Prof Michael Kerin becomes vice-president after biennial elections Prof Deborah McNamara has been elected as the new president of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). A consultant general and colorectal surgeon, Prof McNamara has vast experience of the healthcare system as co-lead of the National Clinical Programme for Surgery, and as a national healthcare quality improvement leader. Speaking on her appointment, Prof McNamara said: “I feel incredibly honoured to have been elected president of this college, which for over 240 years has been to the forefront of improving surgical care for patients, safeguarding standards of practice and providing leadership in the field of surgery.
“A key focus of my work as president will be to support the younger generation of surgeons who are dealing with considerable challenges. It is incumbent on us all, but particularly those within leadership roles in our community, to support this generation,” she added. “I am also committed to continuing RCSI’s engagement with policymakers, regulators, service providers and patients, particularly on issues related to access to surgical care and patient safety.
” Following her appointment as a consultant general and colorectal surgeon at Beaumont Hospital in 2003, Prof McNamara was appointed clinical director for surgery at the hospital. She has led the development of the hospital’s colorectal cancer biobank and contributed to research collaborations between Beaumont clinicians .