Professor Kieran Murphy introduces the Spring Edition of the eNewsletter which includes an article outlining the greatly increased role of the Medical Council in Education and Training, and also provides an update in relation to Professional Competence.

Mr Marcus Balfe, Acting CEO outlines a number of operational updates including the appointment of the Head of Professional Competence, implementation of a new IT system and reminds doctors that retention notices are issuing shortly.

The education and training section of the Medical Council, in conjunction with the Professional Development Committee, perform the functions of the MPA 2007 in relation to professional education, training and competence.

The Medical Council is pleased to announce the recruitment of a Head of Professional Competence to facilitate the commencement of Part 11 of the Medical Practitioners Act, 2007.

Professor William Powderly, Chair of the Professional Development Committee, is Chief Academic Officer of Dublin Academic Health Care and Head of the School of Medicine and Medical Science at UCD.

Dr Anne Keane has led the Medical Council’s Education and Training Section for the past six years. She has been a temporary adviser on undergraduate accreditation to the World Health Organisation and acts as an assessor for the Teaching Council.

The Medical Council is calling on all registered medical practitioners to assist in the strategic planning process of the development of a Statament of Strategy for 2010-2013.

The remit of the Medical Council includes inquiring into complaints through the Preliminary Proceedings Committee and the Fitness to Practise Committee. Here, the Medical Council outline the typical process.

The Medical Council, in collaboration with iSOFT Business Solutions, has recently implemented a new system registering and managing the country’s 18,000 doctors which has helped us reduce costs and provide a better customer service to doctors and the public.

The Medical Council recently launched a newly redesigned website which offers a more user friendly experience, with clear, concise information and uncomplicated navigation.

The Medical Council seeks to appoint a Chief Executive Officer who will report to the Council and will take responsibility for the overall management of the Medical Council and its staff with particular relevance to operational and administrative matters.

The Medical Council held a fundraising day on Wednesday 24th March 2010 in support of ‘Daffodil Day’ which is the Irish Cancer Society’s biggest annual fundraising activity.