Denise Fitzgerald.
Occupation: Chief executive of the Children's Fund for Health, the fundraising office for Temple Street Children's University Hospital.
Personal/family: Married to Niall, with one daughter, Ava (15 months).
What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
My own GP, Dr Thomas Maher. He has a lovely manner and is always approachable.
What other career might you have chosen?
Before joining Temple Street I worked with Bank of Ireland for 10 years. If I were to change jobs again I would love to work in sport.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
I would eliminate all the bureaucracy that exists in the health service, develop state-of-the-art facilities for all children's hospitals and eliminate waiting lists.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is a member of my family getting a life-threatening illness for which there is no cure. There is nothing worse than seeing someone you care about suffering and not being able to do anything about it.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
The last time I was a patient was in the Rotunda Hospital when I had my daughter. I'd like to think I was a good patient.
When or where are you happiest?
Relaxing with family and friends.
How do you cope with stress?
I usually go for a run.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
I'm dedicated and very passionate about my beliefs and my work.
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
A complete lack of patience with bureaucracy.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
No, I don't have the need at the minute.
Who or what makes you laugh?
My daughter is at a really interesting age at the minute and is very good fun. I also enjoy the TV programme Naked Camera.
What is your motto?
Do the best you can at all times.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
I enjoy the West Wing and Hotel Babylon. My favourite radio programme is the Ray Darcy Show on Today FM.
What books would you bring to a desert island?
I would bring the book I'm reading at the moment - John Berendt's City Of Falling Angels. I would also re-read Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code and Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones.
(In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell)