Professor Anto O’Regan appointed President Designate of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Anto O’Regan as President Designate. Professor O’Regan, Medical Director of the HSE National Doctors Training and Planning and Consultant Respiratory Physician at University Hospital Galway, will take up the office of President on 19 October 2026, succeeding Dr Diarmuid O’Shea.
Professor 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 the college’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.
Professor O’Regan said: “I am honoured to be elected by my peers to the role of President Designate of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland 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 the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland’s role in Irish and International Healthcare. I am very grateful to everyone who voted.”
Congratulating Professor 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 President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is a privilege, and I look forward to working with Professor O’Regan in the coming months to support a smooth and successful transition of leadership.”
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland CEO, Ms Audrey Houlihan, acknowledged Professor O’Regan’s enduring commitment to the college and his contribution to medical training excellence. “On behalf of the College Council, Executive and staff, I warmly congratulate Professor Anto O’Regan on his appointment as President Designate of RCPI. Throughout his distinguished career, Professor 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.”
Professor Anto O’Regan became a Fellow in 2012 and was the Foundational Dean of the 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 NCHD Workforce and contributing to national responses during the COVID-19 pandemic through large-scale online educational initiatives.
He is Medical Director of NDTP (National Doctors Training and Planning) at the Health Service Executive and serves as Director of Postgraduate Clinical Education with the Saolta University Healthcare Group.
Professor O’Regan will take up the office of President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland at the College’s Annual Stated Meeting on Monday, 19 October 2026.
Council Elections
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 Professor 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.