-Automatic translation

María Heimisdóttir obtained her medical degree from the University of Iceland in 1990, an MBA from the University of Connecticut in 1997, and a PhD in public health from the University of Massachusetts in 2002. María was employed at deCODE Genetics from 1999 to 2003 and at Landspítali from 2003 to 2018.

María served as the Director of Iceland Health from 2018 to 2022, and from 2023 to 2024, she worked as a consultant for the Steering Group of New Landspítali within the Ministry of Health. Since August of last year, María has been the Chief Medical Officer at the Capital Region Healthcare Information Centre. Additionally, she has engaged in teaching and research alongside other responsibilities and is a deputy member of the University Council.

The responsibilities of the Medical Director of Health and the Directorate of Health are multifaceted, as outlined in Article 4 of the Act on the Medical Director of Health and Public Health No. 41/2007. Among these responsibilities is the provision of advice to the Minister, the public, and all parties involved in health and public health.

The new Medical Director of Health will continue to emphasise that such advice must be based on evidence or the best available knowledge, prioritising the interests of patients, users, and the public. Simultaneously, the new Medical Director of Health seeks to maintain the focus on patient safety and healthcare quality developed over the past few years. Ultimately, the Medical Director of Health should implement preventive measures in collaboration with other stakeholders, with such initiatives ranking among their top priorities, particularly in mental health and chronic illnesses.

Further information
Kjartan Hreinn Njálsson, assistant to the Medical Director of Health
kjartan.h.njalsson@landlaeknir.is