Abby Langtry, Manager of Action Breast Cancer
Occupation: Manager of Action Breast Cancer (ABC), a division of the Irish Cancer Society dedicated to providing information and support on all aspects of breast cancer and breast health.
Personal/family: Married to Padraig from Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan. Three children: Ciara (6), Christopher (3) and one-year-old Rebecca.
What figure from the world of medicine/health do you most admire?Working in Memorial Sloane Kettering in New York, one of the leading oncology centres, afforded me the opportunity to work with some of the world's best oncologists and oncology nurses.
However, Florence Nightingale is to be admired as her nursing theories are still practised today.
What other career might you have chosen? None.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority? In our current healthcare system, there appears to be a lot of blame and little accountability. As Minister for Health, I would look for measurable accountability at all levels including both providers and the users of our system.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear? Heights.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one? Three caesarean-sections. I think I was a model patient but I am sure my healthcare team thought otherwise!
What three books would you bring to a desert island? Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger; The Irish Times Book of Crosswords (simplex!) and the number one book on the bestseller list.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress? Is there one?
What is your favourite TV or radio programme? Our TV is possessed and can only transmit football matches. However, I have been known to watch Law and Order.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life? Vermont, US to experience four seasons in a year - not in a day!
Summarise yourself in under 12 words. Small in stature but large in personality with strong family values.
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies? I don't use alternative therapies but I have used complementary therapies (there is a difference) such as aromatherapy and massage.
Who or what makes you laugh? My children constantly bring a smile to my face and a good, harmless practical joke usually makes me giggle.
(Interview by Dr Muiris Houston)