ABOUT MEDISEC

Medisec is an Irish company owned by its medical practitioner members, committed to arranging professional medical indemnity insurance and providing assistance, support and peace of mind for doctors in Ireland since 1994. We recognise that our members seek to achieve excellence in practice for the benefit of patients nationwide and are proud always to support them in so doing.

Medisec’s work is supported by a dynamic, client-focused team, based in Dublin. Our focus and priority is always on supporting and protecting our members, and we invest strongly in what differentiates our offering, so we recruit and retain talented, experienced, empathetic professionals who understand and live our culture of commitment to doctors.

Medisec has entered into a new business arrangement with MedPro that will allow us offer competitively priced and contractual occurrence-based professional medical indemnity insurance. In collaborating with the MedPro division of BHEI, we are proud to work with a locally based international insurance company with the highest level of stability and strength in the global marketplace.

From 01 July 2020, new Medisec members will have their insurance underwritten by MedPro. From 25 November 2020, existing GP members will have their cover transitioned to being underwritten by MedPro from their individual renewal dates

ABOUT MEDPRO

MedPro are a division of Berkshire Hathaway European Insurance DAC (BHEI), a Berkshire Hathaway company based in Dublin and authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland. BHEI maintains very competitive financial strength ratings of AA+ (Standard & Poor’s)*.

The MedPro division of BHEI benefits from a consulting relationship with MedPro Group, a Berkshire Hathaway company based in the United States and market leader for medical professional indemnity insurance. MedPro Group’s record indicates that it has protected the assets and reputations of the healthcare community since 1899, building extensive expertise in medical malpractice and claims management and developing tailored patient safety and risk solutions for healthcare professionals.

MedPro Group has more than $1 billion in annual premium and over 200,000 healthcare practitioners trust MedPro Group for their professional indemnity insurance.

* S&P AA+ financial strength rating assigned to BHEI on 17 May 2019.

Our People

Ruth Shipsey
Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director
Ruth Shipsey
Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director
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A solicitor with over thirty years’ medico-legal experience, Ruth understands the medico-legal landscape and the challenges it creates for healthcare professionals and indemnifiers. Ruth promises to always try to arrange the best professional indemnity insurance in the market and is dedicated to ensuring that Medisec is respected as the membership organisation of choice for healthcare professionals by providing exemplary complaints and disciplinary support to members, while supporting and promoting optimum care for patients. Ruth is committed to ensuring that Medisec’s strong reputation of service to members is maintained and enhanced and she personally; alongside her team, makes herself available on a 24/7 basis to support members with their medico- legal queries and concerns.

JENNIFER CONNOLLY
Chief Financial Officer
JENNIFER CONNOLLY
Chief Financial Officer
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Jennifer has worked in the insurance and reinsurance industry since 2006 and brings a wealth of experience of leading both small and large teams. As the regulated Finance and Compliance Officer, Jennifer is responsible for all financial aspects and reporting of the company including the monitoring of the company’s investment portfolio and ensuring the company’s legal and regulatory compliance with the Central Bank and the Consumer Protection Codes at all time. The Board of Medisec has also appointed Jennifer to act as Company Secretary, where she acts as a communicator, facilitator and advisor to the members of the Board.

SUZANNE BROWNE
Chief Operations Officer
SUZANNE BROWNE
Chief Operations Officer
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Suzanne has over 20 years’ experience working in the sector of medical professional indemnity. Suzanne joined Medisec in 2001 with responsibility for the overall daily management of the company particularly in the development of a robust advisory and mediation service for members. Suzanne was appointed General Manager of Medisec in 2006 and has worked alongside the Chief Executive on all aspects of the company’s business. Suzanne became Chief Operations Officer in April 2013 with primary responsibility for overseeing the advisory, complaints and disciplinary services to members and for developing strategic procedures and policies with the Executive Team.

