GP found guilty of misconduct over Covid-19 posts

Dr. Marcus de Brun, a general practitioner and former member of the Medical Council, has been found guilty of professional misconduct due to his social media activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. His posts were highly critical of vaccines and public health guidelines.

A fitness-to-practise committee of the Medical Council also found allegations of professional misconduct proven against Dr. de Brun concerning his attendance and remarks at a public rally in August 2020. During the rally, he reportedly failed to maintain social distancing and wear a facemask.

The ruling followed a seven-day medical inquiry that examined 10 separate counts of professional misconduct. These allegations stemmed from Dr. de Brun's criticism of vaccines, lockdowns, facemasks, and various public health directives. Most of the accusations related to 67 posts he made on Twitter (now X) between May 2020 and October 2021.

The committee determined that seven allegations of professional misconduct were proven. Four of these findings were considered "disgraceful and dishonourable" and fell seriously short of expected medical standards. These specifically related to his posts about COVID-19 vaccines, particularly concerning children, lockdowns, and his presence at a large public demonstration in Dublin where he allegedly disregarded public health measures.

The hearing is ongoing, with legal teams for both the Medical Council and Dr. de Brun presenting submissions on the appropriate sanction. Dr. de Brun is a married father of four who operated his own practice in Rush, Co. Dublin.