Dr. Foley Nolan History
Our Rheumatologist Dr. Darragh Foley-Nolan, studied in University College Dublin Medical School. He trained in Rheumatology initially at the Mater Hospital Dublin under Dr Ciaran Barry, Dr Dermot Roden, and Dr Robert Coughlan. There he was involved in providing a predominately clinical service.
Distinguished Award
His interest in the development of electromagnetic treatments for musculoskeletal pain resulted in him being awarded the prestigious William Stokes Award of the Royal College of Physicians. Part of the thesis with subsequent internationally recognised journals involved studies on patients with acute and chronic neck pain. A compilation of his work was later presented for his MD degree from the National University of Ireland.
International Recognition
At this time newer more effective treatments for rheumatoid arthritis were developed. These biological treatments include Anti-TNF, which was the first discovered. He was involved in the early clinical application and assessment of this approach. He had under his care the largest cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis on this treatment. The results of which were reported at international meetings in Ireland, UK, and US.
Further Early Use of Biologics
The use of biologics including Anti-TNF, anti-Il 6, JAK Inhibitors, Il-17 Inhibitors, Il-1 inhibitors, have increased the successful treatment for the vast majority of patients with inflammatory conditions. These include ankylosing spondylitis. One of the earliest patients successfully treated with Anti-TNF by Dr. Darragh Foley-Nolan, was reported in the Irish Times. The patient had almost despaired because of poor progress before treatment. This case highlights how forward thinking at our clinic results in successful outcomes for our patients.
Work with famous Doctors
He was next appointed lead Senior Registrar Rheumatologist on the Leeds rotation. Where he worked with the world famous Professor Verna Wright at Leeds General Infirmary, who had described the different types of psoriatic arthritis, and was acknowledged as a major leader in developing improved rheumatological services.
He worked in York, Harrogate and at St James University Hospital at Leeds. He was appointed the first consultant Rheumatologist for the South East of Ireland here at Waterford. There he set up a strong multidisciplinary Rheumatology team.
His early experience in the use of the biological treatments has encouraged a keen interest in optimizing treatments as new approaches have emerged. He is a keen attendee at national and international meetings, and has developed an Osteoporosis interest and speciality.
His experience from having worked with so many eminent colleagues and frequent updating of skill and knowledge facilitates an up to date and compassionate approach to the assessment and management of rheumatological conditions, which are often life long and need ongoing assessment and treatment.