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Prof. Dominic Hegarty, Clinical Director

Prof. Dominic A. Hegarty
BSc., BMedSc., MB., MSc. (Pain Management), PhD. FCARSCI, FFPMCAI, FIPP

Consultant in Pain Management and Neuromodulation, Mater Private Hospital Cork, Ireland.
Clinical Director Mater Private Hospital Cork, Ireland.

Assoc. Professor in Pain Medicine, UCC & ASSERT, Ireland.
Honorary Consultant, Guy's & St. Thomas' Hospital, London, England.
Clinical Lead Neuromodulation Research, Tyndall National Institute, Ireland.
Clinical Director Pain Relief Ireland (www.painreliefireland.ie)
President Elect World Institute of Pain (WIP)

Prof. Dominic Hegarty is a Consultant in Pain Management & Neuromodulation at the Mater Private Hospital, Cork, Assoc. Professor in Pain Medicine and faculty member of ASSERT training at University College Cork where he promotes educational training in pain medicine.

In April 2023 Prof. Hegarty was appointed Clinical Director at the Mater Private Hospital, Cork.

At present he is the incoming President Elect of World Institute of Pain (WIP), Immediate past Honorary treasurer of WIP and on the Advisory Board of PainCast. In 2017 Prof. Hegarty hosted the WIP World congress in Dublin. He has gone on to be Clinical Lead of Neuromodulation Research, at Tyndall National Institute, UCC and has developed new device design.

Prof. Hegarty is a faculty member on several international organization including WIP, IASP and ERSA. He is an active researcher & has published extensively on pain management. He is an examiner on the FIPP fellowship exams. As a fellow at Guy's & St. Thomas' Hospital, London he developed his skills in neuromodulation and is presently an Honorary Consultant there.

Prof. Hegarty is the Clinical Director of Pain Relief Ireland (www.painreliefireland.ie)  and the senior medial advisor to a number of med-tech companies who believes in providing multidisciplinary and interventional options for his patients in a timely fashion. He truly believes that neuromodulation offers great potential therapy options for  certain individuals and we need to develop patient pathways to identify and manage these individuals.

Roles

Current Leadership Roles

2023 – present
Clinical Director | Mater Private Hospital, Cork

2019 – present
Consultant in Pain Management & Neuromodulation I Mater Private Hospital, Cork

2011– present
Honorary Consultant Guy's & St. Thomas' Hospital I NHS Trust, Westiminster, London

2011– present
Assoc. Professor in Pain Medicine I School of Medicine, UCC

2012– present
Clinical Lead Neuromodulation Research I Tyndall National Institute, UCC   

2021– 2023
President-Elect | World Institute of Pain (WIP)

2020– 2022
Medical Advisory Board Member | Mater Private Hospital, Cork

2019– 2021
Advisory Board Member PainCast | PainCast International

2021– 2022
Scientific Abstract Committee member| WIP World Congress Budapest 2021

2020– present
Senior Medical Advisor | Clinical Consultancy Services, Ireland

2016– present
Affiliated Member | HRB Clinical Research Facility Cork and ASSERT Centre

2016– present
Chief Medical Officer Perito Ireland | “Perito” Expert Medical Legal Consultants, Ireland

2011– present
Clinical Director & Founder | Pain Relief Ireland

2013– present
Fellow Royal College of Physicians I London

Previous Leadership and Advisory Roles

2010 – 2018
Consultant in Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine | Cork University Hospital

2012 – 2018
Clinical Lead of Neuromodulation Services | SSWG Health Service Executive

2019 - 2021
WIP Honorary Treasurer | World Institute of Pain

2016 – 2019
World Congress Co-Chair | 9th World WIP Congress, Dublin 2018

2015 – 2019
Section Chair WIP| WIP Ireland

2015 – 2019
Chair CRPS Forum Cork | Cork Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Forum Cork

2015 – 2018
Conference Chair | IASP Special Interest Group in CRPS, Cork 2017

2011 – 2018
Director of Pain Training & Education |Dept. Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine, Cork University Hospital

