Appointments to the Podiatrists Registration Board - 16 October 2024

The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has appointed the following as members of the Podiatrist Registration Board, with effect from 16 October 2024 to 15 October 2028.

Emmet Clarke is a barrister. His professional experience spans project management and process improvement in the general insurance industry such as: the introduction of technological solutions for complaints and errors; and holding responsibility for the management and co-ordination of data sets for quantitative and qualitative analysis. Emmet is an experienced people manager, who has worked at reviving teams and influencing & enhancing governance and compliance procedures throughout his professional experience.

Mr Emmet Clarke is appointed following a Public Appointments Service (PAS) campaign and is with consent of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment.

Born in Ireland and raised in Australia, Ashlene Reyburn initially qualified as a conveyancer and worked in property law. A career change led to working in the criminal justice and human services sectors within the Australian Public Service. She held various senior roles across Corrective Services (the Australian equivalent of the Irish Prison Service, but with a community-based arm), the New South Wales Police Force and the Court Service. She also gained experience in the federal government, occupying roles in the Department of Home Affairs and as a Director of Policy in the Attorney General's Department. In 2023, she returned to Ireland with her family and now works as a Nighttime Economy Advisor to Limerick City and County Council.

Ms Ashlene Reyburn is appointed following a PAS campaign and is with consent of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment.

Damon holds a BSc and master’s in pharmacy from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, in addition to further qualifications in project management, risk management, data analytics and lean six sigma. He currently works as a Chief I Pharmacist for the Health Service Executive in the area of vaccinations and is the current Chairperson of the Vaccine Stewardship Working Group. Damon is also a member of the Integrated Vaccination Programme Working Group for the upcoming 2024/2025 Winter Vaccination Programme.

Mr Damon Gaffney is appointed following a PAS campaign.

Sarah is a podiatrist and owner of Momentum Foot and Ankle Specialists. She is a podiatry graduate of the University of Galway and has an MSc in Sports and Exercise Medicine from the University of Ulster. Her interest in sports medicine has led her to working with elite athletes, particularly professional rugby teams in the West of Ireland.

Sarah is also a full-time lecturer in podiatric medicine at the University of Galway. She is part of the MSK teaching team, specialising in orthotic therapy. Having spent five years working in Firefly Orthoses Ltd., she has unique experience in orthotic product design, material choices, and pathology specific modifications and additions. She recently completed a postgraduate certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning and is hoping to pursue this area further.

Ms Sarah Brigid O’Connell is appointed following election by registrants of the designated profession.

Dr Pauline Wilson is a clinical specialist podiatrist who co-ordinates a multidisciplinary foot team which serves a large population based in Dublin. She is also manager of clinical primary care diabetic foot services. Pauline is the current Irish delegate to D-Foot international as well as a member of the POINT working group for both D-Foot and FIP-IFP. Additionally, she is the current chairperson of the Scientific Committee and president-elect for FIP-IFP. She is on the board of directors for ABPM international. She is a member of the national executive for the wound management association of Ireland. She has represented podiatry on a number of local, regional and national committees and is currently an honorary lecturer for the RCSI. Pauline has presented widely at international conferences on a variety of topics in relation to the prevention and management of diabetic foot disease and has many publications in this area. She has a keen interest in clinical based research and is the current regional advisor for Ireland for the RCPSG.

Dr Pauline Wilson is appointed following a PAS campaign.