Gerard Perry, Director of psychology, HSE Eastern Region.
Personal/family:Married to Eileen.
What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
Mary Harney and Prof Brendan Drumm for their efforts to transform the health system. Dr John Owens and the Mental Health Commission for their efforts to integrate a person-centred approach with a somewhat intransigent medical model-based psychiatric system.
What other career might you have chosen?
I am particularly curious about how things work so it would relate to some field of engineering.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
Develop strong leadership at local level. Further integrate the role of other healthcare models (psychology, etc) with the medical model. Ensure mental health services develop and use individual care plans based on the recovery model.
What is your greatest fear?
That the growth of materialism will overtake our concern for each other.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes. I had to have impacted wisdom teeth surgically removed. I was a model patient - my jaws were so sore that I couldn't speak.
When or where are you happiest?
At work, it's when I'm sitting opposite patients - that's why I pursued a career in psychology. I also enjoy non-mainstream cinema, being by the sea, and discussing the meaning of life.
How do you cope with stress?
I talk about it. I exercise and practise yoga regularly and I meditate.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
Persistence.
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
Persistence.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
Yes, psychotherapy, but I consider that mainstream, acupuncture and holistic massage.
Who or what makes you laugh?
All types of comedy.
What is your motto?
"Think outside the box." I think it's easy to challenge others' perspective on issues but it can be more enlightening to challenge your own.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
Morning Ireland, The Last Word with Matt Cooper and, to chill out, CSI and Prime Suspect.
What books would you bring to a desert island?
Integral Psychology by Ken Wilber; A Path with Heart by Jack Kornfield and the writings of Thich Nhat Hanh.