Skip to main navigationSkip to main content
The University of Southampton
Health SciencesOur alumni

Poppy Lloyd BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology), 2017

Cardiac Physiologist

Poppy Lloyd's Photo

Hi, I am Poppy Lloyd and I studied BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) at the University of Southampton.

 

"My top highlights include receiving the David Wilson Award for best performance in Cardiac Physiology and being offered a job at the largest specialist cardiothoracic hospital in the UK. Another highlight has been working with different patients and developing as a Cardiac Physiologist on placement. Reflecting back to year one to where I am now, monitoring patients in the Cath Lab in a range of procedures, programming pacemakers and testing leads for implant."

Why did choose to come and study at Southampton?

The University of Southampton was the top option for my course and the campus seemed really lively with lots of things going on.

What is your current role and employer?

Cardiac Physiologist at Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

What were your Southampton ‘highlights’?

My highlights have been meeting such amazing friends and being able to have fun throughout my three years here whilst also learning and progressing in my career as a Cardiac Physiologist.

What other activities did you take advantage of while at University?

I originally joined a kayaking society but after falling into ice cold water twice I gave it a miss!

My favourite experience was having a day in Southampton General Hospital cardiac theatres. I was in awe watching a beating heart in surgery, being lucky enough to see a valve replacement and also coronary artery bypass grafting. Additionally, the three clinical placements integrated into my course were really beneficial to reinforce my learning, and the employability events helped improve my job applications and interview skills.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

I most enjoyed the blend of lectures and clinical practice as this enabled me to learn the core knowledge around the different cardiac diagnostic procedures I would be performing on placement. It’s been such an interesting course to study with the further benefit that all the knowledge I’ve learnt has directly contributed my progression into becoming a Cardiac Physiologist after the degree.

How did your time at Southampton help you to grow as a person and help you get to where you are now?

Studying at Southampton has enabled me to develop my knowledge around all cardiac procedures and progress into a career at Papworth Hospital. I’ve also been encouraged to develop interpersonal skills which are key for working in this job.

What advice would you give to a student starting their degree at Southampton?

Embrace it, get out of your comfort zone as everyone is in the same boat starting out and you’ll meet some amazing people along the way.

What tips would you give to current students looking to start a career in your sector?

To get work experience in a Cardiology Department in a hospital before starting the degree is essential. You will become a Cardiac Physiologist at the end of the degree, so you need to make sure that this is the right job for you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share this profile Share this on Facebook Share this on Twitter Share this on Weibo
Privacy Settings