Patricia Murray, occupational psychologist with the Health and Safety Authority.
Personal/family:I'm from a family of four in Dublin and in a relationship.
What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
The nurse who gave me the little morphine booster gadget when I was having surgery some time ago and Freud, not for getting it right, but for opening up a hugely interesting area for us to think about in psychoanalysis.
What other career might you have chosen?
Journalism. I worked for the Irish Press group for 10 years as a feature writer. Although I always think that running a business would be interesting too.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
Stop consultants making private money from the public healthcare system, have a filter system for all A&E departments (self-inflicted injury/issues don't get prioritised) and increased use of technology.
What is your greatest fear?
Not doing something I know I should/can/want to do, due to laziness or disillusionment.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes, a few times. No, I'm not a good patient, I'm too impatient.
When or where are you happiest?
When there is calm around me and a sense of possibilities. I enjoy chaos but only in a controlled environment.
How do you cope with stress?
I don't get stressed that often and enjoy the challenge of pressure most of the time. When it does get too much though, I rush about like a mad thing, stop eating properly, think in silly, unproductive, short-cut ways, get angry way too easily and revert to the impatient, monster lurking inside. When I'm stressed I try talk to myself about what really matters and tell myself that I'm not going to get things done perfectly.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
Just that I keep on, keeping on . . .
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
Self-righteousness.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
No. I'm sceptical about any system, medical or otherwise.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Peter Kay and Curb your Enthusiasm.
What is your motto?
Roll with the punches.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
Frasier, Karen Coleman's The Wide Angleand Newstalk.
What books would you bring to a desert island?
The latest Richard Ford book, The Lay of The landending The Sportswritertrilogy. I'd presume I would want time exploring the island though, swimming, catching fish, etc so wouldn't want to lose too much time reading.