Professor awarded for his commitment to women's health

A leader in obstetrics, urogynaecology, and pelvic floor reconstructive surgery was celebrated recently with the Man of the Year Award at the Hi Style Awards.

A graduate of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1991, Prof. Barry O’Reilly has forged a career defined by innovation, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to advancing women's health. From pioneering research on bladder cell receptors to becoming a global trailblazer in gynaecological robotic surgery, his contributions have transformed the field.

With extensive international training, including subspecialty expertise from Melbourne under world-renowned mentors, he returned to Cork in 2004 to establish the Centre for Urogynaecology at CUMH. This centre has since become a hub for cutting-edge care and education, attracting fellows worldwide for its esteemed pelvic floor reconstructive surgery programme.

Those organising the awards said: “As a clinical professor at UCC and University College Dublin, he has shaped the next generation of medical professionals, leveraging advanced technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence through his leadership of the ASSERT Centre. His groundbreaking work includes performing the first robotic hysterectomy in the UK and Ireland in 2008, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer.”

Beyond medicine, Prof. O’Reilly co-founded aNuMe, an aesthetic and wellness clinic based in Cork.

They added: “His role as Chairman of the Continence Foundation of Ireland and his contributions to global medical associations reflect his influence on the international stage.

“This well-deserved recognition celebrates a career dedicated to transforming lives through innovation and compassion. Prof. Barry O’Reilly, an exemplar of excellence and one of the Hi Style Men of the Year.”