Internship - General Information

There are 6 intern networks in the Republic of Ireland and each is attached to a Medical School. University College Cork is the academic partner for the  South Intern Network. The South Intern Network has Intern Tutors/Trainers on each of its 14 training sites and they are there to support and guide our interns in their new role, helping to ensure their successful completion of the Intern Programme. They may also oversee the formal teaching sessions.

Training Hospitals in South ITN

The following hospitals are part of the South Intern Network:

• Cork University Hospital
• Bon Secours Hospital Cork
• South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital Cork
• Mercy University Hospital Cork
• Mallow General Hospital
• Bantry General Hospital
• St Stephens Hospital Glanmire
• University Hospital Kerry
• Tipperary University Hospital
• 5 General Practices in Cork/Kerry

Academic Intern Track

The Academic Intern Track was introduced in 2017, and there are currently 48 Academic Interns nationally with 8 interns in each network. 

The Academic Interns undertake one full rotation (3 months) in a combined clinical and academic rotation, along with completing their other 3 clinical rotations as normal. The programme provides interns with opportunities to undertake clinical research, gain experience in medical education, or enhance their leadership and management skills. 

Intern Application Process

The intern application process is a national program with 915 posts available annually. 

EEA Applicants

In accordance with legislation, places are prioritised for EEA Irish medical school graduates. Responsibility for matching applicants to available posts is facilitated by the HSE National Recruitment Service (NRS). For more information go to https://www.medicalcareers.ie/ 

International Applicants

This process is open to international applicants also, with eligibility criteria and additional information advertised annually on the following link https://www.hbsrecruitmentservices.ie/medical-intern-stage-1/ 

General Application Timeline

Intern Training Programme

The purpose of intern training is to educate and train the newly qualified medical graduate to a level which will lead to being awarded a Certificate of Experience by the Medical Council of Ireland. The Intern Training Programme is a comprehensive programme including formal educational sessions and informal training which occurs as part of clinical service. The training programme encompasses the areas of Clinical Judgement, Communication Skills and Professional Development.

On successful completion of the Intern Year, Interns are supplied with a “Certificate of Experience” from the Irish Medical Council

• Read more about the National Internship Training Programme
• Download the Intern Curriculum Framework - Digital Version

Medical Practitioners Act 2007 - Medical Council Guidelines

The Medical Council have recently issued guidelines on all aspects of the intern year:

• Standards for Training and Experience Required for the Granting of a Certificate of Experience to an Intern
• Guide to Professional Conduct 
• Guidelines on Medical Education and Training for Interns
• Medical Council Rules in Respect of the Duties of Council in Relation to Medical Education and Training (Section 88 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007)

For further information

Geraldine McNamee

• South Intern Network Manager
• e: medsouthinterns@ucc.ie
• t: 021-4901580/4901575

Latest Updates

Dr Sinead Kinsella Intern medal 2026 event

Winner of the recent Dr Sinead Kinsella Intern medal 2026, pictured left to right are Dr Daniel Schmidt, Intern Director, Ms Siobhan Kinsella, Dr Aditi Gupta - Winner, and Ms Geraldine McNamee, Intern Programme Manager

UCC School of Medicine recently held the Dr Sinead Kinsella Intern medal 2026 event in honour of the late Dr Sinead Kinsella, graduate of the School of Medicine 2000 and winner of Intern prize 2001. 

Five shortlisted Interns presented very interesting cases on the night and the award went to Dr Aditi Gupta.