Deborah McNamara

Deborah McNamara is the President of Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and a Consultant General & Colorectal Surgeon at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. She holds an MB BAO BCh (Honours) from Trinity College Dublin, FRCSI (Gen Surg), MD, and honorary fellowships from the American College of Surgeons and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. Her career includes roles such as Programme Director of the National Higher Surgical Training Programme (2010–2013) and Clinical Director for Surgery at Beaumont Hospital (2014–2017).

Her research focuses on colorectal cancer, surgical training, patient safety, and healthcare systems improvement. Notable contributions include developing Ireland’s first National Clinical Guidelines for colon and rectal cancer and leading initiatives on surgical handover quality and gender equality in surgery. She has authored over 220 peer-reviewed papers and secured grants for projects like surgical handover interventions and clinical handover issues in emergency surgery.

Awards include the Patey Prize, AWS Olga Jonasson Award, and Millin Lecture. Her work emphasizes translational research, healthcare leadership, and advancing surgical education through evidence-based practices. She chairs key national and international committees, driving innovations in surgical care pathways and quality improvement.