2011 – 2012
Co-ordinator, Clinical Pain Research & Education Forum | Department of Pain Management, Guy’s & St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

Awards

Undergraduate Research Awards

2018 – 2021
Prevalence of Over-the-counter Codeine Medications in University Students
• Rafferty Medal Winner Irish Pain Society 2021

2018 – 2021
The Physical and Psychological Outcomes in Overweight and Obese Patients Attending a Chronic Pain Clinic
• Gaffney Prize Winner, UCC 2020
• WIP World Congress Abstract 2020
• Faculty of Pain Research Medal Winner 2021

 2020
Attitudes to the Prescribing Safety Assessment among Medical students in Ireland
• INMED, Oral presentation Cork 2018
• WIP World Congress Abstract 2020 and Publication Pain Practice 2020   

2017 – 2019
Opioid Prescription among Irish Healthcare Providers
• Irish Pain Society Oral Presentation Dublin 2019

2017 – 2019
How to Optimise Future Interventions for Patients with Fibromyalgia
• Final Year Submission

2015 – 2016
Calculating the Ionising Radiation Dose to the Ocular Region of the Primary Clinician during Pain Management Procedures that Require the Use of a C-Arm
• Oral Presentation Irish Pain Society ASM Dublin 2016
• Poster Presentation AABGI annual conference (ASM) Birmingham 2017
• Publication Pain Physician 2018

2015 – 2016
A Randomised Control Trail of Music on Anxiety in Chronic Pain Patients Undergoing Day-case Procedures
• AAGBI Poster & Oral Presentation, London 2017

2013 – 2014
Prevalence of Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetic Children
• Final Year Submission

2012 – 2013
Prescribing Pattern and Administration of Intravenous Paracetamol: Clinical Audit and Cost Analysis
• Poster Presentation & Abstract Irish Pain Society ASM Dublin 2013

2012 – 2013
Prevalence of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Medication in University Athletes
• Oral Presentation, Canadian Society Pain ASM, Montreal, 2014

2011 – 2012
The Relationship between Stigmatization and Self-esteem in Chronic Pain Patients
• Publication British Journal of Pain, April 2013
• HRB student summer scholarship prize winner 2012   

Research Supervision (Post-graduate Clinical Projects)

2014 – 2015
Post-operative Tapentadol Consumption following Cardiothoracic surgery: An Observational Retrospective Study to Establish Initial Dose
• Irish Pain Society ASM, Dublin 2014
• Poster Presentation AABGI GAT annual conference, Manchester 2014

2013 – 2014
Prescribing Pattern and Indications for Lidocaine (5%) Transdermal Patches in a Tertiary Referral Centre | Clinical Fellow Postgraduate Pain Management Supervisor
• Poster Presentation & Abstract | Irish Pain Society ASM Dublin 2014

2011
I.V. Ketamine in the management of refractory Fibromyalgia: Case study
• Postgraduate Anaesthesia Presentation | South of Ireland Anaesthesia Society, Cork

Research & Development

Clinical Lead

Prof. Dominic A. Hegarty

BSc., BMedSc., MB., MSc. (Pain Management), PhD. FCARSCI, FFPMCAI, FIPP
Consultant in Pain Management & Neuromodulation, Mater Private Hospital, Assoc. Professor in Pain Medicine, UCC
Honorary Consultant Guy's & St. Thomas' Hospital, London
Clinical Lead Neuromodulation Research, Tyndall National Institute, UCC
President Elect World Institute Of Pain (WIP)
Clinical Director Pain Relief Ireland www.painreliefireland.ie

Clinical Neurophysiologist & Research Assistant

Mr. Jack Leacy

Clinical Neurophysiologist
BSC, MSc,
Ph.D., Medicine and Health Candidate, Department of Physiology, University College Cork

Manager of Neuromodulation Technology

Caroline Hegarty

BSc., RGN
Director of Nursing and Clinical Technology, Pain Relief Ireland.

