Prof Anthony O’Regan appointed President-Designate of RCPI

The RCPI has announced the appointment of Prof Anthony O’Regan as President-Designate.

Prof O’Regan, Medical Director of HSE National Doctors Training and Planning (NDTP) and Consultant Respiratory Physician, will take up the office of President on 19 October 2026, succeeding Dr Diarmuid O’Shea.

Prof O’Regan is an internationally recognised physician and academic with significant experience in clinical leadership, medical education, and translational research. He is the former Dean of the RCPI Institute of Medicine.

As President-Designate, Professor O’Regan will work closely with Dr Diarmuid O’Shea to support RCPI’s strategic agenda, focusing on excellence in medical training, education, and lifelong learning, global engagement, and strengthening the voice of physicians in shaping healthcare policy.

Prof O’Regan said: “I am honoured to be elected by my peers to the role of President-Designate of RCPI at this crucial time. Supporting our trainees, members, and fellows, and ensuring that high-quality medical education remains at the core of our work, will be a key priority, as we continue to enhance RCPI’s role in Irish and international healthcare. I am very grateful to everyone who voted.”

Congratulating Prof O’Regan on his appointment, Dr Diarmuid O’Shea said: “I am delighted to see Professor O’Regan appointed as President-Designate. Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in medical education and training, clinical leadership and healthcare reform. He has played a transformative role in expanding and strengthening postgraduate training, supporting the development of Ireland’s future physician workforce, and championing innovative educational approaches.

“Serving as RCPI President is a privilege and I look forward to working with Prof O’Regan in the coming months to support a smooth and successful transition of leadership.”

RCPI CEO, Ms Audrey Houlihan, acknowledged Prof O’Regan’s enduring commitment to the College and his contribution to medical training excellence.

“On behalf of RCPI Council, Executive and staff, I warmly congratulate Professor O’Regan on his appointment as President-Designate of RCPI. Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Anto O’Regan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in medical training and education, clinical leadership and healthcare reform. We are delighted to welcome him as President-Designate at an important time for our College and the health service.”

In addition to the election of a President-Designate, Fellows of the College were invited to elect four new Ordinary Councillors to the RCPI Council. 

Dr Declan Byrne, Dr Sean Fleming and Prof Derek O’Keeffe were elected by their peers as Ordinary Councillors (Medicine), and Dr Tom O’Connell was deemed elected Ordinary Councillor (Occupational Medicine). 

The RCPI Council is the College’s senior governing body and is responsible for setting its strategic direction, overseeing governance, and ensuring the organisation fulfils its mission and objectives. 

The newly elected Ordinary Councillors will contribute to the Council’s work by helping to shape RCPI’s future direction, providing strategic oversight, participating in Council meetings and committees, and supporting effective governance across the College.