Fiona McNicholas is on the couch this week
Occupation: Consultant child psychiatrist at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin and Lucena Clinic, Tallaght, and professor of child psychiatry at UCD.
Personal/family: Husband Cormac Lynch, retired investment banker, now full-time student and home builder. Children: Donnach (13), Diarmuid (11), Fionn (9), Fiachra (6), Sinead (2).
Who from the world of medicine/health do you most admire?
I have been most impressed by various clinicians I have worked with over the years, most notably Dr Arnon Bentovim and Prof Peter Hill, both child psychiatrists in the UK.
What other career might you have chosen? Whatever it would be would involve children, possibly primary school teaching
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
Invest new money into primary prevention of child mental health problems, by adequately resourcing health services, education, family and social services and justice. The health and wealth of any nation is determined by the health and well being of their children.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
I have a few but I am petrified by heights.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes, I have had laser surgery done on my eyes and I was told I was good!
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
Volumes from the Child Psychiatry Clinics of North America, as I have never time to read them all, a good novel by John Grisham or Patricia Cornwell, and for pure enjoyment a book on house design.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
Swimming, making lists and walks with my husband.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
Q&A and Prime Time.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?
New York
Summarise yourself in 12 words:
Optimistic, enthusiastic, committed, reliable, conflict-avoidant, energetic, easy-going, love people and family.
Do you use alternative medicines/therapies?
I would but I haven't.
Who or what makes you laugh:
I laugh easily but especially with my kids (at times) or friend Laura or watching Fr Ted or Steve Martin.