DR MARY DAVIN-POWER
Senior Clinical Risk Advisor
DR MARY DAVIN-POWER
Senior Clinical Risk Advisor
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Mary joined Medisec in 2015, having worked in General Practice and Medical Education for 35 years. Mary was a Clinical Tutor in RCSI and CPD Tutor for GPs in North Dublin and worked closely with the ICGP as Faculty Liaison Officer and as GP representative on various committees. Mary was previously a Performance Assessor with the Irish Medical Council and currently serves on its Registration Review Committee. Mary was awarded Fellowship of the RCGP in 2019. Mary is committed to promoting education and safety in General Practice and assists members with a variety of medico-legal issues, including claims and complaints.  Mary draws on her vast experience and medical expertise in developing best practice and risk mitigation guidance and educational workshops for members.

NIALL ROONEY
Consultant Lead Counsel
NIALL ROONEY
Consultant Lead Counsel
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Niall Rooney joined the Medisec team in 2018 with a wealth of litigation and healthcare experience gained over the past decade, advising and guiding medical professionals through every stage of medical negligence claims. Niall has considerable expertise advising medical practitioners in relation to all aspects of Medical Council complaints, Inquests, HSE and HIQA investigations. Prior to joining Medisec, Niall was a senior member of the Healthcare teams in Matheson and Eversheds Sutherland respectively, where he advised medical professionals and both public and private healthcare providers in relation to  high profile medical negligence claims and Medical Council complaints.

AISLING TIMONEY
GP Lead Counsel
AISLING TIMONEY
GP Lead Counsel
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Aisling has over 10 years’ experience in healthcare law and medical negligence litigation, with rounded knowledge of the medico legal environment in Ireland and the particular challenges associated with regulatory and disciplinary proceedings. Having previously worked as In-House Legal Advisor to the Medical Council of Ireland, her particular interest lies in the regulatory sphere and in advising doctors who are the subject of regulatory complaints. She was the lead defence solicitor in a high profile Medical Council Fitness to Practise Inquiry concerning wrong site surgery and in subsequent successful Judicial Review proceedings which changed the landscape of regulatory law in Ireland.

DEE DUFFY
Risk Lead Counsel
DEE DUFFY
Risk Lead Counsel
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Dee has seven years’ Healthcare experience. Dee has a strong background in litigation and dispute resolution and has experience in providing legal advice on all aspects of defamation and reputation issues. Dee has represented medical professionals in disciplinary and regulatory matters, including Medical Council complaints, Fitness to Practise Inquiries and applications for suspension of Medical Council registration. Dee also advised practitioners and their indemnifiers regarding participation at Inquests and with Commissions of Investigations and HSE / HIQA inquiries. Dee previously worked as an associate in the Public and Regulatory Department of a leading law firm where she worked primarily for the Medical Council in investigating and preparing cases for Fitness to Practise Committees.

SILE O'DOWD
Legal Counsel
SILE O'DOWD
Legal Counsel
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Síle joined the Medisec team in 2020 bringing over ten years’ experience in advising medical practitioners in both contentious and non-contentious areas of healthcare law. Prior to joining Medisec, Síle spent over seven years working in London as a Senior Lawyer with the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) representing medical and dental practitioners in a wide variety of clinical negligence claims, including high value spinal surgery claims and complex meningitis cases. In addition, Síle gained extensive experience in assisting practitioners in respect of regulatory complaints before the General Medical Council and General Dental Council and in respect of (NHS) England disciplinary investigations. She also regularly represented practitioners at Inquests.

 

CLAIRE CREGAN
Legal Counsel
CLAIRE CREGAN
Legal Counsel
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Claire joined the Medisec team in 2018. Prior to joining Medisec, Claire worked in the Public and Regulatory department of an established Dublin law firm where she advised healthcare regulators in the context of professional disciplinary matters. During this time, Claire primarily advised the Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland in the context of investigating and preparing cases for hearing before fitness to practise and professional conduct committees. Claire has a strong background in litigation and dispute resolution having advised both Plaintiff and Defendant clients in the context of medical negligence, catastrophic and personal injury claims. Claire provides members with support and advice regarding a variety of medico-legal issues, claims and complaints on a daily basis.

