Candidates for Office Bearer – 2026

President

Name

Dr. MUSTAFA MEHMOOD

Candidate Introduction

I am a Consultant in Emergency Medicine with multiple national leadership roles within Irish healthcare, including responsibilities with RCSI and Trinity College Dublin School of Medicine. Alongside my clinical and academic work, I have served as the General Secretary of the Irish Pakistani Professionals Association (IPPA) for the past two years, during which time I have led several landmark national and international stakeholder engagements.

I have also conceptualised and successfully delivered two major health conferences under the IPPA banner. A key area of pride for me is the development of a robust national and international mentorship network for Pakistani NCHDs. This structured mentorship programme has played a significant role in supporting career progression and has contributed to notable successes for Pakistani NCHDs across multiple training pathways

My vision for IPPA?

My vision for IPPA is simple: to keep building a strong, united and credible platform for Pakistani professionals across Ireland. Over the years, IPPA has grown into a trusted space for mentorship, advocacy and community support, and I want to take this to the next level by strengthening our structures while keeping our values firmly rooted in service, inclusivity and transparency.

As President, my focus will be on empowering our members through practical mentorship, leadership development and real career progression opportunities across all professional wings. I want IPPA to continue being a safe and supportive space for those who need guidance, while also becoming an even more respected stakeholder nationally and internationally through meaningful engagement with Irish public bodies, professional colleges and partner organisations.

Most importantly, I want IPPA to remain a community-driven organisation — one that invests in its people, supports the next generation, and gives back to Irish society while proudly representing the Pakistani professional diaspora. Together, we can continue to grow IPPA into an organisation that delivers impact, not just promises.

Objectives I want to achieve

1. Structured Mentorship & Career Progression

2. Stronger National & International Engagement

3. Transparent Governance & Organisational Continuity

4. Empowering Youth, Women & Future Leaders

5. High-Impact, Member-Focused Initiatives

How to achieve?

Over the past two years as General Secretary, I have focused on delivery rather than promises. I have helped build national and international mentorship networks, led major stakeholder engagements, and successfully delivered large-scale health conferences under the IPPA banner. These experiences have shown me what works and, equally, what does not. As President, I intend to build on this momentum by working closely with our wing leads and volunteers, empowering teams rather than centralising control, and putting simple but effective systems in place to ensure continuity and accountability. IPPA has always been about community service, and my role will be to enable our members, support our volunteers, and ensure that IPPA continues to grow as a strong, credible and impactful organisation for all.

Vice President

Name

Dr. MUHAMMAD UMAIR

Candidate Introduction

I am a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT), with a particular focus on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and GI Oncology. My research

interests reflect on Healthcare Outcomes in optimising surgical care for frail patients, through

tailored perioperative management strategies. as the Surgical Clinical Lead at MRHT for the

National Perioperative Patient Pathway Enhancement Programme; collaborative initiative between HSE and RCSI.

In addition to the clinical role, I served as the Clinical Lead for CPD Technical Skills Courses at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI); ensuring surgeons are equipped to meet the ever-changing demands of our profession. I serve as the Examiner of Intercollegiate Examinations at the RCSI. Beyond his clinical and academic responsibilities, I am passionate

about sustainability in healthcare and serve as the Surgical Expert for HSE Sustainability in

Surgery initiative and the Green Surgery Initiative at RCSI.

As an Executive Member and Director for the European Board of General Surgery, I plays a

key role in advancing surgical standards and training across Europe. He also chairs the

European Surgical Fellows Network, a platform dedicated to mentoring and supporting the

next generation of surgical leaders from diverse backgrounds.

In addition to my clinical and European educational roles, I also serve as an Honorary

Professor at Sialkot Medical College, where I contribute to curriculum development, mentorship, and postgraduate academic guidance—strengthening educational links between Ireland and Pakistan.

I am a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), the European Board of

General Surgery, the European Board of Coloproctology, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Pakistan, and the American College of Surgeons, as well as a Clinical Fellow in Colorectal Surgery from the University of Hull. I have authored numerous peer-reviewed

publications. Research and continuous learning are integral to his practice, enabling him to

remain at the forefront of surgical innovation.

