Prof Bill Powderly:
Occupation:Physician, head of UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, professor of Medicine and Therapeutics, UCD/Mater hospital.
Personal/family:Married to Betsy with two children: Niall (16) and Ailis (13). Most recent addition, Marnie, Labrador pup re-homed through the ISPCA.
What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
Dr Tony Fauci, head of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, whose support has been critical for the successful treatment of HIV/Aids.
What other career might you have chosen?
History professor.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
Political courage to develop a modern, efficient healthcare service for all, regardless of parochialism or profit-making, adequate funding for clinical research to advance quality of care and properly resourced medical education based on scientific knowledge.
What is your greatest fear?
That the US, my second home, loses its way as a beacon for hope and a force for good in the world.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes; I thought I was but I suspect my colleagues who treated me might disagree.
When or where are you happiest?
When I am away from work with my family and a good bottle of red wine.
How do you cope with stress?
By reading detective novels and going for walks.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
Empathy.
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
Impatience.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
No.
Who or what makes you laugh?
My son.
What is your motto?
It is easier to get absolution than permission.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
The Panel and any well-constructed and well-acted mystery.
What books would you bring to a desert island?
Lord of the Rings trilogy; The Third Policeman (Flann O'Brien); and Battle Cry of Freedom (James M McPherson) which is a definitive history of American Civil war - a pivotal point in modern history.
