LIFESTYLE Q&A:Dr Sam Coulter-Smith, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Master of the Rotunda
Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
It’s probably not as healthy as it should be. You never know when you are going to be called to the labour ward; the nature of the job is that it’s unpredictable. That means meals are often rushed or I tend to eat late in the evenings, so it’s not as healthy a lifestyle as I would like it to be.
How often do you exercise?
I love to get out and play golf and tennis whenever I get a chance. I go to the gym three times a week and spend an hour on the cross-trainer, so that keeps things at bay. I’m planning to do the Ring of Kerry cycle in July, so I’m hoping to do some training for that.
Do you get your five a day?
Probably not. I’d have a pint of freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning, but I’m not a big veg fan. I love my meat and potatoes but I’m allergic to chlorophyll, so that cuts salads and broccoli and all of those things out. I can drink orange juice, but I can’t eat an orange.
Do you worry?
Like everybody else I worry but, by nature, I’m an optimist. You’re always concerned when you are looking after someone in labour that everything is going to go well. It’s a massive responsibility, but we are also in a very privileged position to be part of a very special time in someone’s life.
What do you do to relax?
My kids are into sport and I love bringing them to matches and watching them play. I love watching Leinster or Ireland play rugby too. I play golf badly, but I’ve won the British Open millions of times in my dreams.
What’s your unhealthiest habit?
My work is unpredictable, so my eating habits are too, but there’s nothing nicer than sitting down on a Friday evening with a nice meal and a glass of wine. That would probably be my worst vice, eating late with a nice glass of red wine.
In conversation with JOANNE HUNT
