John Church, Chief executive of Arthritis Ireland.
Personal/family: Five children, all boys - Conor (18), Darragh (14), Killian (12), Ronan (11) and Fionnan (4).
What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
In general, it has to be any one of the health professionals I have met in my short time so far as chief executive of Arthritis Ireland who work tirelessly in the various rheumatology centres around Ireland despite the severe lack of manpower in this area. Specifically I have to say it's Mary Harney for taking on such an incredible challenge in endeavouring to fix the mess that is our health system.
What other career might you have chosen?
A pilot in the Air Corps, which no doubt would probably see me flying with some budget airline by now.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
More rheumatologists, more health professionals to support them and fewer patients with arthritis on waiting lists.
What is your greatest fear?
On a serious note, anything serious that could happen to my kids. On a less serious note, waking up after a recurring dream of scoring a try for Ireland and actually believing my own propaganda that I am fit enough to go back and play after all these years.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes, but only to A&E to treat numerous rugby injuries and yes, I was very good. Thankfully, that was all before the current crisis in A&E.
When or where are you happiest?
On holidays with my five kids or watching them enjoy themselves on the sports field.
How do you cope with stress?
Bury it under a huge wrestling match with the kids - otherwise known as weekend R&R. A good blow out soccer match with ex-school mates on the astro turf in UCD every Tuesday night is a fail-safe measure too.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
Self-awareness.
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
Impatience.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
No, the more conventional therapies work for me so why meddle?
Who or what makes you laugh?
Apart from my four-year-old copying me and my habits at the breakfast table, it's got to be the old classics of Fawlty Towers and Only Fools and Horses.
What is your motto?
Ya gotto laugh.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
For TV it's a toss up between Rugby Special, Top Gear and The Panel (that makes me laugh too). My favourite radio programme is The Last Word followed by Tom Dunne's Petsounds on Today FM (yes, it takes me that long in traffic).
What books would you bring to a desert island?
How to make a raft out of sand. I wouldn't plan on staying long - the solitude would kill me.