Job Title: General Practice Clinical Rural Fellowship (1 position available) 

Reporting to: Irish College of GPs Medical Director & University Academic Lead  

Base: Rural practice in Kerry, location identified by the HSE 

Contract type: Fixed term: 2 years full time  

Hours of work: 60% clinical work in a rural practice identified by the HSE and 40% in the discipline of General Practice at University College Cork 

Application closing date: 31st October 2025

About the Irish College of GPs  

The Irish College of GPs is the professional body for general practice in Ireland. Please visit our website for more information: Irish College of GPs 

The Irish College of GPs is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring that all job applicants and employees receive equal treatment regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, membership of the Traveller community, or any other protected characteristic under Irish equality legislation. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the job application and interview process. Please email hr@icgp.ie to discuss any accommodations required.  

Background 

The fellowships are part of a larger overall plan to address gaps in general practice service in rural areas in Ireland. Funding has been obtained for one fellowship position of two years duration in Kerry and associated with University College Cork.  

The fellow will be employed by the Irish College of GPs and their work outputs overseen by a steering committee chaired by the College. This steering committee will include relevant representatives from primary care, HSE for CHO 4, and the heads of discipline for General Practice in University College Cork.  

Job Purpose  

These fellowship roles align with the Limerick declaration on rural healthcare 2022 which incorporates guiding principles based on a blueprint for rural healthcare. These guiding principles include rural healthcare needs and delivery; rural workforce; advocacy and policy; research for rural healthcare. 

Key Result Areas   

1. Prepare and deliver lectures and small group teaching in University College Cork including, for example, case based tutorials, communication and clinical skills and participate in formative and summative assessments at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

2. Contribute to student development and role modelling including career advice and formal mentoring.  

3. Support student placements in their own clinical practices. 

4. Support delivery of education via Irish College of GPs channels that may include webinars, contribution to General Practice Updates, online education, Newsletters, Forum articles. 

5. Complete personal formal research and / or audit project with appropriate academic support. 

6. Participate in a common research project with other Rural Fellows with appropriate academic support. 

7. Work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders. 

8. Present academic work and that of the Rural Fellow role at national and international meetings. 

9. The university Head of Discipline may allocate appropriate other work for the Fellows 

Person specification  

The ideal candidates will have the following knowledge, skills, expertise and competencies: 

Essential Qualifications & experience  

• A fully qualified GP with MICGP and a current member of the College in good standing or will hold such membership by time of taking up duties 

• Be registered with the Irish Medical Council of Ireland on the Specialist Division for General Practice, or will hold specialist registration by time of taking up duties 

• Be enrolled on and in compliance with the Irish College of GPs Professional Competence Scheme or will hold such enrollment by time of taking up duties 

• A demonstrable interest in rural practice 

• Interest in general practice education and research 

Desirable criteria 

• Area(s) of special clinical interest relevant to rural general practice  

• Previous clinical experience in a rural setting  

• Demonstrable connection to or experience of living in rural communities 

• Postgraduate qualifications in education and / or research 

• Published commentaries and / or research/audit 

Behavioral competencies  

• Have demonstrated education and research skills  

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships and advocate for the rural patient  

• Competent negotiator with excellent communication skills  

• Ability to design and deliver GP education  

• Proven ability to evaluate and audit projects  

• Demonstrable understanding of common issues and challenges in rural general practice