Jill O'Meara Photography

Dr Deirdre Forde 

GP and Menopause Specialist at

 Ceile Medical Menopause Clinic Athlone

Interview and Photography by Jill O’Meara

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your business? 

I founded Ceile Medical – Together for Women – in December 2019 as a private Menopause Clinic located in the Midlands. Ceile Medical is based in Athlone, a central location chosen for its convenient access to public transport, including bus and train services. I am a GP and Menopause Specialist accredited by the British Menopause Society.

Prior to this, I worked as a Public Health Doctor and later as a Community Health Doctor. In 2015, I retired from the HSE to explore a path that would bring me greater career fulfillment—and I am happy to say I’ve now found it.

What inspired you to start your business or career in this field? 

My Menopause was difficult in hind sight and only years into my post menopause did I figure what had happened to me. I was only 38 years old starting my peri-menopausal journey and reached my Menopause Day aged 48. The average age is 51. After realising that my mother also had a difficult Menopause and how it impacted me as a teenager and young adult, I decided that I needed to treat and help peri-menopausal and menopausal women.

Can you share a defining moment or challenge that shaped your journey?

I think it was when I attended the funeral of a colleague in Public Health who died tragically on holiday aged in her early 50's, that I decided that life was too short and that I needed fulfillment in my career to help people in a meaningful way.

I didn't know how I was going to do it but decided that the first move was to retire from the HSE and go back into General Practice.

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your professional life? 

There have been a lot of people and I am so grateful to them for their encouragement and support.

 What’s the most rewarding part of your job? 

It has to be knowing that women are genuinely listened to.

What motivates you to keep going during difficult times? 

I get up in the morning and I have to say that working in the medical field, I have never said that I hate going to work . So that in itself motivates me to keep going. 

 Who is the perfect client for you? 

 Somebody whose health especially mental health improves after seeing me through motivation, treatment and support.

When you're not working, what are your favorite activities or hobbies? 

DIY, Cooking, Gym, Art and Geneology, Politics 

You have experience a photoshoot with Jill , what was it like for you and do you see yourself different now ? 

Yes, I have been to Jill three times now and each time I grow in confidence. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a businesswoman? I can do a lot of this myself! What’s next for you and your business? I am now looking forward to filling my days in retirement. 

 How can people get intouch with you? 

www.ceilemedical.ie

info@ceilemedical.ie/090-6479748