Professor Michael Kerin Elected President of RCSI
Wednesday, 3 June 2026: RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) has announced the election of Professor Michael Kerin as its new President following the College’s biennial Council Elections.
A consultant general surgeon with a special interest in breast and endocrine cancer, Professor Kerin succeeds Professor Deborah McNamara and takes up office with a commitment to strengthening collaboration between academic research and clinical practice.
Professor Kerin has held several prominent leadership positions throughout his career, including Professor and Head of the Department of Surgery at the University of Galway and Director of the Cancer Managed Clinical Academic Network (MCAN) for HSE West and North West. He is widely recognised for his contributions to surgical oncology, translational research and surgical education.
Mr David Moore, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Tallaght University Hospital and Blackrock Health, has been elected Vice-President.
Speaking following his appointment, Professor Kerin said:
“It is a privilege to be elected as President of the College, an institution that has championed patient-focused surgical care, safeguarded professional standards and led the field of surgery in Ireland for over 240 years.
“Throughout my term as President, I aim to further develop collaboration between academia and clinical practice, including supporting the objectives of the Irish Surgical Research Collaborative. I am committed to supporting practising surgeons nationwide, increasing access to improved surgical infrastructure and nurturing and empowering our surgical trainees as they are the future leaders of our profession.”
A prolific clinician-scientist, Professor Kerin has co-authored more than 500 scientific publications and currently serves as Research Director of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute. He is also a Principal Investigator with both the All-Ireland Cancer Research Institute and Precision Oncology Ireland. In recognition of his extensive research contributions, he was awarded a Doctor of Science (DSc) by the National University of Ireland.
Since joining the RCSI Council in 2006, Professor Kerin has played a significant role in advancing surgical training and research in Ireland. His previous leadership positions include Chair of the Irish Surgical Postgraduate Training Committee and Chair of the Short-Life Working Group on Surgical Research and Irish Surgical Research Centre. He also served as a Board Member of the Health Research Board from 2006 to 2012 and has been Convener of the Sir Peter Freyer Surgical Symposium.
Internationally, Professor Kerin has served as an External Assessor to the UK Breast Screening Programme and is a member of the James IV Association, alongside several international breast surgery and surgical oncology organisations.
Vice-President
Newly elected Vice-President Mr David Moore brings more than 20 years of experience in surgical practice, education and healthcare leadership.
Currently serving as Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Tallaght University Hospital and Blackrock Health, Mr Moore is also Chair of the Expert Group on Best Practice in Clinical Governance in Surgery.
As Clinical Lead for Spinal Surgery at Children’s Health Ireland, he has played a key role in implementing care pathways designed to improve outcomes and align services with evolving healthcare needs.
Mr Moore has previously served as President of both the Irish Institute of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery and the Irish Paediatric Orthopaedic Society. He was also the inaugural Joint Clinical Lead of the National Trauma and Orthopaedic Programme.
RCSI Council 2026–2028
The newly elected Council comprises:
President
- Professor Michael Kerin
Vice-President
- Mr David Moore
Council Members
- Professor Deborah McNamara (Immediate Past President)
- Professor Thomas Lynch
- Professor Camilla Carroll
- Professor Micheál Ó Ríordáin
- Mr Paddy Kenny
- Professor Kilian Walsh
- Mr Keith Synnott
- Mr John Caird
- Ms Bridget Egan
- Mr Sean Johnston
- Professor Carmel Malone
- Professor John Quinlan
- Professor Ronan Cahill
- Professor Paul Ridgway
- Professor David Healy
- Professor J. Calvin Coffey
- Professor May (Susan) Cleary
- Ms Ann Hanly
- Mr Barry O’Sullivan
