Cork Profile: Dr Hugo Santos Garcia, doctor at aNuNe Medical Clinic Cork

When you were small, what did you want to be as a grown-up?

When I was young I wanted to be a football player. My sister and I grew up watching my parents and how hard they worked.

My mother is a nurse and my father is a neurosurgeon. They inspired my sister and myself to follow in their footsteps.

Becoming a doctor has allowed me to help so many people with their health issues. My sister became a physiotherapist and helps people to recover and improve their lives.

Tell us about your career progression to your role today:

I qualified in medicine in Madrid. I worked in neurosurgery for some time. I came to Cork in 2019 where I worked as primary physician. Later I moved to the Mater Private Hospital where I worked in the Orthopaedics Department.

I have always had an interest in aesthetic medicine and I have trained intensively over the last few years. I am now working in Ireland’s first medical aesthetic clinic, aNuMe Medical at Penrose Quay.

What is the most

enjoyable aspect of what you do?

What I enjoy most about my work is the difference I can make to people and knowing that I help them feel better and ready to enjoy life.

What motivates you?

I feel constantly motivated to improve my skills as a doctor by my patients and when I see how happy they are. I also am motivated by my family and friends who have always been there for me. I consider myself very lucky.

What advice would you give your 15-year-old self?

‘Hugo, you will sometimes fall and face obstacles but if you work hard, you will be able to do good things’.

If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing?

I can not imagine being anything else. I love being a doctor.

What is your greatest life or career achievement to-date?

My greatest personal achievement is with my wife and daughter and the life we are building together. Knowing how proud my parents are of me.

Professionally, the day I became a doctor and having the ability to help people improve their health.

Who has had the biggest influence on you in your life?

Many people have influenced me: my mother, my father, my grandmother and my sister.

I also had amazing teachers and consultants who guided me and helped me to achieve my goals in life.

What is the life dream now?

My dream is to give my family the happiest life I can. To see the world become a better place and to be part of that.

How do you switch off?

I spend time relaxing at home with my family and of course play football my other love.

What is your favourite Cork memory?

My favourite memory is being in Cork for the first time with my girlfriend who is now my wife.

What is your favourite place in Cork?

My favourite place in Cork is a rainy day in Crosshaven.

Do you have a favourite quote or motto?

I will be always there to help youth stand up. If not I will lie down with you.

When are you at your happiest?

I am happiest when I know I did my best and got positive results in all aspects of my life.

What is your hidden talent?

I am a great chef. At least that is what my family tell me!

What might we be surprised to know about you?

I think many people would be surprised at how sensitive I am, as I always show my strong side.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

Together we can all make our wonderful world better. Human beings are meant to work as a team. We must try hard to achieve it.