I was delighted to be awarded the British Society of Medical Dermatology Trainee Fellowship, which has provided an invaluable opportunity to gain specialist clinical experience in medical dermatology, particularly in the care of patients with complex connective tissue disease and morphea.

As part of the fellowship, I attended Dr Cate Orteu’s specialist morphea clinics at the Royal Free Hospital, London. I also had the opportunity to join Prof Voon Ong in clinic providing me with a broader insight into the management of systemic sclerosis and associated interstitial lung disease. These clinics offered excellent insight into the clinical assessment and monitoring of morphea disease activity, as well as the management of challenging and refractory cases. Observing Dr Orteu’s, patient-centred approach, combining evidence-based medicine with clinical expertise, has been particularly valuable and I aim to apply what I have learned in developing a specialist morphea service in Ireland in the future.

This experience has also complemented my PhD work on novel methods for assessing morphea activity, by providing a stronger clinical foundation and a clearer understanding of how assessment tools are applied in practice. Dr Orteu kindly introduced me to the wider UK connective tissue disease network, where I had the opportunity to join their meeting at the British Association of Dermatologists Annual Meeting. This connection will be an essential resource for future clinical and research collaboration.

The fellowship has helped me to strengthen the link between research and clinical care, ensuring that academic advances can be translated into meaningful improvements for patients. I look forward to continuing to build on this experience, sharing what I learn with colleagues, and fostering collaborations between the UK and Ireland to improve outcomes for patients with morphea.

I am very grateful to the BSMD for granting me this fellowship and for the excellent opportunities it has provided.