LIAM HEFFERNAN
Legal Counsel
LIAM HEFFERNAN
Legal Counsel
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Liam qualified in 2015 and; prior to joining Medisec, he worked as a senior solicitor in a leading medical negligence defence law firm in Dublin. Liam has a broad range of experience in representing the interests of medical professionals in High Court litigation, Medical Council complaints, HSE investigations, private hospital reviews, Inquests and equality complaints before the Workplace Relations Commission. Liam advises Medisec members on a daily basis in relation to a range of medico legal issues, including Medical Council complaints, ethical dilemmas, litigation and daily challenges.
AOIFE O'HIGGINS
Membership Advisor
AOIFE O'HIGGINS
Membership Advisor
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Aoife commenced employment with Medisec in June 2016 as a receptionist, and PA to our CEO Ruth Shipsey. In 2014 she graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a BA Hons in Sociology and Social Policy. Aoife has a keen interest in the medico-legal advisory work undertaken by Medisec and since joining the team has completed a Diploma in Healthcare Law and a Certificate in Data Protection (GDPR) in the Law Society. In 2019 Aoife obtained a Certificate in Insurance Product Advice and the APA. She will continue to focus on the insurance aspect of Medisec as the company continues to grow.

ANDREW MERRIMAN
Membership Advisor
ANDREW MERRIMAN
Membership Advisor
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Andrew joined the Medisec Membership team in 2020. Andrew looks after all areas of the membership department, including new business, renewals, member queries and all aspects of policy administration.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University College Dublin and is a Member of the Insurance Institute of Ireland. He has over thirty years’ experience in the Irish Insurance industry, with both Insurers and Insurance Intermediaries across a variety of roles in claims, customer service, underwriting and audit.
SCOTT FITZGERALD
Membership Advisor
SCOTT FITZGERALD
Membership Advisor
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Scott joined Medisec’s membership team in January 2020 and deals with all membership queries and processing of applications on a daily basis. Scott has over 5 years’ experience in the finance sector, including 2 years’ international experience that he gained while working in Australia for one of Ireland’s top banks in the financial crime sector and the main share registry in Australia. Scott is also a Member of the Institute of Banking. He holds the APA designation in Loans, Regulations and Savings and Investments and is studying towards his APA in Insurance, with a view to then attaining CIP qualification.
CLARE HANNEY
Financial Controller
CLARE HANNEY
Financial Controller
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Clare joined the Medisec finance team as Financial Controller in August 2018. In her role as financial controller, she is responsible for ensuring that all the day to day financial activities of the business are properly looked after. Prior to joining Medisec, Clare was a senior accountant with Beyond International Ltd.  She has worked in the Finance departments of various firms within the service industry since 2001.  She is a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

DANIELLE GANNON
PA to the CEO / Front of house Administrator
DANIELLE GANNON
PA to the CEO / Front of house Administrator
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Danielle commenced employment with Medisec in October 2018 as PA to our CEO Ruth Shipsey and a receptionist. She graduated in 2016 from Dublin Business School with a BA hons in Social Science. With comprehensive knowledge and experience of customer care, she manages of all front of house requirements with a particular focus on ensuring excellence in customer service for all our members.  Danielle provides secretarial support to the advisory team and has responsibility for coordinating and supporting our busy external events schedule which is key to Medisec’s risk and education offering. Danielle is always looking for a new challenge to gain new knowledge and experience that she can use to benefit Medisec as it continues to grow.

Board of directors

Medisec is governed by a Board of Directors comprising medical practitioners and professionals drawn from complementary disciplines such as insurance, finance, law and communications to oversee the activities of the company and ensure its goals and objectives are met. The Board has accumulated a strong balance sheet through careful and prudent management of its affairs.

