Prof Owen Patrick SmithProfessor of haematology, Trinity College Dublin, and consultant paediatric haematologist at Our Lady's Children's Hospital.
Personal/family:Married to Jude with three children, Fiachra (10), Hannah (8) and Ewan (3).
What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
I admire William Bosworth Castle who transformed the fundamental character of clinical investigation from an observational approach to the mechanistic and scientific basis of human disease that we know today.
What other career might you have chosen?
I would have gone for the biological sciences, most likely in the molecular genetics area.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
I would see that a dedicated adolescent cancer unit is built. I would ensure that paediatrics is funded appropriately (we spend far less on children's healthcare than the majority of other countries within the EU). Finally, I would demand that the new national children's hospital is built within the next five years with all tertiary clinical specialities, research and educational facilities integrated on the same campus - anything less would be a crime against children.
What is your greatest fear?
A family member or close friend dying while I am abroad - my father died while I was hitch hiking across Europe when I was a student.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes, I was a patient a long time ago and I don't think I was a good one.
When or where are you happiest?
I am at my happiest on Saturdays, when I am off call. Key times are 6am-8am, when all five of us are cuddled up in bed; 10am-11am with the sight of my son Fiachra making a crucial rugby tackle for Catholic University School's under-10s team and, last but not least, at 4.45pm, when Everton secure a home or an away win.
How do you cope with stress?
Not very well. However, it gets better if I play Serenade in E flat, K375 by Mozart or any of the Beatles' albums.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
Compassion.
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
Impatience.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
The only alternative medicine I use is Earl Gray tea.
Who or what makes you laugh?
The Marx Brothers.
What is your motto?
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum - Only the best will do.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
Morning Ireland in the car on the way to work.
What books would you bring to a desert islands?
Blood Pure and Eloquent by Max Wintrobe, The World of Wine by Hugh Johnson and Janice Robinson and Larousse Gastronomique.