Monica Egan, President of the Irish Association of Social Workers
Occupation: President of the Irish Association of Social Workers, executive member of the International Federation of Social Workers and head of the social work department, St Michael's House, Ballymun, Dublin.
Personal/family: Single. I live alone but I do have the company of a beautiful black cat, Winnie, who strayed into the house 11 years ago and has stayed ever since.
What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
I recently met the Tánaiste Mary Harney at a meeting which she addressed and I was very impressed with her grasp of issues relating to social workers in the health service. I have tremendous admiration for the chief executive of the organisation where I work, St Michael's House - Paul Ledwidge. He has worked tirelessly for people with intellectual disabilities and their families to increase the funding for services and to raise awareness among the public of the issues involved for service users and their families.
What other career might you have chosen?
My first degree was an Arts degree so I might have chosen teaching.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
More social workers employed in all areas of the health service so that the social aspects of health would be recognised and addressed. The development of a community-focused health service and one which is strongly committed to marginalised and vulnerable groups of people, such as those living in poverty, people with disabilities and older people.
What is your greatest fear?
Illness and the dependency that comes with it.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes, I was in hospital when I was treated for breast cancer. I found that to be a good patient I needed to have information about what was happening to me. That is not always easy to get when you are ill. I made a point of getting information, otherwise I would not have managed the experience.
When or where are you happiest?
When I am focused or involved with someone or with a task which takes all my attention.
How do you cope with stress?
I read a good novel and listen to music.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
Commitment to hard work.
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
My inability to accomplish as much as I'd like.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
I take Echinacea regularly.
Who or what makes you laugh?
The service users with whom I work.
What is your motto?
No regrets.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
I have to admit to being an avid follower of Casualty and I love to watch reruns of Inspector Morse.
What books would you bring to a desert island?
Brian Moore's novels, the No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series by Alexander McCall Smith, The World Atlas of Wine by Hugh Johnson, Jancis Robinson's Wine Tasting Workbook and a dictionary.
In interview with Fiona Tyrrell