The Principal Medical Officer (PMO) will be responsible for the co-ordination of a range of preventative and community based medical services in accordance with identified needs of the population and evidence-based practice. The service covers the areas of Louth, Meath, Monaghan and most of Cavan. The PMO will be managerially responsible for those services provided by Community Medical Doctors within the assigned budgets for those services.

Services include under the National Healthy Childhood Programme, Community Child Health Services, the Primary Immunisation Programme, the School Immunisations Programme and requisite medical assessments associated with the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Tax Relief Scheme as well as approvals for medical drugs & aids as appliances under the Community Funded Schemes.

The PMO will head up the Community Medical Service, responsible for strategic planning and development of the service based on population and service needs. The PMO will effectively and efficiently manage the service, working closely with the Head of Service for Primary Care, General Managers, Therapy managers, Network managers and others in determining priorities based on identified client need and best practice.

Candidates must have at the latest date of application:

1. Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc

1. i) Be a medical practitioner who is registered, other than provisionally or temporarily, in the Register of Medical Practitioners for Ireland or who is entitled to be so registered.
2. ii) Possess a master’s in public health/Diploma in Public, MSc. In Community Health or equivalent.

• iii) Possess one additional qualification from the following:
• MICGP, MRCGP, MFPHMI, MFOH or other higher medical degree obtained by examination.
• Diploma in Child Health or Diploma in Medicine for the Elderly.
• Diploma in Medical Management or other recognised management.
• Diploma e.g. Diploma in Healthcare Management.
• Qualification in Health Economics.

2. Experience

Each candidate must on the latest date for receiving completed applications for the post have had, since becoming entitled to full registration, at least 7 years satisfactory experience in the practice of the medical profession.  Each candidate must also have worked as a Senior Area Medical Officer or Area Medical Officer for 5 years or have obtained equivalent relevant experience.

The successful candidate is expected to have a working knowledge of the broader structure and functions of the Health Service including national strategies, policy documents and plans pertaining to the Community Medical Service.  The candidate is also expected to have satisfactory experience in multidisciplinary, interagency work preferably in managerial capacity.

3. Health

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

4. Character

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

For more information, please see attached job specification: LM2026-5036 - Medical Officer Principal - Job Specification

Additional Campaign Information: Additional Campaign Information Guide