The Dr B. Foley Medal in Microbiology

The Dr B. Foley Medal in Microbiology is an annual prize established in honour of Dr Bridget V. Foley, the first Consultant Bacteriologist in Munster and a pioneering medical educator at University College Cork. The medal recognizes excellence in Medical Microbiology and is awarded to the student with the highest aggregate marks across multiple years of medical training. The fund was established through invited subscription and is administered by University College Cork as trustee. The award consists of a specially designed gold medal that features representation of bacteria, viruses and fungi, created by jeweller Stephen O'Shaughnessy. Dr Biddy Foley was appointed as Consultant Bacteriologist in 1961 and later as Lecturer in bacteriology in the Department of Pathology in 1969. She graduated from UCC with First Class Honours in medicine in 1948 and spent over 30 years teaching medical students with highly practical and entertaining classes. She established the Microbiology department for Cork Regional Hospital in 1978 and was instrumental in establishing HIV services in Cork during the 1980s. Eligibility is restricted to registered students at UCC studying medicine. The medal is awarded based on aggregate examination marks in Medical Microbiology for Graduate Entry to Medicine Years 1 & 2 and Direct Entry to Medicine Years 2 & 3. The prize is presented annually at the UCC School of Medicine Prize-Giving ceremony. The award value may fluctuate as it is funded from endowment investment income.