My vision for IPPA?

My vision for IPPA is to evolve it into a nationally recognised platform for professional

excellence, mentorship, and academic leadership. Increase the support for doctors and

professionals from Pakistan to successfully integrate, progress, and lead within Ireland and

internationally.

Having navigated the pathway from overseas graduate to Consultant Surgeon, Fellow of

multiple international Colleges, and European Board examiner, I now recognise the critical

gaps that exist in structured mentorship, postgraduate preparation, and specialist career

guidance. IPPA is uniquely positioned to bridge these gaps. And having served in the IPPA as

an EC Member I have contributed significantly over the time in this role.

I aim to help develop a comprehensive Professional Development Programme across medical

and allied specialties, focused on postgraduate training pathways, examination preparedness,

technical skills development, and leadership capability.

Drawing on my academic work in surgical education, assessment frameworks, sustainability

in healthcare, and European curriculum harmonisation, I also envision IPPA becoming a

conduit between Irish institutions and Pakistani professionals; facilitating academic

collaboration, research engagement, and skills exchange.

Alongside professional development, I strongly believe in preserving the cultural and social

fabric of our community. IPPA should continue to foster family-centred initiatives such as

cultural events, children’s educational camps, and language learning opportunities. These

activities strengthen identity, wellbeing, and belonging.

IPPA offers a national platform. My goal is to help transform that platform into an ecosystem

of mentorship, opportunity, and excellence.

Objectives I want to achieve

1. Structured Professional Development: Programmes Development of specialty-

specific academic and career pathways, including clinical skills, leadership training,

and research mentoring. Establishing formal mentoring streams for MRCS, FRCS, and

equivalent postgraduate examinations.

2. Specialist Registration Support Framework: Creating a guided pathway for IMC

Specialist Registration, including portfolio development, competency evidence, and

peer mentoring.

3. Academic and Research Engagement: Supporting members in research literacy,

publication strategy, and academic networking, linking Irish institutions with Pakistani

professionals.

4. Cultural and Community Development: Continuing and expanding IPPA’s social,

cultural, and family initiatives to strengthen community cohesion and identity.

How to achieve?

IPPA already provides a strong national foundation. I intend to build on this by working

collaboratively with healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders across

Ireland.

My approach will be structured and outcome-driven:

Leveraging my experience in postgraduate education, European surgical boards, and clinical leadership to design practical, scalable programmes

Establishing mentor–mentee networks connecting senior clinicians with early-career

professionals

Creating academic partnerships with Irish training bodies and universities

Developing clear guidance resources

Finance Secretary

Name

Mrs. LUBNA MIRZA

Candidate Introduction

I am Lubna Mirza, a mother of 2, living in Ireland for nearly 25 years, I did my master in physiology from Pakistan and started my professional career 15 years ago in Human Resources where I had an opportunity to complete another master program in HR management. throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work closely with both management and employees, ensuring an environment where personal development is a priority, and where policies and procedures are strategically aligned to support the overall success of the organization.

I am a dedicated advocate of volunteering in community work, as I believe meaningful change begins with active involvement and a commitment to serving others. I joined IPPA executive committee in 2022 where I was assigned to manage the membership platform. I actively participated in IPPA event committees who delivered successful annual & social events.

My vision for IPPA?

To create a dynamic and supportive Pakistani professional community where individuals from diverse industries and backgrounds can connect, grow and excel.

Bring positive change by empowering professionals

Objectives I want to achieve

1. Financial sustainability and integrity of IPPA

2. Implementing financial strategies that support our set goal in 2024

3. Ensuring transparent and responsible management of finance 

4. Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements specific to nonprofit organizations.

5. Develop and implement comprehensive financial policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.

How to achieve?

Together with leadership team, I am dedicated to building a financially secure organization that not only meets the challenges of today but also strategically plans for long-term growth and sustainability, ensuring that we continue to serve and uplift our community for years to come.