Mr Foy will take up his role with the ICGP in February 2017. Mr Foy is described as a highly experienced senior executive and is joining the ICGP from the College of Anaesthetists of Ireland where he has been Chief Executive Officer since May 2011.
He is currently Secretary to the Forum of Postgraduate Bodies and Chair of the International Medical Graduate Training Committee — a partnership arrangement between the HSE and the Forum of Irish Postgraduate Training Bodies, which provides structured training for overseas medical graduates in Ireland. Additional positions he holds include government public nominee on the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland.
In his role as CEO of the College of Anaesthetists, Mr Foy has overseen a number of innovations across its key activities. Prior to this, Mr Foy worked for 18 years in the RCSI where he held a number of senior management roles at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels with responsibility for RCSI activity in these areas in Ireland and overseas.
Dr John Gillman, Chair of the ICGP board, commenting on Mr Foy’s appointment, said: “On behalf of the board, I am delighted that someone of Fintan’s calibre will be joining the ICGP. His experience of medical training at national and international level will be invaluable in continuing to maintain and develop general practice training to the excellent standard on which the ICGP has built its reputation. We look forward to working with him in 2017 and beyond in addressing the challenges and opportunities, present and future, for the ICGP.”
Commenting on his appointment Mr Foy said: “I am looking forward to taking up this role as CEO of ICGP. It is a challenging time for general practice with many well documented issues from the resourcing of general practice to the retention of newly-graduated GPs. Despite these challenges, general practice continues to fulfil a key role in Irish healthcare. General practice is the most important and accessible part of the health service where over 90 per cent of patient needs are met on a same day basis. GPs undertake both a co-ordinating role on behalf of patients navigating the health service and the ongoing management of patients’ health needs, particularly those with serious and complex illnesses.
“I look forward to working with the board, management, staff and membership of the College in meeting the challenges ahead through continuing to develop the infrastructure for the delivery of excellence in training, which ICGP delivers to medical graduates pursuing a career in general practice and advocating for appropriate resources for general practice in Ireland.”
The ICGP said it had a “very high level of interest” in this post which involved a “lengthy and rigorous” selection process.
The College said it wished to thank all applicants for their interest.
