Jean Holohan, chief executive of the Asthma Society of Ireland.
Personal/family:Married to Dermot with two children - Clara and Sean.
What figures from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
All those in the Irish healthcare service who are quietly getting on with caring for patients and those working in research to improve the future.
What other career might you have chosen?
I may be running out of alternative career options. I practised clinical medicine (anaesthetics) for 12 years, then worked in marketing and senior management roles in the pharmaceutical industry for 12 years and am now enjoying a very rewarding third career in the voluntary sector.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
The implementation of evidence-based asthma guidelines to improve patient outcomes, support for three planned doctor visits a year for asthma sufferers and ensuring the Health Service Executive works in partnership with the community and voluntary sector.
What is your greatest fear?
Like so many others my greatest fear is that anything would happen to my family. Other than that I have no great fears or phobias.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
I have been a patient far too often, particularly in my 20s and 30s and like most doctors I am very good - "yes sir, no sir" all the way.
When or where are you happiest?
I am at my happiest sharing life's simple pleasures with family and friends or out walking in Mount Usher gardens.
How do you cope with stress?
I identify the problem and try to deal with it. Failing that I find chocolate usually helps.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
Optimism, which I inherited from my mum. I rarely dwell on the dark side.
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
My inability to say no.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
No.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Tommy Tiernan and The Beano comic.
What is your motto?
Conformity is the enemy of truth.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
I rarely watch TV but I enjoy Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. I also enjoy listening to John Kelly on Lyric FM.
What books would you like to bring to a desert island?
To read I'd bring Proust. For practical reasons I'd bring Life of Pi for tips on fresh water and taming tigers. Finally, for survival I'd bring a guide to making chocolate and white wine on a desert island.
In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell