ON THE COUCH:Dr JJ Gilmartin is a consultant respiratory physician and president of the Irish Thoracic Society
Family/personal:
Married to Josephine with three adult children.
Which living person do you most admire and why?
John Hume for his persistent quest for peace and justice. Despite being awarded the Nobel Prize I believe history will judge his contribution as even more immense.
What do you regard as the top three problems facing Ireland's health system?
The loss of public confidence in the system. The disconnection of hospital care from primary care so that the only entrance to hospital is via the emergency department. The very significant manpower deficit in my own specialty by international norms - we need to at least double the numbers of consultant respiratory physicians.
Each of these needs the support of a nurse specialist and specialised physiotherapist at a minimum.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Owning slow racehorses.
What is your most unhealthy habit?
Fish and chips in McDonaghs of Quay Street in Galway.
How do you relax?
By reading and listening to music.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Tom Waits for his gravel tones, and his partner Kathleen Brennan for her lyricism.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A Greek Island holiday with Josephine.
What trait do you most value in your friends?
Integrity.
What talent would you most like to have?
A singing voice.
Do you use alternative/ complementary medicines or therapies?
No.
What is your earliest memory?
The wonder at the voice coming from the radio aged three. I still love radio.
What is your most treasured possession?
My family's health.
What other career might you have chosen?
I might have been a soppy vet.
What books or films have inspired you?
That They May Face the Rising Sunby John McGahern.