Jim Glennon
Chairman/Director
Jim Glennon
Chairman/Director
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Jim Glennon was Medisec’s CEO from its foundation in 1994 until his election to Dáil Éireann in 2002, and during that period initiated the company’s services and developed its membership numbers throughout the country.

A former bank official and legal practice manager, he was elected to Seanad Éireann on the Industrial & Commercial panel in 2000 and to Dáil Éireann as Fianna Fail TD for the constituency of Dublin North in 2002. From 2002 to 2007 he was vice-chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Sport and Tourism, a deputy chairman of the Dáil , and a member of the British/Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body, the Dáil Committee on Procedures and Privileges, and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport. He retired from politics in advance of the 2007 General Election.

A former Irish rugby international and player, coach and manager of Leinster Rugby, Jim is a long-established contributor to print and broadcast media on sporting and public affairs. Since 2008 he has worked as a consultant in these areas with the Irish branch of Edelman, the world’s largest privately-owned communications consultancy, and in 2009 was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of the company’s Irish advisory board.

Brian Neilan
Director
Brian Neilan
Director
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Brian Neilan is a non-executive director of Medisec Ireland CLG, having joined the Board of Directors in 2018. With over 30 years’  experience in the international insurance and reinsurance industry, Brian has recently retired as a Partner from PwC where  he worked primarily in the Insurance sector with a variety of clients. He gained significant industry and regulatory experience during that time and has an in-depth knowledge of regulatory and other market issues relating to the financial services industry in Ireland.  Brian is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.
Dr Daniel Crowley
Director
Dr Daniel Crowley
Director
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Dr Daniel Crowley graduated from University College Cork in 1980 and completed his GP training in the Cleveland UK GP Training Scheme in 1984.  His post-graduation qualifications include MRCGP MICGP, Diploma Child Health (DCH) (RCPI),  Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (DRCOG) and a Diploma in Sports Medicine(RCSI).

Dr Crowley worked  as Concern Volunteer in Ethiopia during the Famine in 1985. Following his return to Cork in 1986 Dr Crowley commenced full time General Practice in CarraignabhFear & Ballyvolane Co. Cork.  He was team doctor to the Cork Minor GAA Teams from 1998 to 2002 and is a current council member  of the National Association of General Practitioners.

Hugh Governey
Director
Hugh Governey
Director
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Hugh Governey is a non – executive director of Medisec  Ireland Ltd .   He is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute , a Chartered Insurance Broker and an Accredited Commercial Mediator.

After five years with a leading UK Insurer he joined the brokerage firm which after a series of mergers and acquisitions became Coyle Hamilton Willis Limited of which he was Chief Executive until his retirement in 2005.

He is Chairman of Allied World Assurance (Europe) Limited and of Irish Credit Bureau Ltd and Hire Purchase Limited. He is also a director of Irish Pensions Trust Limited, Great American Insurance International  Limited, Rehab Group Limited and Mount Anville Sacred Heart Education Trust Limited.

He has served as President of  the Insurance Institute of Dublin, the Irish Brokers Association, Dublin Chamber of Commerce and of the European Federation of Insurance Agents and Brokers.

Íde Delargy
Director
Íde Delargy
Director
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Dr Íde Delargy is a GP with over thirty years’ experience in general practice both in the UK and Ireland. She currently runs her own practice in Blackrock, Co Dublin and has a mixed GMS and private practice. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners in London (FRCGP Lon) as well as a Member of the Irish College of General Practitioners of Ireland (MICGP). She also holds a Diploma in Leadership in Healthcare (RCPI) and a Diploma in Workplace Conflict Resolution. Íde has extensive experience in the area of substance misuse and holds a number of national representative roles including Director of the Substance Misuse Programme at the ICGP and National GP Co-ordinator for the HSE Addiction Service.

Of special interest to Íde is the health and wellbeing of all doctors and to this end she developed the Practitioner Health Matters programme (PHMP). This is a strictly confidential and independent service which provides assessment, treatment and support for any doctor, including hospital doctors and GPs, who may be experiencing stress, mental health problems or substance misuse problems.

Mary Dooley
Director
Mary Dooley
Director
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Mary Dooley is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, an MBA graduate of Trinity College Dublin. Mary  has been a senior executive in the private and public sectors for over 30 years and has held Chief Financial Officer positions with: Warner Communications,  Bristol Myers, St. James’ Hospital and NUI Galway. Her experience includes financial and business strategy, corporate governance, intellectual property, risk and investment funds management and technological, commercial and capital developments.

She has also held directorships and audit committee membership of other commercial, cultural, charitable and public enterprises and has chaired a number of them.

Michelle Moore
Director
Michelle Moore
Director
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Michelle Moore is a non-executive director of Medisec Ireland CLG, having joined the Board of Directors in 2016.

With over 20 years of experience in the international insurance and reinsurance industry, Michelle most recently served as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Markel Europe plc. During her 12 years with the company, she held a number of senior roles in the areas of risk management, regulatory, operations and finance. Previously, she spent a number of years working in the London and Bermuda insurance markets.

Having graduated from Dublin City University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Masters in Business Studies, she joined PwC were she completed her accounting qualifications. Michelle is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.

Dr Raymond Walley
Director
Dr Raymond Walley
Director
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Raymond Walley is a Director of Medisec Ireland Limited and full time General Practitioner based in North Dublin.  He is a GP Trainer on the HSE DML (UCD) Training Scheme.

Dr Walley is a past President of the Irish Medical organisation (IMO) and past Chairman of its GP Committee. He continues to be a member of the IMO Council and GP Committee. He is a Member of The Royal College of General Practitioners and of the ICGP.

Dr Walley graduated from UCD in 1987 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degrees and went on to complete a Diploma in Obstetrics from RCPI. He has a Certificate in Aviation Medicine and has practised as an Aviation Medical Examiner in Ireland. He completed his postgraduate GP training on the NHS East Sussex GP vocational Training Scheme in 1993. Dr Walley has a Diploma in Medical Management (RCSI / IPA) with a focus on change management.

Ruth Shipsey
Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director
Ruth Shipsey
Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director
Contact Ruth

A solicitor with over thirty years’ medico-legal experience, Ruth understands the medico-legal landscape and the challenges it creates for healthcare professionals and indemnifiers. Ruth promises to always try to arrange the best professional indemnity insurance in the market and is dedicated to ensuring that Medisec is respected as the membership organisation of choice for healthcare professionals by providing exemplary complaints and disciplinary support to members, while supporting and promoting optimum care for patients. Ruth is committed to ensuring that Medisec’s strong reputation of service to members is maintained and enhanced and she personally; alongside her team, makes herself available on a 24/7 basis to support members with their medico- legal queries and concerns.

Advisory panel

Medisec is assisted by a long-standing and vastly experienced GP Advisory Panel. The Panel  meets on a quarterly basis to review procedures and developments in general practice and to consider other issues of concern to our GP members.

The Medisec team are in regular contact with the Panel regarding issues arising from an advisory, claim or indemnity perspective. The Panel also contributes to Medisec’s risk and education publications and plays an important role in advising on what constitutes normal GP practice for inclusion under the professional indemnity insurance policy.

DR MARY DAVIN-POWER
Senior Clinical Risk Advisor
DR MARY DAVIN-POWER
Senior Clinical Risk Advisor
Contact DR

Mary joined Medisec in 2015, having worked in General Practice and Medical Education for 35 years. Mary was a Clinical Tutor in RCSI and CPD Tutor for GPs in North Dublin and worked closely with the ICGP as Faculty Liaison Officer and as GP representative on various committees. Mary was previously a Performance Assessor with the Irish Medical Council and currently serves on its Registration Review Committee. Mary was awarded Fellowship of the RCGP in 2019. Mary is committed to promoting education and safety in General Practice and assists members with a variety of medico-legal issues, including claims and complaints.  Mary draws on her vast experience and medical expertise in developing best practice and risk mitigation guidance and educational workshops for members.

