Clodagh Brennock Medical information officer with the Meningitis Research Foundation.
Personal/family: Youngest of five children. Boyfriend Pat.
What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
Although not strictly from the world of medicine or health, I really admire Bill Gates for leading a philanthropic movement. I applaud his involvement in the Roll Back Malaria initiative. It's refreshing to see someone so influential putting his money where his mouth is.
What other career might you have chosen?
An actress.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
First, reduce waiting lists. Second, provide money to reform the mental health system in the hopes of reducing the number of admissions to hospitals and reduce the number of mentally ill patients ending up in prison. Finally, I would introduce the pneumococcal vaccine into the routine childhood immunisation programme to prevent the pneumococcal form of meningitis.
What is your greatest fear?
Not making the most out of my life.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
No, thankfully. I was hospitalised overnight for suspected concussion when I was four. I was an exemplary patient on the promise of a treat on the way home.
When or where are you happiest?
Dancing, in the sun, admiring nature.
How do you cope with stress?
A long walk by water or surrounded by nice scenery and away from traffic. Meeting friends for dinner and a glass of wine can help too.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
Geniality.
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
Impatience.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
No, but I make an effort to get essential nutrients from my diet. I occasionally take a supplement.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Father Ted, babies, and recently a production of The Importance of Being Earnest at the Abbey.
What is your motto?
Do unto others as you would have done unto you and fortune favours the brave.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
I enjoy cookery programmes and I like All Saints, the Australian medical drama. On radio I used to love Rattlebag and The Mystery Train.
What books would you bring to a desert island?
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, Yeats poetry, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and The World According to Garp by John Irving.