On the Couch

Prof Hilary Hoey, Professor and head of department of paediatrics, Trinity College, and consultant paediatric endocrinologist…

Prof Hilary Hoey, Professor and head of department of paediatrics, Trinity College, and consultant paediatric endocrinologist at The National Children's Hospital, Tallaght and at Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin.

Personal/family: Married to Peter, we have two children - Raphline and Peter.

What figures from the world of medicine/health do you most admire?

Apart from my husband Peter who is an excellent GP, I admire Hippocrates because of his questioning philosophy on medical science and his pragmatic recommendations on the practice of medicine which, if practised today, would result in substantial health and financial savings.

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What other career might you have chosen?

I love the history and creativity of architecture, or a vineyard proprietor together with an academic post in oenology at the Sorbonne.

If you were Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?

Invest in prevention of illness, especially in paediatrics, of course, where all illnesses begin. Today most of the health budget is spent on treating preventable ill-health in adults. I would appoint appropriate staff to provide a one-stop-shop in A&E departments.

Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?

Serious family illness and reptiles.

Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?

I have been a reasonably good patient but it is much easier to be the doctor.

What three books would you bring to a desert island?

Ulysses, SAS Desert Island Survival Handbook, French Women Don't Get Fat.

Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?

Shopping and travelling with my teenage children makes work stress seem like small potatoes and the odd weekend away with my family provides instant relaxation.

What is your favourite TV or radio programme?

Historical documentaries, Father Ted and the odd chick flick.

If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?

Overlooking the sea in the south of France.

Summarise yourself in around 12 words.

Hard working, compassionate and determined, but a pushover at times, enjoys a joke and a glass of good wine.

Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?

By the time I seek medical care it is too late to be helped by alternatives.

Who or what makes you laugh?

The spontaneous honesty of children, our dogs, cat, and Rowan Atkinson.