Dr George Leslie.
From the desk in his surgery at The Slaney Medical Centre in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, Dr George Leslie speaks with many other Indian doctors across the country.
Although it’s now 27 years since he moved to Ireland, where he became part of the fabric of the community in the town he now practices, he still retains a strong sense of identity and kinship with fellow Indian professionals who are either practicing or seeking to practice medicine in Ireland.
Last year, Dr Leslie spoke to doctors of Indian origin all over the country, who were being left waiting years for Irish registration exams, despite what we are regularly told is a chronic shortage of GPs. It was while seeking to tackle this frustrating kink in the system that he decided upon establishing the Indian Doctors Association in Ireland (IDAI).
He was joined in the venture by Consultant Cardiologist at Wexford General Hospital Dr Cyril James, who has described the official foundation of the association for Indian doctors as “a transformative step forward for the Indian medical fraternity in Ireland”, describing it as “a platform that will promote professional excellence and provide essential assistance to doctors navigating the Irish healthcare environment”.
The leadership is not just Wexford based either. Galway GP Dr Apoorva Gopinath and Dublin-based radiation oncologist Dr Savio James have taken on the role of coordinating support for junior doctors and newcomers to Ireland, seeking to “help new arrivals integrate smoothly into the Irish health system and benefit from the collective wisdom and guidance of senior colleagues”.
The IDAI will share close ties with the Irish Medical Association and both Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and the Indian Embassy in Dublin have been made aware of the establishment of the association, which those involved hope will “strengthen the cultural and professional bonds between the two nations”.
The association has already begun forming “specialised groups and segments to address the unique needs of doctors from different specialties and backgrounds”. These efforts endeavour to ensure that every new member – be it seasoned consultant or new trainee – has access to the right support, mentorship and resources.
“The creation of the Indian Doctors Association in Ireland represents not only an organizational achievement but also a symbolic moment in the shared history of Indian doctors contributing to the Irish healthcare system,” Dr Leslie said. “It stands as a testament to their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence in patient care.
“It’s really a platform for all Indian-origin doctors to come together, help each other, and serve both the Indian and Irish communities with dedication and compassion.”