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HSE Medical Education and Training Research Unit

The HSE Medical Education and Training Research Unit launched a national centralised intern matching and educational programme in December 2009 which became operative in July 2010.   This was as a result from the NCMET report and discussions by the Intern Implementation Group. One of the reasons for this was that the number of medical graduates in Ireland is increasing annually in response to the Fottrell report and the number of Irish/EEA/EU graduates may exceed the number of intern places within the next few years.

They created 6 intern networks (see map below), each headed by an Intern Network Coordinator
Dublin/Northeast (RCSI) - Mr Daragh Moneley
West/Northwest (UCG) - Professor Michael Kerin
Dublin/Midlands (UCD) - Professor Dermot Power
Dublin/Southeast- (TCD) - Professor Shaun McCann
South (UCC) - Professor Cillian Twomey
Mid-West (UL) - Dr Margaret O’Connor/Mr Paul Burke

The HSE and the Medical Council were both anxious to introduce new specialties into the intern rotation. In response to this the TCD network was given two new Intern slots and the specialties of Primary Care and Paediatrics were introduced in July 2010. It is hoped that new specialties will be introduced in July 2011. All of these posts will require Medical Council approval.
The 2010/11 National Intern Allocation Process was completed in May 2010 by the HSE Medical Education and Training Unit. The Intern Network Coordinators have now turned their attention to the educational requirements under the agreed title of the National Intern Training Programme (NITP).   A draft curriculum has been drawn up and is presently with the Medical Council for advice and approval. In the next year, the Coordinators will be examining and devising suitable training methods and modules for inclusion in the National Programme.