Leading healthcare manager appointed new Medical Council CEO

Leo Kearns, one of the country’s leading healthcare managers, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Council, writes Maureen Browne.

Kearns has been Chief Operating Officer of Vhi Health & Wellbeing DAC for the last two years. He was previously Chief Executive of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) from 2006 to 2018 and National Lead for Transformation and Change for the Health Service Executive (HSE) from 2013 to 2015.

The Medical Council vacancy arose following the resignation of Bill Prasifka in May 2020. The role has been filled by Philip Brady since then

“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,” said Kearns.

“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,” he said.

Medical Council President, Dr Rita Doyle, added that he brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Medical Council and they looked forward to him taking up the role.

“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.”

He had worked closely with the Medical Council during his time as CEO at the RCPI, and was instrumental in establishing fora for enhanced cooperation between the Medical Council, Post Graduate Training Bodies and the HSE, said Interim Council CEO, Philip Brady.