Howard J Beggs, managing director of Medicom
Occupation: Founder and managing director of Medicom and director of Ireland's Healthcare Informatics Vendors Association.
Personal/family: Married to Maeve with four children
What figure from the world of medicine/health do you most admire? I have great admiration for doctors and consultants working in the oncology sector, especially those in paediatric oncology. As a businessman operating in the healthcare sector, I would have to salute Prof Drumm in his decision to accept the chief executive role of the HSE. I sincerely wish him the very best.
What other career might you have chosen? A stockbroker or operating in the financial markets.
If you were appointed minister for health, what would be your first priority? Raising the profile of primary care and its importance to healthcare service delivery. In the past, primary care has been down the list of priorities and investment in primary care computerisation has been relatively low. I feel that the benefits of an integrated IT approach and "joined-up technology" between primary and secondary care are becoming apparent. A strategic framework for more integration between healthcare providers will deliver savings in the medium and long term.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear? I hate flying and am superstitious about the number 13. I would never fly on the 13th of a month.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one? Thankfully only an inpatient as a child. In general I think I am a good patient as I have an understanding of the workload of the healthcare professional and do not place unrealistic demands on them.
What three books would you bring to a desert island? Arthur Hailey's Moneychangers, Boatbuilding for Beginners and Mario Puzo's Godfather Trilogy.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress? Going for a walk or a cycle with your four children (all under 10 years), puts business stress into perspective.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme? Whose Line is it Anyway?, Conspiracy Theories (National Geographic) and on radio it would have to be 5 - 7 Live on RTÉ (if I get to leave the office on time).
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life? The south of France, but I think I would definitely have to holiday in Ireland.
Summarise yourself in 12 words. A creative and self-motivated optimist. Can be very determined but enjoy a good laugh.
Do you use alternative medicine/ therapies? No, not at all.
Who or what makes you laugh? The Simpsons and my children.