About Us

The UCD School of Medicine, founded in 1854, is one of Ireland’s leading medical schools. At undergraduate level, we offer programmes in medicine, radiography and Biomedical Health & Life Sciences (BHLS) and at graduate level, we offer over 60 programmes for healthcare professionals including hospital doctors, GPs, radiographers, forensic scientists and mental health professionals and for managers and administrators working in healthcare settings. 

All of our undergraduate and graduate programmes are delivered by specialist staff across an extensive network of academic and clinical locations. Our student population also comprises more than 152 nationalities. This diversity is one of the defining features of life at UCD, and one that enriches the student experience by delivering a truly international campus. 

Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission

To build a community of healthcare professionals and scientists that improves health outcomes through excellence in education, research, and patient care.

Our Vision

Health and well-being in Ireland and around the world.

Our Values

Reflecting the University’s values, the School prioritises excellence, integrity, collegiality, engagement and diversity. In addition, the School commits itself to public service, clinical leadership and collaboration with its healthcare partners.

Our philosophy is:

• Grounded on understanding and critical evaluation of the evidence base that underpins the ‘science of medicine’.
• Demonstrated by the professional behaviours of our staff and students in the ‘art of clinical practice’.
• Exemplified by honest, competent and reflective practise that puts the needs of the patient first.
• Maintained through a commitment to the core principles of informed consent, evidence-based decision-making and scientific integrity.

UCD School of Medicine Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025; Tomorrow’s Medicine

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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion among our students and our staff to drive optimum School performance through the active engagement of all.  We will lead and work with University initiatives that support, promote and demonstrate a culture of inclusivity and diversity.  We welcome a difference of opinion, encourage respectful interactions between colleagues and seek diverse access to our programmes including from under-represented groups.

Our Academic Objectives

1. To deliver ambitious educational programmes that both inspire and prepare our graduate for excellence in practice and for leadership roles in tomorrow’s healthcare.
2. To conduct high quality translational and clinical research in areas of national significance and global importance.
3. To innovate in teaching and assessment, undertaking comprehensive education research to improve our programmes and inform national policy.
4. To attract and retain staff who are driven by the pursuit of excellence in academic and clinical practice and provide them with career progression opportunities.
5. To attract a diverse cohort of students and to offer elective opportunities around the world so that our graduates emerge competitive for careers in healthcare leadership roles and understand global perspectives.
6. To create graduates with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for professional practice.
7. To build an enduring sense of community among our students, staff and alumni.
8. To support our education and research endeavours on campus by strengthening School infrastructure across our clinical training networks.
9. To maintain a strong effective organisation with resource allocation that is consistent with our School’s strategic priorities.
10. To question continuously our assumptions and collect appropriate key performance data that supports informed decision-making and organisational development.

Medicine 2030

The School commits to a comprehensive programme of curriculum change in 2023/2024, the outcome of which will be the development and recommendation of a new curriculum (Medicine 2030) for each of our undergraduate entry and graduate entry Medicine programmes. Click here to find out more.

Meet the Dean

Michael Keane is Professor of Medicine and Therapeutics at UCD and Consultant Respiratory Physician at SVUH (St Vincent’s University Hospital.) 

Michael Keane graduated from UCD in 1989 and following initial clinical training in Dublin, moved to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, US to pursue a Fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine in 1995. 

He subsequently took up a Faculty position at University of Michigan in 1998. In 2000 he moved to University of California, LA where he was Associate Professor of Medicine and Programme Director for the UCLA Interstitial Lung Disease Centre and was the Medical Director of the Medical intensive care unit. He was also the Director of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship Training programme.

Michael Keane returned to UCD and SVUH in 2007 as Professor of Medicine and Therapeutics and Consultant Respiratory Physician. 

He has served as Chair of the Medical Board at SVUH and was a member of the hospital Board of Directors from 2010-2019 and was Interim CEO from 2015-2018. He is a Fellow of the RCPI and RCP London. He was appointed as Registrar at RCPI in 2021.

Professor Keane's research interests centre on investigation into, and treatment of inflammatory lung diseases; with a particular focus on pulmonary fibrosis. He is on the editorial board of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and is an Associate Editor for Respirology.

Staff Profile