Prof Mary Horgan, former dean of UCC medical school, named as interim Chief Medical Officer

A leading infectious diseases consultant at Cork University Hospital who worked on the covid-wards during the pandemic, she was also the first woman elected as president of the Royal College of Physicians Ireland. 

She became well-known during the pandemic for her work with the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet). She led the expert group on antigen testing and also supported various sporting bodies, including the GAA and Munster Rugby, in a safe return to sport.

Prof Horgan said she was honoured to accept the position of CMO. 

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Department of Health and to bringing my national and international experience in healthcare to support the department’s mission to improve the health and wellbeing of the people in Ireland,” she said.

She is currently professor of infectious diseases at University College Dublin and the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. 

Last year, Prof Horgan was also appointed to lead the design of a new emerging health threats agency by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.

Mr Donnelly welcomed the new appointment, and said during her work with Nphet she “demonstrated the experience, expertise and strong and effective leadership skills that are required for the role of CMO”.

“I want to thank her for taking up this interim appointment and look forward to working with her in the department as we continue our focus on strengthening and improving Ireland’s preparedness for health threats and protecting and improving population health,” he said.

Prof Horgan has also served on the boards of the Mercy University Hospital and the governing body of UCC as well as the Health Products Regulatory Authority and Irish Blood Transfusion Service.

She was previously president of the Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland.