Ireland Rugby Coach and Epilepsy Ireland supporter Joe Schmidt, has been awarded with an Honorary Fellowship of the RCPI Faculty of Paediatrics for his advocacy work for epilepsy services.
Joe was joined last week in the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland by children’s rights advocate and former Senator Jillian Van Turnhout, Paediatric Ophthalmologist, Professor Michael O’ Keeffe and Paediatric Oncologist Professor Sir Alan Craft, who also received this award, the highest honour the Faculty bestows.
It is conferred on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the practice of Paediatrics and also to individuals who have made significant contributions to improve the lives of children.
The Faculty of Paediatrics is honouring him in recognition of his significant contribution to children's health and wellbeing.
Joe has been involved in countless charitable efforts - in particular for epilepsy and for people with acquired brain injuries but also many other conditions. He has been a very keen supporter of Epilepsy Ireland and many other charities.
Professor Alf Nicholson, who presented Joe with the Honorary Fellowship at the Faculty's Admission ceremony, said, "Joe is a highly inspirational coach who, in the words of one of the Irish team doctors practises evidence-based rugby. His formula for success is simple and apt for us as paediatricians: Enduring high performance reflects fundamentally simple, common–sense notions executed outstandingly well."