On the Couch

Graham Knowles

Graham Knowles

Occupation: Chief executive of the Royal Hospital Donnybrook.

Personal/family: I live between Galway and Dublin and have three children, Hannah, Ciarán and Poppy.

What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?

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Too many to name, but anyone who leads for improvement but is not in a leadership role organisationally. Anyone who does not give or expect respect solely because of perceived status, but believes respect should be earned through action. And people who want to make a difference.

What other career might you have chosen?

I started out as a mental health nurse and almost stayed on developing an increasingly specialised role but was tempted by the indisputable glamour of health service management. Outside of health, the thought of being a criminal solicitor in court would appeal, and I have flirted with my own businesses in the past.

If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?

Modernisation, modernisation and for good measure a smattering of modernisation. I'm not using the word loosely I mean it in all its glory as an all-encompassing concept, including, but not limited to the way we plan, fund and deliver services.

What is your greatest fear?

Heights, but on a less dramatic scale the sustainability of the modern world for future generations.

Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?

Yes and it depends on the definition of good.

When or where are you happiest?

When challenged - personally or professionally, but preferably in the sun.

How do you cope with stress?

Rationalisation and conceptualisation as well as keeping things in perspective and maintaining a balance in life.

What is the trait you most admire in yourself?

I try to look at things from all angles, but there isn't always time and decisions still need to be made.

What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?

A periodic tendency toward verbal diarrhoea.

Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?

No.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Real life situations and observations. The more outrageous the better.

What is your motto?

Life is a pleasure to be enjoyed not an ordeal to be overcome.

What is your favourite TV or radio programme?

Have I got News for you and Friday night with Jonathon Ross

What books would you bring to a desert island?

DIY Guide to Developing your own Multiple Personality Disorder, 2000 Fun Things to do With Sand, Making Really Interesting Shapes Out of Salt Water.