Agnes Shiel is On The Couch this week
Occupation: Professor of occupational therapy at NUI Galway
Personal & Family: Single
What figure from the world of health/medicine do you most admire?
Hippocrates - it is astonishing how accurate his observations were. Many are as relevant today as they were centuries ago when first documented and, despite our increasing reliance on technology, are still quoted today.
What alternative career might you have chosen?
Varies according to how I feel. Probably something healthcare related.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
I would have several priorities - to reduce waiting lists not just for surgery but for access to occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and physiotherapy services, to set up a comprehensive neurosurgical and multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation facility in the West of Ireland and to increase resources to community rehabilitation teams to enable people with specific needs and older adults to remain in their own homes.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
No phobias.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Never, thank goodness. However, I suspect I would not be a good patient if good is defined as compliant and unquestioning.
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
If I had only three books I would have to return after 24 hours! I would take a biography, a factual historical book and a blood and guts thriller.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
Depends on the source but reading and/or listening to music usually work.
What is your favourite TV/radio programme?
Sport, travel programmes and crime drama, for example, Prime Suspect.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?
Difficult. Possibly South East Asia.
Summarise yourself in 12 words?
Enthusiastic about what interests me, and a determined but disorganised workaholic.
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?
No - I am not aware that any (with the possible exception of acupuncture) are in any way effective.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Father Ted.