Prof. T Joseph McKenna, fondly known as Joe, was a critical contributor to advanced medical education and was globally acknowledged as a prominent figure in the sphere of endocrinology. His transformative presidency at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, coupled with his leadership of the Committee on Higher Medical Training and the Forum of Irish Medical Training Bodies, underlines his significant impact. Those fortunate to have known him harbour profound memories of an exceptional physician and educator, a committed family figure, a gifted athlete and a scholarly broad-minded intellectual.
In addition to his work in Ireland, his effort in setting professional benchmarks in many overseas areas was equally impactful. Throughout his professional journey, he wrote or contributed to over 200 scientific papers and articles in both domestic and international publications.
His birthplace was Dublin in 1942, where he became an orphan at the tender age of five weeks following his father’s fatal car crash. However, his strong-willed mother ensured his childhood was filled with delight, a sentiment he reciprocated with unending devotion.
His education unfolded at Terenure College and later University College Dublin (UCD), graduating from a 1966 medical class sprinkled with many illustrious colleagues. Like many of his peers at the time, he pursued further studies in the United States, accomplishing his residency at Georgetown University and subsequent fellowship at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
He tied the knot with Carol McGloughlin in 1970. She was a biochemist he worked alongside the esteemed Prof Frank Muldowney at St Vincent’s Hospital. The couple decided to set roots in Monkstown in 1979, adoring the historic house that became their home, raising their five children; Peter, Mary Frances, Sinead, Joe, and Mark.
Upon his return to Dublin in 1978, he served as a consultant endocrinologist at St Vincent’s, where he founded the Endocrine Laboratory and the Diabetes Centre. He was appointed professor of investigative endocrinology at UCD ten years later.
Renowned for his imposing, albeit sometimes intimidating presence, he was revered by his peers, many of whom considered him to be a sincere and compassionate individual and an extraordinary clinician scientist. His caring and reflective approach, coupled with his permanent sense of humour and enduring respect, made him a treasured figure amongst his patients.
During his term as the president of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Joe McKenna set quite a remarkable standard. It was during the time when the National Library was being revamped in 2003 by the Office of Public Works, he utilised this chance to restore the old 19th-century architectural glory of the college while ensuring that its facilities remained updated as per 21st-century needs. His leadership saw a significant review and reform in the governing system of the college.
His role in the Royal College of Physicians was about more than just upgrading the infrastructure. He was driven to establish the college’s stature on par with top-tier medical institutions by implementing a comprehensive programme to upgrade standards, initiate training programs, and promote research. Current president of the RCPI, Dr Diarmuid O’Shea, greatly acknowledges that McKenna played an instrumental role in shaping the institution to train generations of doctors, who will be trusted with patient care for many years to come.
In recognition of his enormous contribution to the field of medicine, McKenna was awarded the college’s honourable Stearne Medal in the year 2014. He was also part of the Junior Rugby Cup winning team of Terenure, the first in its history. Later, he played for UCD and St Vincent’s teams, clinching the Hospitals Cup in 1962, 1963, and 1965.
In the later part of his life, he along with Carol took interest in tennis and golf, both in Ireland and Spain. A lover of theatre, literature, and hearty debates in his book club, these were his fond indulgences until his health interpreted. Sadly, on May 3rd, he passed away at St Vincent’s Hospital, a place where his lifetime mastery was witnessed in the field of medicine.