The Last Word with Matt Cooper Dr Suzanne Crowe On Healing, Heartbreak And Hope In Irish Children's Medicine
Sep 8, 2025
Dr. Suzanne Crowe, a consultant in pediatric intensive care and president of the Irish Medical Council, shares her moving journey in children's medicine as detailed in her memoir 'Intensive Care'. She discusses personal loss and how it deepened her empathy, significantly impacting her clinical work. Suzanne also delves into the emotional complexities faced by families and medical staff, the struggles of end-of-life acceptance, and the urgent need for improved funding and advocacy for children's healthcare services in Ireland.
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Humanity And Vulnerability In Medicine
- Suzanne Crowe wrote to show the humanity behind healthcare and balance negative headlines.
- She realised she had to include her own vulnerability to ethically use others' stories.
Emotion Is Part Of Clinical Excellence
- Paediatric intensive care is intellectually and emotionally demanding but also deeply rewarding.
- Embracing rather than suppressing emotion can improve care and connection with families.
Personal Loss Shaped Her Practice
- Her own daughter was born prematurely and lived for 19 days, which profoundly shaped her practice.
- That loss taught her what parents worry about and how to respond earlier and more warmly.
