Interim CEO appointed to Medical Council

The Medical Council has appointed Ms Yvonne Clancy as Interim CEO to replace Mr Leo Kearns, who finishes his time as CEO today.

The Council stated Ms Clancy has been appointed to the role following a “competitive internal selection process”. She will hold the position of Interim CEO to allow for an open recruitment process for a permanent CEO to take place.

Dr Suzanne Crowe, President of the Medical Council, welcomed the announcement saying: “I am delighted that Yvonne Clancy is taking on the role of Interim CEO to lead our organisation over the coming months as we continue to fulfil our remit, while we begin the process to recruit a permanent CEO.”

Acknowledging Mr Kearns’ contribution, Dr Crowe said: “Leo is an outstanding leader, with great vision and vast experience of the health sector. With these attributes he has been central to achieving fundamental and long-lasting change within the Medical Council over the past number of years, ensuring the Council is an effective regulator focused on fulfilling our remit of patient safety and with compassion at the heart of what we do. I know he will continue to support all efforts to improve our health system into the future.”

Speaking after the announcement, Ms Clancy said: “During my time with the Medical Council I have come to recognise the vital role we have in the health sector, but also how our contribution to society is not limited by what is written in legislation. How we utilise our experience, knowledge and data is key to supporting the medical workforce, the wider health service and ultimately the patients and people of Ireland.

“I continue to be inspired by the commitment of staff who work in the Medical Council and their dedication to the role and purpose of the Council, and I look forward to continuing to work with staff and the Council members as Interim CEO, to build on and embed the transformation programme implemented over the past three years.”

Outgoing CEO Mr Kearns said: “I wish Yvonne every success in the role. An organisation is built on its people, and the staff and members of the Medical Council are some of the most committed individuals I have ever had the pleasure to work with.

“The Medical Council has an important role within our health service, supporting doctors throughout the life cycle of their career. Medical regulation is fundamentally a supportive activity, it strives to ensure that the standards are set and being met to support doctors in practice, in training and throughout their lifelong education, with the ultimate aim of providing the public with the reassurance that when they need care, they receive it from an appropriately qualified and competent doctor.”

He added: “I have enjoyed my time at the Council and look forward to watching the organisation grow over the years to come to the benefit of the people of Ireland.”

Mr Kearns is leaving the Medical Council to take up a role in consulting. He was appointed in April 2021.

According to the Council, Mr Kearns led a period of “significant” transformation in the organisation. During his time as CEO, he was also appointed by the Minister for Health as Chairperson of the regional health authorities advisory committee, and as a member of the national NCHD taskforce.

Ms Clancy has been working with the Medical Council since November 2022, initially as Interim Head of HR and most recently as Executive Director for Organisation Development.

She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, holds an MSc in management specialising in organisation behaviour from Trinity College Dublin and an MSc in business and executive coaching from the Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School at University College Dublin.