Health

Chief medical officer to leave role a year after taking up post

Breda Smyth is reportedly leaving the Department of Health entirely to pursue a new job

Breda Smyth, the outgoing chief medical officer. She has specialised in public health for the last 16 years and has extensive clinical experience. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

The state’s chief medical officer (CMO) is due to leave the role just over a year after her appointment to the position, it has emerged.

Professor Breda Smyth is leaving the Department of Health entirely to pursue a new job in the Royal College of Surgeons, it has been confirmed.

Smyth was officially appointed to the role on October 5, 2022 having served as interim CMO after Dr Tony Holohan left the post earlier that ...