Michael Kiely, Chief executive of ChildFund Ireland - a non-governmental organisation that supports children in healthcare and education in several countries in the developing world.
Personal/family:Married to Ann with two grown-up sons, Ivan and Karl.
What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
My first cousin Edward Kiely of Great Ormonde Street Hospital who, with his team, has separated 19 pairs of conjoined twins in his career.
What other career might you have chosen?
I am a former army officer and thoroughly enjoyed my career in the defence forces before moving onto my work now.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
I would eliminate the layers of bureaucracy in our public health service, provide beds for all patients and develop a plan to take people in recovery out of the hospital system and into a wider care environment.
What is your greatest fear?
That world leaders will continue to ignore the plight of children in the developing world while spending vast sums on weapons and avoidable wars.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes, I have and I believe I was a good one.
When or where are you happiest?
September 2007 watching Waterford hurlers winning the All-Ireland in Croke Park and visiting ChildFund projects in the developing world, especially African countries.
How do you cope with stress?
I go for a game of golf.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
My ability to get on with people.
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
Impulsiveness.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
No.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Being in the company of good friends.
What is your motto?
Work hard and enjoy life among family and friends.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
Primetime on RTÉ 1 and Marianne Finucane on Radio 1.
What books would you bring to a desert islands?
Political and sporting autobiographies.