[3] He continued his studies in a number of postgraduate positions, including in Vienna, where he learned the latest tonsillectomy techniques which he would pioneer in Ireland.

[2] Hanlon worked as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) consultant surgeon and assistant to Dr. Stafford Johnson in Dublin in the 1940s.

[6] A trip to the shrine in Lourdes helped Hanlon find a new sense of optimism and he reset his goals, deciding to work towards becoming a physical therapist.

[6] A secretary attended lectures with Hanlon, translating through tactile sign language and taking notes to be converted to braille.

[6] Upon returning to Dublin he began to work with physiotherapist Kathleen O'Rourke, who ran a remedial clinic for polio victims in her apartment.

[2] Hanlon was able to diagnose the condition through careful attention to early signs of the disease, such as the vibration of a slightly dragging foot.

[2] Either his wife or his secretary Josephine Kearney would translate patients' reports through tactile signing; he became so adept that he could answer questions in real time.

"[2] His Irish Times obituary said Hanlon "overcame blindness and impaired hearing to lead a brilliant medical career.