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The Irish Society of Community and Public Health Medicine (ISCPHM) represents a long-standing tradition of supporting public health professionals across Ireland.
Our roots trace back to 1859, when Irish members were first admitted to the Association of Metropolitan Medical Officers of Health, originally established in London in 1856.
In 1919, the Society adopted a new constitution to better reflect its evolving role as the representative body for the Public Health Service in Ireland. Membership was extended to include all medical officers engaged in public health work.
Since then, much has changed in the landscape of Community and Public Health—but the vital work of Community and Public Health doctors remains constant. From child health screening and immunisation to infectious disease surveillance and contact tracing, our members continue to play a critical role in protecting population health.
Each Autumn, we host our Annual Scientific Meeting in Dublin, bringing together members to share updates, insights, research, and innovations in the field
Council Meetings - Dates for 2026
- 15th January 2026 Council Meeting
- 26th February 2026 Council Meeting
- 26th March 2026 Council Meeting
- 14th May 2026 Council Meeting
- 25th June 2026 Council Meeting
- 13th August 2026 Council Meeting
- 10th September 2026 Council Meeting
Meet Us
Council Members
Dr Hafi Saad, Honorary President
Dr Catherine O’Malley, Out-going President
Dr Gretta Tarrant, Honorary Treasurer
Dr Liam Holland, Assistant Treasurer
Dr Kathleen Harkin, Honorary Secretary
Dr Margit Benke, Assistant Secretary
Dr Mary Condon
Dr Orla O’Leary
Dr Karen Given
Dr Phil Fitzgerald
Dr Darina Fahey
Dr Maria Murphy
Dr Íde NicDhonncha
Dr Marie O’Connell
Dr Máire O’Neill
Dr Alice Quinn
Dr Prannie Rhatigan
Dr ML
Sieneke Hakvoor – Past President
Committees & Working Groups
In addition to organising an Annual Scientific Meeting, the Council is involved in several other pieces of work, which are undertaken by subcommittees or working groups. At present the following are active:
- Financial Subcommittee
- National Clinical Audit Working Group
- Abstract Review Committee
- Website Subcommittee
- Faculty Development Working Group
- Training Needs Survey Subcommittee
Financial Subcommittee
The objective of this subcommittee is to support the Treasurer and to develop a vision and a strategy for managing the Society’s finances in line with the Society’s mission and its stated objectives. Annual accounts are presented at the ASM and are tax-compliant.
National Clinical Audit Working Group
The purpose of this group is to develop a protocol and gather the data for national clinical audits.
Abstract Review Committee
This committee reviews the abstracts submitted for poster presentation at the Annual Scientific Meeting, critically appraising them and offering writing support to authors.
Faculty Development Working Group
This group is exploring the possibility of developing a faculty of Community Medicine.
Training Needs Survey Subcommittee
This group is developing a survey to evaluate the training needs within our membership.
Past Presidents
- Dr. C. F. Warde 1984–1985
- Dr. P. Quinn 1985–1986
- Dr. J. Solan 1986–1987
- Dr. M. Cooney 1987–1988
- Dr. N. DeSouza 1988–1989
- Dr. T. Jackson 1989–1990
- Dr. A. Shannon 1990–1991
- Dr. N. DeSouza 1991–1992
- Dr. H. Pelly 1992–1993
- Dr. H. Brenner 1993–1995
- Dr. Sheila MacEvilly 1995–1997
- Dr. Maura O’Shea 1997–1999
- Dr. P. Prendiville 1999–2001
- Dr. H. Murray 2001–2003
- Dr. M. Kieran 2003–2005
- Dr. P. Lyng 2005–2007
- Dr. P. Gilvarry 2007–2009
- Dr. C. Higgins 2009–2011
- Dr. D. Healy 2011–2013
- Dr. B. Lynam 2013–2014
- Dr. D. Fahey 2014–2016
- Dr. Bridin Cannon 2016–2018
- Dr. Sieneke Hakvoort 2018–2022
- Dr. Catherine O’Malley 2022–2024
- Dr. Hafi Saad 2024–Present