ulster University, Magee Campus: Gráinne McGlynn, Physiotherapy (Rosses Community School, Dungloe)

Queen’s University: Connor Allison, Biochemistry with Professional Studies (Loreto, Milford)

University of Galway: Caitlín McCahill, Occupational Therapy (St. Columba’s Comprehensive, Glenties)

Royal College of Surgeons: Evin Donnelly, Medicine (Newpark Comprehensive, Ballybrack)

School of Medicine, Ulster University, Magee Campus: Heather Broadley (County Donegal); Dearbhlá Butterly (County Louth)

 

With the addition of the new scholars, the scholarship program is currently supporting 24 scholars across five universities on the island of Ireland. This year’s Ireland Healthcare Scholars will benefit from annual financial assistance, will be paired with a mentor and will participate in community volunteering activities.  

“The Ireland Healthcare Scholarships make a real and palpable difference to young people who would not otherwise be able to have this additional education. The cost of third level education places a significant financial burden on families and pressure on the young people themselves.  The scholarship can be life-changing for our students, said Margaret O’Connor, Principal of Loreto Milford in County Donegal.

Caolinn Diver from Carndonagh in County Donegal was one of the first recipients of a health care scholarship and recently graduated with a Master’s in Pharmacy with first class honours from Ulster University.

"My ambition was always to become a pharmacist, but I wouldn’t have been able to take my place on the degree course in Coleraine without this scholarship,” Caoilinn said. “The support I received over the four years went beyond the financial and helped me navigate my way through the course and secure a position as a community pharmacist in the North West.”

 

 

About the United Health Foundation

Through collaboration with community partners, grants and outreach efforts, the United Health Foundation works to improve the health system, build a diverse and dynamic health workforce and enhance the well-being of local communities. The United Health Foundation was established by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) in 1999 as a not-for-profit, private foundation dedicated to improving health and health care. To date, the United Health Foundation has committed more than $590 million to programs and communities around the world. To learn more, visit www.UnitedHealthFoundation.org.

About Optum

Optum is a leading information and technology-enabled health services business dedicated to helping make the health system work better for everyone. With more than 210,000 people worldwide, Optum delivers intelligent, integrated solutions that help to modernise the health system and improve overall population health. Optum is part of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). For more information, visit www.Optum.ie.

Media Contact:

Nodlaig Brolly

Communications, Engagement & Education Lead

Windy Hall Campus, Leitir Ceanainn, Co Dhún na nGall

nodlaig.brolly@optum.com

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Note to editors

  • The undergraduate scholarships are at a value of €25,000 (University of Galway, UU, Queens, RCSI) and at a value of €10,000 (ATU).
  • The graduate entry medicine scholarship (UU) is at a value of €20,000.
  • For more information visit www.optum.ie

 

Pictured l-r: Stephen O’Reilly, Director Optum Ireland; Breda Mulgrew, Lecturer & BSc General Nursing Programme Lead, ATU Donegal; Mia Baikie, General Nursing Scholar; Paul Phelan, Senior Director & Site Lead Letterkenny, Optum Ireland; Catherine Whiteside, Applied Computing Scholar; Thomas Dowling, Head of Computing, ATU Donegal; and Paul Hannigan, Head of College, ATU Donegal