New CEO Appointed to the Medical Council
Thursday, 21st January 2021: The Medical Council has appointed Mr Leo Kearns as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Kearns joins the Medical Council from Vhi Health and Wellbeing DAC where he served as Chief Operating Officer. Before this Mr Kearns was the Chief Executive of the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland (RPCI) from 2006 to 2018.
The vacancy arose following the resignation of Mr Bill Prasifka in May 2020. The role has been filled by Mr Philip Brady since then.
Speaking about the appointment Medical Council President, Dr Rita Doyle, said “Leo brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Medical Council and we look forward to him taking up the role."
“Having held numerous leadership roles within the health sector Leo will bring a fresh insight to the work of the Council and help it build as an organisation while ensuring the public are protected and better informed in their dealings with medical practitioners.”
“Most importantly, Leo is bringing a passion and commitment to the important role of the Council and I know he will skilfully lead our organisation over the coming years as we continue to fulfil our remit and deliver on commitments in our Statement of Strategy.” concluded Dr Doyle.
Current CEO, Mr Philip Brady said “I look forward to welcoming Mr Kearns to the Medical Council Executive team and working closely with him as the Medical Council fulfils its vital statutory remit.”
“During his time as CEO of RCPI, Leo worked closely with the Medical Council and was instrumental in establishing fora for enhanced cooperation between the Medical Council, Post Graduate Training Bodies and the HSE.”
Speaking about his appointment Mr Kearns said, “This role represents a tremendous opportunity to have a long-lasting positive impact on the medical profession in Ireland, the relationship between the profession and the public, and the standard of care experienced by patients.”
“The Medical Council plays a critical role in enabling and assuring standards of registration, medical education, training and competence in practice, and in providing confidence to the public in this regard."
“Trust is at the heart of the unique contact between doctor and patient, and it is here that the Medical Council plays such a critical and fundamental role. In such challenging times, it is essential that the Council retains the confidence of the public and the profession; and that it effectively implements opportunities for change and improvement afforded by the recent amendments to the Medical Practitioners Act.”
“I look forward to taking up this role and working closely with the staff and Council members to continue in meeting these aims.” concluded Mr Kearns.
Mr Kearns will take up the role in the coming months.