Professor Walter Cullen
Professor Walter Cullen
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Walter Cullen is Foundation Professor of General Practice at the University of Limerick Graduate Entry Medical School and a practising GP at Abbey River Practice in Limerick City.
A graduate of UCD, Prof Cullen completed the Eastern Regional Specialist Training Programme in General Practice in 1998 and from then until 2009, worked as a GP in Dublin’s South Inner City and as a Lecturer in General Practice at UCD School of Medicine. He is Member of Royal College of General Practitioners and the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) and was awarded a MD degree in 2005.
Dr Mary Gray
Dr Mary Gray
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Mary Gray is a former Director of Medisec. She is a Graduate of University College Cork and currently practises at the Corbally Clinic, Limerick. Dr Gray holds  Diplomas in Health Law and Ethics (University of Wales); Practical Dermatology (University of Wales); Obstetrics (RCPI); Child Health (RCPI) and; a Certificate in Aviation Medicine (UCD).
Dr Gray is a board member of the Mid -Western Regional Hospitals Group Board, a member of the Advisory Committee, Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick and an Aviation Medical Examiner for the IAA and EASA. Dr Gray has lectured on Health Law and Ethics at the  University of Limerick.  She was a Member of Comhairle na nOspideal, a former Board member of the Mid- Western Health Board and former Chair of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) GP Committee and Director of Shannondoc (Out of hours GP co-operative).
Dr Karena Hanley
Dr Karena Hanley
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Karena Hanley qualified from UCD in 1987 and obtained MIGP and MRCGP in 1992.  Further qualifications include a Masters in Family Medicine in 2000 and FRCGP in 2008.  Dr Hanley has over 25 years’ experience of running a busy GP practice, and has been a medical educator since 2000. She  has held a variety of ICGP posts including Regional Research Adviser,  Chair of a number of college committees and  ICGP National Director of GP training.

Professor Andrew Murphy
Professor Andrew Murphy
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Andrew Murphy is a principal in a semi-rural practice in Turloughmore, County Galway and Foundation Professor of General Practice at NUI Galway. He is an ICGP Examiner and former Board member and Chair of Research of the ICGP.

Dr Raymond Walley
Director
Dr Raymond Walley
Director
Contact Dr

Raymond Walley is a Director of Medisec Ireland Limited and full time General Practitioner based in North Dublin.  He is a GP Trainer on the HSE DML (UCD) Training Scheme.

Dr Walley is a past President of the Irish Medical organisation (IMO) and past Chairman of its GP Committee. He continues to be a member of the IMO Council and GP Committee. He is a Member of The Royal College of General Practitioners and of the ICGP.

Dr Walley graduated from UCD in 1987 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degrees and went on to complete a Diploma in Obstetrics from RCPI. He has a Certificate in Aviation Medicine and has practised as an Aviation Medical Examiner in Ireland. He completed his postgraduate GP training on the NHS East Sussex GP vocational Training Scheme in 1993. Dr Walley has a Diploma in Medical Management (RCSI / IPA) with a focus on change management.

EXTERNAL ADVISORS

To ensure that we are well-positioned in all aspects of our business, we seek out the best specialist advice and expertise on regulatory and financial compliance, risk distribution, investment management. We only instruct leading external healthcare solicitors and counsel who have the best experience, empathy and professionalism to guide and support our members through medico-legal challenges and litigation.

Our external advisors include: BDO, Compliance Ireland and Eugene F Collins Solicitors, Comyn Kelleher Tobin Solicitors, Kate McMahon & Associates and Edelman Ireland.