Siobhan O'Sullivan, Manager of Westdoc, a GP out-of-hours co-operative based in Galway city which covers counties Galway and Mayo and parts of Sligo and Roscommon.
Personal/family:Married with two teenage children.
What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
The doctors whose research led to the development of the chemotherapy protocol that was used to treat a family member last year for Hodgkin's disease and Prof Michael O'Dwyer and all the staff of Galway University Hospital who cared so well for him.
What other career might you have chosen?
I have had a few careers to date including being an environmental health officer and a HR manager. I am fascinated by what doctors can do, so if I was 18 again I might do medicine.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
I would ensure that everyone had easy access to the services they need; that no one was put off from seeking medical services they need because they could not afford it; and I would see to it that our health service was able to give a first class service for quality of life issues as well as serious or life-threatening conditions.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing my health and independence.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
I recently had day surgery for a broken finger. I don't know if I was a good patient but I hope I was conscious of the pressures on staff.
When or where are you happiest?
I am happiest when I achieve the goals I set, when I am away from crowds or when I am with family or friends at set dancing or playing bridge.
How do you cope with stress?
I compartmentalise my life. I am extremely fortunate to be surrounded by Galway Bay and beautiful Connemara bog lands in my home in Spiddal where I can walk and think.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
I try to operate in a fair and equitable way.
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
I am not too good at love-bombing people being a fairly straight and direct person.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
I rarely use any medicines but have used alternative and complementary medicines on occasion.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Many things and many people but satire and plays on words particularly appeal to me.
What is your motto?
If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
The Clinic - I know it is sad, but I obviously cannot get enough of the medical world.
What books would you bring to a desert islands?
Drucker's Practice of Management, Playing Your Cards Right plus the longest easy reading novel I could find.