Clinical Nurses

Ms. Helene Hanbidge, RGN
Ms. Claire White, RGN

Clinical and Forensic Psychologist

Dr. Philip Moore

Chartered Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Specialising in Psychotherapy

PA Clinical Appointments & Enquiries

Laura Nugent


Executive Assistant

Chloe Wheatley


Medicolegal PA

Jean Kelly

Additional assistance / resources:

Mater Private Hospital Network, Ireland
ASSERT Centre, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork
Tyndall National Institute, Dyke Parade, Cork, Ireland
HRB Clinical Research Facility Cork

Please contact us for informal discussions and information on:

Email: info@painreliefireland.ie
Phone: +353 21 235 5500
Address: Consultants Suite, Spine & Orthopaedic Centre, Mater Private Hospital, City Gate, Mahon, Cork, Ireland. T12 K199

Areas of Research

In general, our research is streamlined into three themes as outlined in the table. We are open to the involvement of trainees and collaboration with other departments or industry partners around any pain related research questions. Please contact Prof. Hegarty for an informal discussion all options.

Research Themes

Neuromodulation

Quantitative Sensory Testing in Predicting Response to Spinal Cord Stimulation

The role non-invasive Neuromodulation in Pain Management

Bioelectronic Pain Management

The impact of spinal cord stimulation on quality of sleep in chronic pain

Use of Digital Tracking in Pain Management to Improve Efficiency and Quality for Patient Care: Algorithmic analysis of clinical database to identify individuals suitable for spinal cord stimulation

Biophysical Modelling of the Neural Tissue Interface to Optimise Clinical Outcomes

Photonic Modification of Neural Transmission; Modelling and Application

Psychosocial

Role of Hydrotherapy & the Rehabilitation of Low Back Pain

Evaluation of Chronic Pain in Amateur Golfers

Analgesic Prescribing in the Primary Care for Elderly Patient: Attitudes and Impact

The Physical and Psychological Outcomes in Overweight and Obese Patients Attending a Chronic Pain Clinic

Interventional

Retrospective Study on Clinical Outcome following Denervation of Cervical Spine Pain

Use of Digital Tracking in Pain Management to Improve Efficiency and Quality for Patient Care: the use mobile App analysis to improve patient pathway post procedures

Publications

Research Publications (Peer Reviewed Journals)

2021
An open label pilot study investigating non-invasive high frequency peripheral nerve fibre stimulation in chronic pain
Hegarty D.A., Brethanton B., Pain Practice 2021 21:5: 568 – 577

2020
COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Studies & Opinions 2020
Hegarty D.A., Telehealth and Pain Medicine 01(07): 1–3

2020
Long-term clinical outcome following PRP for Gluteal Tendinopathy
Hegarty D.A., Pain Practice 2020 Vol 20: S1: 1-112.

2020
Attitude to the prescribing skills assessment in final year medical students at an Irish University
Reidy D., Hegarty D.A., Pain Practice 2020 Vol 20: S1: 1-112

2020
Relationship between the psychological profile and BMI in chronic low back pain
Forde S, Hegarty D.A., Pain Practice 2020 Vol 20: S1: 1-112

2019
Relationship between body mass index and the sub-dimensions of brief pain inventory in chronic pain patients
Hegarty D. A., Batt G., Brackett J., J Psychology Behaviour Research 2019 1(2): 77-83

2018
Ionizing Radiation Dose Exposure to the Ocular Region of Pain Physicians During C-arm Guided Pain Interventions
Kelly, R., McMahon, A. and Hegarty, D., Pain Physician 2018, 21, pp. E523-E532

2018
Ionizing Radiation Dose Exposure to the Ocular Region of Pain Physicians During C-arm Guided Pain Interventions
Kelly, R., McMahon, A. and Hegarty, D., Pain Physician 2018, 21, pp. E523-E532

2018
Effect of Classical music on pre-operative anxiety in chronic pain patients undergoing pain procedures
Hegarty D., Campbell G., WIP World Congress 2018 Pain Practice 2018 Vol 18. (1)

2018
Using time-driven activity-based costing to introduce a psychologist to the pain clinic
Doolan A, Moore, D. Hegarty D., WIP World Congress 2018 Pain Practice 2018 Vol 18. (1)

