We are delighted to announce that Dr Velma Harkins has been installed as President of the Irish College of GPs 2026/2027. At the College AGM last Friday, Dr Harkins was formally announced as the 42nd President of the College. This announcement follows her dedicated service as College Vice-President and her longstanding commitment to supporting and advancing the careers of GPs across Ireland. We look forward to Dr Harkins’ vision and direction as she helps shape both the future of general practice in Ireland and the continued growth of the College.
Meet Dr Velma Harkins, College President
Dr Velma Harkins has dedicated her career to rural general practice, diabetes care, and GP training. A GP in Banagher, Co. Offaly, since the early 1990s, she co-founded the Midlands Diabetes Structured Care Programme and authored the first national guidelines for integrated diabetes care. She served as National GP Lead for Diabetes and contributed to the development of the Chronic Disease Management programme.
Dr Harkins has played a key role in national health policy through her work with the BreastCheck Steering Group and the National Screening Advisory Committee. A committed educator, she founded and chaired the National Association of Trainers in General Practice and led the negotiation of the GP Training Contract. She has also contributed to research and quality improvement initiatives within the Irish College of GPs including the development of General Practice Updates.
Most recently, she helped establish the International Medical Graduate Programme for Rural Practice, supporting recruitment and strengthening general practice in Ireland.
Dr Nuala O’Connor, Immediate Past President
We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Immediate Past President, Dr Nuala O’Connor. Dr O’Connor has guided the College through a year of developments and growth. Her dedication, vision, and commitment have played a vital role in shaping the College as it stands today. We are deeply thankful for her leadership and lasting contribution to the College and the wider GP community.
Prof Walter Cullen announced as Vice President
As Dr Harkins steps into the role of President, we are also delighted to announce that Prof Walter Cullen has been installed as the new College Vice President. We welcome Prof Cullen to the Board and look forward to his contribution and leadership in supporting the College and its members in the years ahead.
Meet Prof Walter Cullen, College Vice President
Prof Walter Cullen is Professor of Urban General Practice and University College Dublin Head of Academic General Practice. He was previously Professor of General Practice at University College Limerick and currently works clinically at Summerhill Family Practice in Dublin’s North Inner City.
A UCD graduate, Prof Cullen completed the Eastern Regional Specialist GP Training Programme in 1998. He worked as a GP in Dublin’s South Inner City and lecturer at UCD School of Medicine, completing MD degree on Hepatitis C in General Practice. In 2009, he was appointed UL Professor of General Practice. The establishment of GP Teaching Networks, enabling students to spend more time learning in general practice, has been a priority. Prof Cullen has collaborated with the Irish College of GPs in supporting the IMG Rural Doctors Programme. He leads a research team, working on themes such as mental health, healthcare integration, cardiovascular disease and primary care nursing practice. He has been a member of the Irish College of GPs Executive (Chair of Research) and Research Ethics Committees.
New Members of the Board
The AGM also saw the announcement of new incoming Chair Dr Knut Moe along with the announcement of new Board members:
• Dr Eimear McCarthy
• Dr Mark O’ Kelly
• Ms Sinead O’ Loghlin
• Dr Ken Harte