Medical Council appoints Dr Suzanne Crowe as President for a second term and welcomes Dr Mary Davoren as Vice President

• Dr Crowe was first elected to the Medical Council in 2018 and elected as President in 2021
• Dr Mary Davoren has been elected as Medical Council Vice President

Tuesday, 11 July 2023: The Medical Council has today re-elected Dr Suzanne Crowe as President and elected Dr Mary Davoren as Vice President.

It is Dr Crowe’s fifth year with the Medical Council, and her second term as President.

Dr Crowe works in children’s health as a Paediatric Intensivist at Children’s Health Ireland, Crumlin Hospital, Dublin. She is Associate Clinical Professor in UCD School of Medicine in the division of Women and Children’s Health. Dr Crowe is a board trustee for three charities, the Down Syndrome Centre, Cheshire Ireland, and LGBT Ireland. She advocates for doctors’ wellbeing, diversity, equity and inclusion, and medical ethics; and regularly speaks and writes on these topics.

Speaking today, Dr Crowe said, “It is a privilege to be appointed as President of the Medical Council for a second term. With this privilege comes responsibility, which I understand and will be accountable for.

“The Medical Council’s primary role is to ensure the Irish public feel protected in their interactions with doctors, while supporting registered medical practitioners. The Medical Council is committed to advocating for safe, high quality patient care, public confidence and trust in the medical profession, and leadership in healthcare.

“Although the number of doctors registering with the Medical Council is at an all-time high, we are acutely aware of the shortages of doctors in Ireland, particularly in rural parts of the country. Our health service continues to rely heavily on internationally qualified doctors as well as doctors from overseas. Given the significant geopolitical unrest worldwide, patients living in Ireland are often coming from increasingly diverse and often challenging backgrounds.

“I am delighted that this term’s Council has much-needed representation from international and Irish doctors, as well as a number of non-medical members. Collectively, they will bring a deeper understanding of challenges that need addressing today, and how we can better support both doctors and patients from overseas.”

Dr Mary Davoren is a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist at the Central Mental Hospital Dublin and Clinical Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin. She completed her medical degree at the National University of Ireland and an MD higher degree in research in Forensic Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin. She has published book chapters and research papers on prisoner health care needs, recovery in forensic settings and the impact of COVID-19 in forensic settings.

Dr Davoren added, “I’m delighted to be elected as Vice President of the Medical Council and to have the opportunity to build on the achievements of the last Council.

“The Medical Council’s role within society extends far beyond its remit as the regulator of doctors. Fostering a culture of trust and respect between medical practitioners, patients, and the Medical Council is integral to ensuring the highest standard of patient care. I look forward to fulfilling these responsibilities, together with Dr Crowe and my fellow Council members,” concluded Dr Davoren.

Medical Council CEO, Leo Kearns said “I congratulate Dr Crowe and Dr Davoren on their appointments and look forward to continuing work with the Council during this new term.

“Each member of Council has a role to play in ensuring we provide the most comprehensive service to protect patients and support our doctors.

Working in partnership with Council members and staff, and with our many stakeholders, I’m very much looking forward to building on our achievements and upholding the highest standards of care for the Irish public.”

The Medical Council regulates medical doctors in Ireland. The Council's purpose is to protect the public by promoting and better ensuring high standards of professional conduct and professional education, training, and competence among doctors. The composition of the Medical Council is set out by legislation (the Medical Practitioners Act, 2007). The membership is composed of 25 members, 13 non-medical members and 12 medical practitioners.