Audrey Craven, founder of the Migraine Association of Ireland is on the couch this week.
Occupation: Chair, Neurological Alliance of Ireland; founder, Migraine Association of Ireland.
Personal & Family: Born Nenagh, Co Tipperary. Two sons and a daughter, Trevor, Mervyn and Janet.
What figure from the world of health/medicine do you most admire?Courageous Minister Micheál Martin - smoking ban! Consultant neurologist Dr Orla Hardiman for her vision and commitment to patient care and involvement.
What alternative career might you have chosen? Politics or some form of ministry.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority? Appoint more consultant neurologists. Deliver a multi-disciplinary service to improve "quality of life" for the 500,000 affected by neurological conditions.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear? Mice and the fear of getting a migraine attack on an important occasion.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one? Yes. At such a vulnerable time you are completely dependent on the good communication skills of medical personnel. Even I have found it hard to live up to my own number one principle, of being an "involved patient", in a time of crisis. In the end, you have to put your trust in the system.
What three books would you bring to a desert island? Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, Too busy NOT to pray by Bill Hybels and Joyce's Ulysses (to read out loud).
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress? Dancing.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme? Morning Ireland and Rattlebag.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life? Australia.
Summarise yourself in under 12 words? Add life to your days, not days to your life.
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies? Yes and would again.
Who or what makes you laugh? Rosaleen Lenihan and the late Dermot Morgan.