“Success is making a meaningful difference in people’s lives” – 60 seconds with Fiona McHugh, owner and founder of Rathgar Audiology

What are your main priorities and goals in your role?

My first job was as a nurse’s aid in St. Anne’s Hospital which I loved. I then went on and trained to be a nurse where I gained invaluable experience in patient care, communication, and teamwork – skills that have been essential throughout my career.

What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?

Patient care is in my blood. My father is a doctor, my mother trained as a nurse, and my sister is also an audiologist. Growing up in a family so dedicated to healthcare, I was naturally drawn to a career where I could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Audiology, in particular, captured my interest because hearing health is often overlooked, yet it has such a profound impact on overall well-being. Being able to help people hear more clearly and improve their quality of life is incredibly fulfilling.

What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?

Establishing my own clinic in Rathgar and expanding my services to include ear wax removal has been a significant milestone. Seeing the positive impact my work has on patients—whether it’s helping them hear more clearly or improving their overall ear health—is incredibly rewarding.

Career-wise, would you do anything differently?

Every step in my career has shaped the committed professional I am today, so I wouldn’t change anything. However, if I had known how fulfilling running my own clinic would be, I might have taken the leap into business ownership sooner!

In one sentence, how would you define success?

Success is making a meaningful difference in people’s lives while continuously growing and evolving in both my personal and professional journey.