On the Couch

Dr Ray Power , founding partner of VHI SwiftCare, which has opened clinics at Balally in Dundrum, Dublin City University and…

Dr Ray Power, founding partner of VHI SwiftCare, which has opened clinics at Balally in Dundrum, Dublin City University and, most recently, Airside Business Park in Swords.

Occupation: Personal/family:Married to Fionnula with two children, Aoife and Niamh.

What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?

Every doctor who personifies the area of general practice - I believe that general practice is more of an art than a science.

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What other career might you have chosen?

I'd love to have had Christy Moore's career, but sadly I didn't have the musical talent.

If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?

Harness the value of the chemistry that exists between patients and their own GPs; keep patients out of hospital by providing resources in the community; and get the health service to "get on its bike" - the pace of change is too slow.

What is your greatest fear?

I have the deluded notion that I live in Tir na nÓg, but I'm worried that's not the case.

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

Yes, I have been a patient. I was fidgety.

When or where are you happiest?

I'm happy in many places, but I'm at my happiest when off gallivanting on some family adventure.

How do you cope with stress?

I have my moments of stress like everyone else. Exercise works really well for me.

What is the trait you most admire in yourself?

Being passionate.

What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?

Stubbornness.

Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?

Recently I found a herbal remedy for jet lag really useful.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Caint, ceol agus craic.

What is your motto?

Ardua ad astra - through toil let's reach for the stars. I learned it 25 years ago when I joined University College Dublin's rugby club.

What is your favourite TV or radio programme?

The weather forecast, to see if I can get out and about.

What books would you bring to a desert island?

I'm not a great reader of books, but I'd love to get a copy of the sports supplement of The Irish Timesin a bottle washed up on the island every week. If there was a genie in the bottle, that would be great too.

In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell