Prof Anthony O’Regan formally commenced his role as President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI).
Prof O’Regan, a consultant respiratory physician at University Hospital Galway, took up the office of President at the college’s Annual Stated Meeting on 19 October 2026, following his election to the role earlier this year.
“I am fundamentally interested in educating the next generation of doctors to the highest level,” said Prof O’Regan.
“I am proud to be associated with his historic and important institution. RCPI is a global leader in training, education, and healthcare advocacy reflecting the work of my predecessors, and of the management team under the leadership of Audrey Houlihan.
“Our global community of doctors share our vision to improve health and enhance patient care. That is what drives us as doctors and it is why our college exists,” he said.
Prof O’Regan is the 144th person to hold the position of President of RCPI. He succeeds Dr Diarmuid O’Shea, who held the office for the term 2023 – 2026.
In his role as President, Prof O’Regan will lead the strategic development of RCPI. He will provide leadership to the college in its mission to support learners, trainees, members and fellows to be leaders in healthcare delivery and transformation through training, education, and advocacy. Prof O’Regan will work closely with RCPI’s faculties and institutes, council, members, fellows and staff to grow and support its globally connected community of over 17,000 respected physicians across 104 countries whose roots date back to 1654.
Prof O’Regan became a fellow of the college in 2012 and was the Foundational Dean of RCPI Institute of Medicine from 2019 to 2024, during which time he led significant developments in postgraduate medical training including growth in training numbers and the advancement of national reviews in General Internal Medicine. He has played a key role in medical education and health service reform, including leading the National Taskforce on the Non-consultant Hospital Doctors workforce, contributing to national responses during the COVID-19 pandemic through large-scale online educational initiatives, and serving as medical director of HSE National Doctors Training and Planning.
During the meeting, Dr Jennifer Martin was appointed Vice President and elected Censor. Dr Laura Durcan, Prof Keelin O’Donoghue and Dr Michael Farrell were also elected as Censors of the college.
Newly elected members of Council include Dr Declan Byrne (Medicine), Dr Seán Flemming (Medicine), Prof Derek O’Keefe (Medicine) and Dr Tom O’Connell (Occupational Medicine).