Dr Eamonn Rogers is a consultant urologist with a special interest in prostate cancer at University College Hospital Galway and Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe
Family/personal:
Married to Ann with three sons - Colm (16), Neil (13) and Eoghan (11).
Which living person do you most admire and why?
My wife for the obvious reasons such as her love and support. She is the most important person in my life.
What do you regard as the top three problems facing Ireland's health system?
Survival rates of prostate cancer need to be addressed. It is the second most common cause of death in men but is also the most preventable form of cancer in men. I am hopeful that Prof Tom Keane will help improve the situation.
In general, we need a national awareness campaign about prostrate and testicular cancer. Finally, policymakers are not planning for the demands that increased longevity will put on our health service.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Gadgets.
What is your most unhealthy habit?
Eating late at night.
How do you relax?
Fishing, gardening and listening to traditional music.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
David Attenborough, Donal Lunny, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Éamon de Buitléar, Con Houlihan, Peter O'Toole and my colleague here in UCHG Michael Corcoran, the best after-dinner speaker in the country.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Attending musical sessions and occasionally playing music with my family.
What trait do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty and candour.
What talent would you most like to have?
To play traditional flute like Matt Molloy, a fellow Roscommon man.
Do you use alternative/complementary medicines or therapies?
Yes, once I am satisfied there has been a scientific study to support their use, such as Saw Palmetto which is of benefit to the prostate. I am also open-minded about acupuncture (I don't think thousands of years of Chinese experience can be dismissed) as well as other treatments - most of our drugs come from plants after all.
What is your earliest memory?
My first day at school. I had a marvellous teacher called Brian Hoare who had a big impact on me.
What is your most treasured possession?
An 18th century clay pipe mould from my home village, Knockcroghery, which was famous for making pipes. They were stuffed with tobacco and whiskey and used at wakes.
What other career might you have chosen?
My mother was a pharmacist, so I could have easily followed in her footsteps.
What books or films have inspired you?
An Beal Bochtby Myles na gCopaleen, Tom Crean: An Unsung Heroby Micheal Smith, Anthony Beever's History of Stalingrad, A Christmas Carolby Charles Dickens and the film Blade Runner.
In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell