SETU lecturer wins major presentation prize

Newly appointed lecturer in Small Animal Veterinary Medicine at South East Technological University (SETU), Dr Emma Corbett-Coffey, has a major prize at the prestigious Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) Congress.

The Congress issued a call for general practice veterinarians and veterinary nurses to share frontline case reports that showcased real-world clinical decision-making and reflective practice.

A spokesperson for SETU told waterford-news.ie that from numerous submissions, five presentations were selected for the highly anticipated session: 'On the Frontline: ECC Case Reports by Vets and Nurses.'

Among those chosen was Dr Corbett-Coffey ’s case report: 'Take my breath away - a pneumothorax story', which explored the management of an unusual case of pneumothorax caused by lung worm infestation.

Presented before a judging panel and a packed audience, her case stood out for its educational value and practical relevance, earning her the prize for Best Presentation. This achievement came in the wake of her recent appointment as lecturer on the new Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (MVB) programme at SETU.

Commenting on her award, Dr Corbett-Coffey expressed delight at the recognition: “I’m delighted to have received the Best Presentation award at the ECC Congress. It’s a wonderful complement to my new role at SETU, where I’m proud to be contributing to the development of our veterinary medicine programme ahead of welcoming our first students in 2026."

Her journey in veterinary medicine began on her family’s dairy farm in Co Waterford, where her interest in animal health first took root. 

After graduating from the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, she gained extensive experience in mixed practice across the UK, Cork, and eventually Tipperary, where she advanced her clinical expertise. She became an advanced practitioner in small animal surgery, earning her RCVS CertAVP from Liverpool University in 2016. Within a busy Tipperary veterinary hospital, she served as Clinical Director and provided referral services in both soft-tissue and orthopaedic surgery.

Her clinical passions include wound reconstruction, ear disease, cruciate ligament disease, and surgical oncology. 

"Emma is equally committed to interprofessional care of animals between vets, veterinary nurses and other paraprofessionals, providing a holistic approach to veterinary medicine and better outcomes in patients," noted the SETU spokesperson.

In her new academic role, Dr Corbett-Coffey has been involved in shaping SETU’s new veterinary medicine programme and her work includes engagement with regulatory bodies and industry partners, promotional activities, curriculum design, and exploring new research avenues. One of the highlights of her first year has been securing Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement (SATLE) funding as part of a multidisciplinary team spanning Pharmacy, Land Sciences, Nursing, and Science.

“This initiative aims to foster collaboration across disciplines and strengthen interprofessional learning within our university," she said.

"I feel very fortunate to be part of a wonderful department and team with a shared vision and strong work ethic. Our programme’s distinctive features will help shape competent, confident, and well-rounded veterinarians for the future,” she added.

Contributing to the creation of one of Ireland’s newest veterinary medicine programmes carries personal significance for her too: “It’s a privilege to be part of this historic moment, and as a proud Déise woman, I’m especially delighted that it’s happening here at SETU.”