Samuel J. McConkey

Professor Samuel J. McConkey serves as Professor and Head of the Department of International Health and Tropical Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), University of Medicine and Health Sciences, while also holding the position of Deputy Dean for International Curriculum Development. He maintains a dual clinical role as Consultant in General Medicine, Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases at Beaumont Hospital Dublin and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Ireland.

• M.B. B.Ch. B.A.O in Medicine from Trinity College, Dublin (1989)
• M.D. from Trinity College Dublin (2002)
• Master of Arts in Mathematics and Statistics from Washington University in St. Louis (2000)
• D.T.M. & H. (Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene) from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (1993)
• Diploma in Child Health from University College Dublin (1992)
• Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (1992)

Professor McConkey's research spans infectious disease prevention and control in resource-poor settings, with particular emphasis on malaria vaccines, tuberculosis elimination strategies, and HIV-related complications. His work integrates clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and social science approaches to address global health challenges through vaccine development, immunity studies, and investigations into health-related stigma.

His recent publications reveal a strategic focus on pandemic response (particularly COVID-19 immunity and healthcare adaptations), tuberculosis control in low-incidence countries, and HIV-associated cardiovascular complications. Notably, he has increasingly integrated educational research with clinical practice, examining medical student learning during crises and cross-cultural feedback-seeking behaviors across multiple international contexts.

• Scientific Advisory Committee of European Vaccine Initiative
• Former Chair of Scientific Advisory Committee of European Malaria Vaccine Initiative (2007-2009)
• Member of Health Information & Quality Authority (HIQA), Ireland's national regulator for medical and social care
• Chairperson of cross-border implementation board for Sexual Health services in Ireland

Professor McConkey has supervised doctoral research on malaria epidemiology, vaccine development, and refugee health screening. His extensive grant portfolio demonstrates leadership in international health research, with funding from Health Research Board, European Vaccine Initiative, Gilead Sciences, and Enterprise Ireland. His projects span vaccine trials, tuberculosis control strategies, HIV care optimization, and healthcare system strengthening in resource-limited settings, reflecting a commitment to translating research into practical healthcare solutions.

As co-leader of RCSI's Population Health and Healthcare Delivery vertical theme, Professor McConkey has established collaborative networks across Ireland, The Gambia, and international research consortia. His leadership in the Dublin City HIV Cohort and tuberculosis research programs demonstrates substantial capacity for building multidisciplinary clinical research teams focused on both infectious disease management and healthcare system improvement.