If you want it badly fight for it

A Doctor!

2. Can you remember any advice your school careers adviser gave you?

You won’t be able to do it because no one in your family is a doctor and you are female.

3. How important was your education if getting you where you are now?

Vital – I attended one of the first Comprehensive Schools in Rotherham then Sheffield University, but education never stops and we constantly need to update.

4. What was your first proper job?

Clerical assistant at Sheffield Smelting Company – the other staff told me off for doing my work too quickly!

5. Did you have a Saturday or part time job – and what was it?

Sales assistant children’s shoe department Cole Brothers in Sheffield – don’t know how I kept my hands off them when they wrecked all my displays!

6. Do you think young people have a tougher or easier time in their chosen career these days?

I think that’s a complex question and depends on the career. I worry about average students being persuaded to do average degrees at average institutions in the expectation that it will lead them directly into employment. I would like to see more vocational and job-based training available.

7. If you weren’t where you are now, what would you be doing?

Probably doing Law – always liked a good argument

8. What is your ultimate goal?

Getting my daughter through her education and into a job she likes, providing a good health service for my patients then retiring.

9. What has been your greatest success?

Developing my GP practice at Barnburgh

10. And your most dismal failure?

Trying to lose weight.

11. What has been the most rewarding personal experience of your life?

Having a child.

12. Are there any regrets in your life?

Lots but its more important to look forwards than backwards.

13. Do you have a role model?

My Dad (deceased) – ambitious, outspoken, determined and totally focused on family.

14. How do you get away from the stresses of working life?

Singing with the Sheffield Chorale, spending time with my family and taking holidays.

15. Whose opinion do you most value?

It depends on the subject matter.

16. What was the best piece of advice you ever received?

If you want something badly enough, go out there and fight to get it (my Dad).

17. What would be the best piece of advice you could give?

The same as 16.

18. Retirement – when will it be and what will you do?

Around the age of 60, play golf and go touring with our caravan.

19. How do you think other people see you?

Bossy and outspoken

20. And how do you see yourself?

Prepared to stand up for what I believe is the right course of action