McGee first female Dean of Irish medical school

A leading health psychologist has been appointed as the first-ever female dean of an Irish medical school, it was revealed today.

Professor Hannah McGee has taken up the position of Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).

"Professor McGee has been very successful in the roles she has held in the College to date and I have no doubt that she will make a long-lasting and valuable contribution," said outgoing Dean, Professor Cathal Kelly.

Professor McGee has led on a number of important research and evaluation projects to inform national health and social policy in recent years, with much of her work in the area of cardiovascular health.

She has previously served as President of the Psychological Society of Ireland, the European Health Psychology Society and is currently Chair of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Section, European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation.

Professor McGee has also served on the board of the Health Research Board and was appointed by Health Minister Mary Harney as chair of the Department of Health's Cardiovascular Health Policy Group.