2017
Post Thoracotomy Pain Management: time to spread the gospel!
Hegarty D., J Surg Transplant Sci 2017 5(3): 1058

2017
Integration of a Problem-based Learning Module into a Post-graduate Pain Medicine Education Program
Hegarty D., British Journal of Education, Society & Behavioral Science 2017: 21(1): 1-8

2017
Post Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome: What Pain Management Options do we have?
Hegarty D., J Surg Transplant Sci 2017 5(3): 1059

2017
The Long-term Treatment of Atypical Odontalgia with Tapentadol: A Case Report
Hegarty D., Int J Dent Oral Health 2017: 3(2)

2016
Clinical outcome following radiofrequency denervation for refractory sacroiliac joint dysfunction using the Simplicity III probe: a 12-month retrospective study
Hegarty D., Pain Physician 2016; 19:E129-E135

2014
Prevalence and relationship between self-stigmatization and self-esteem in chronic pain patients
Hegarty D., Wall. M., Journal of Pain Relief & Management 2014 3(2);136

2014
Psychological reactions and persistent facial pain following enucleation
Hegarty D., Coakley D., Dooley I., Pain Research & Treatment 2014 Article ID 232989

2014
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Use in University Athletes: Knowledge and attitudes of risk
Hagel J., Hegarty D., Pain Research & Management 2014 19(2):e76

2013
Prevalence and relationship between self-stigmatization and self-esteem in chronic pain patients
Hegarty D., Wall. M., British Journal of Pain, April 2013; vol. 7, 2 suppl: pp. 77-86

2012
Characterizations of persistent post-surgical pain following lumbar discectomy
Hegarty D., Shorten G., Pain Physician 2012, 15:421-434

2012
Spinal Cord Stimulation: The clinical application of new technology
Hegarty D., Anesthesiology Research and Practice 2012, article ID 375691

2012
Analgesic effect of bilateral ultrasound-guided pudendal nerve blocks in management of interstitial cystitis
Lean L.L., Hegarty D., Harmon D., J. Anaesth 2012 26(1); 128-129

2011
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation of the Thoracic Paravertebral Plexus for Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Hegarty D., Goroszeniuk T., Pain Physician 2011; 14:295-300

2011
A randomised, placebo-controlled trial of the effects of preoperative pregabalin on morphine consumption and following lumbar discectomy
Hegarty D., Shorten G., Korean J Pain 24(1): 22 – 30

2010
Retrospective cohort analysis of clinical outcome following targeted neuromodulation for chronic pain in the sacroiliac joint
Hegarty D., Goroszeniuk T, Kothari S, Al-Kaisy A., Neuromodulation 2010:13(2)

2008
A randomised, placebo-controlled trial of the effects of preoperative pregabalin on morphine consumption and following lumbar discectomy
Hegarty D., Shorten G., Anesthesiology 2008; 109: A1558

2008
Intensive Care review
Hegarty D., Collins D., Modern Medicine 2009, Jan/Feb issue 

2008
The Piriformis syndrome: the real “forgotten syndrome”
Hegarty D., British J Anaesthesia 2008; (epub. Jan 10)

2007
Why Bazett’s Formula?
Hegarty D., Anaesthesia & Analgesia 2007; 105 (2): 535

2006
Chronic postoperative pain and inguinal herniorrhapy
Hegarty D., British Journal of Anaesthesia 2006; 96(4): 538

2006
The association between clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging and pre-operative quantitative sensory testing in patients undergoing lumbar discectomy
Hegarty D., Moore M, Maher M, Shorten G., European Journal of Radiology 2006; 23(37):234

 

Research Publications (Peer Reviewed Chapters)

2019
Spinal Cord Stimulation: The clinical application of new technology an update
Hegarty D., Anaesthesiology Research and Practice 2019

2012
Interventional pain procedures
Hegarty D., Murphy D., ABC of Pain Medicine, 2012, Blackwell-Wiley, London

2010
What to consider as clinicians about chronic postoperative pain and inguinal herniorrhaphy
Hegarty D., Hernia Repair Sequelae, V. Schumpelick & R Fitzgibbons (Eds.), 2010, Springer-Verlag, Berlin

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