Dr Ruairi Hanley

Elected to the Medical Council

Dr Ruairi Hanley MB BCH BAO (Hons.) MICGP grew up in Sligo and graduated from UCD School of Medicine in June 2000. Since qualifying, he has worked in multiple specialties throughout Ireland including Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry and General Medicine. Dr Hanley served as a Medical Officer with the rank of Captain in the Permanent Defence Forces. (2001-02)

In 2009, Dr Hanley completed higher specialist GP training with the North Eastern Training Scheme. 

In addition to his clinical work, Dr Hanley served as Vice Chairman of the IMO NCHD Committee in 2009. He also was a Director of North East Doctor on Call Ltd (2013) and is the PRO of the “Save Navan Hospital” organisation.

Between 2009 and 2012, Ruairi led a campaign to end longstanding discrimination in General Practice by permitting all qualified GPs to treat medical card holders. This reform was finally introduced in 2012, resulting in thousands of patients now having a greater choice of Doctor.

Ruairi has been a medical columnist since 2005 and currently writes for the Irish Medical Times. He has contributed opinion articles to national newspapers including the Irish Independent, Sunday Business Post and Daily Mail.

Ruairi’s hobbies used to include playing Soccer and Golf, both of which he has largely abandoned due to a frustrating lack of ability. These days, his preferred recreational activities are hill walking and watching slow horses racing.

In 2013, Ruairi was elected to the medical council ahead of 12 other candidates with 1377 votes.