It’s that time of year again.
Operation Transformation is back on our screens for an astounding 12th series and there is a special Laois interest among the crew for the latest installment.
Earlier this year, Dr Ciara announced that she would not be returning to the long-running show. This left an opening for one of Ireland’s leading health and fitness experts to fill.
Now, Laois woman Dr Sumi Dunne has stepped up the plate.
Speaking on Midlands 103, Dr Dunne said that it is ‘a very privileged feeling’ to be selected on the panel.
However, she says she won’t be a pushover on the show.
“I think we all know the struggles everyone goes through to lose weight, and even more so, to keep it off in a sustainable manner.
“I love being a GP. It’s a great privilege to work in the community , it’s a great privilege to get to know people. I’ve amazing patients who I’ve got to know over the years.”
Dr Dunne says that the Operation Transformation team are doing some background work now and the show itself will begin in January.
Dr Dunne was born in London and moved to Laois in 1999.
She graduated from the University of Southampton Medical School and undertook training in the neonatal intensive care and emergency department paediatrics before beginning her General Practice training with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).
Sumi became a member of the Irish College of General Practitioners in 2006 and is on the specialist register of the Irish Medical Council for General Practice.
Incredibly, she has maintained both an academic and clinical career in General Practice, working as a Clinical Lecturer in the Department of General Practice RCSI and as a GP in Medicentre Portarlington.
In 2016, she completed a Masters in Leadership for Health Professions Education at the RCSI.
Sumi is married to well-known Portarlington auctioneer Matt Dunne and is mother to four children. The family also have two golden retrievers, several hens and a goldfish.
Impossible certainly is nothing!
There is a strong Portarlington connection in the Operation Transformation crew as Dr Eddie Murphy also has Portarlington connections.
Accompanying Dr Sumi and Dr Eddie will be Karthyn Thomas, Karl Henry, and Aoife Hearne – a registered dietician and Healthy Ireland Council member to help encourage and educate our five leaders.
SEE ALSO – Laois trio receive UCD awards for exceptional Leaving Cert results
