What year did you graduate?
2016
What course did you study?
Healthcare Science – Cardiac Physiology
What is your current role?
Chief Cardiac Physiologist at Barts Heart Centre specialising in cardiac rhythm management - device and electrophysiology accredited.
How did you get into your current role?
I picked cardiology at University after my first year placements. I knew this was where my interest was beforehand, but it was good to consolidate this. From then, I have always been more drawn to pacing and EP instead of ECHO or intervention so that is where I pursued my training for my role. In cardiology there are many different areas you can specialise in, so it gives a bit more variation and choice to your work if you want to work in several areas. Also, there are always opportunities for on-call work and/or private work for the extra excitement and money!
Can you describe a typical day?
A typical day for me in pacing clinic would be running a specialist pacing clinic in either grown up congenital heart defect patients or VT arrhythmia patients with a trainee. We usually see between 6-10 patients a day to really focus on the programming and optimisation of each patient’s device and medications. We also look at remote transmissions daily for alerts and deal with them appropriately if patients have had shocks etc.
In the labs for pacing we are mostly responsible for the setup, monitoring, device/lead choice and programming of the device. We also do other procedures such as cardioversions and lead extractions so depends what is on the list for the day! For EP, we run the mapping systems and are an integral part to the team for the procedure as a whole and the outcome. We do lots of different procedures including AFs, SVTs and VTs.
What do you enjoy about your role?
I enjoy working in an emergency setting in the labs helping with emergency pacing and emergency VT ablations. I find it more exciting working in a high pressured environment working well with the team to get the best outcome for the patient.
What do you find challenging in your current role?
Sometimes it can be difficult to have a good work life balance especially if you are working, on call, doing private or Saturday lists and trying to complete your own research and audits. Lots of opportunity but not that much time so finding a healthy balance staying relatively stress free is the key but can be challenging.
What advice would you give to a current student at St George’s who is keen to get into a similar area of work as you?
The structure of a healthcare profession is heading towards requiring the STP and therefore many of us working now that are looking to find higher roles within the system need this equivalence. This is a lot of extra work and difficult to find time for when we have a full-time job. It is not a bad idea to look at doing the STP which is paid for at the start before getting a permanent job. I wish I had known more about the STP at the time I was graduating and I believe you are also paid better than a band 5 role, so it’s a good place to start as a post grad!
Which aspects of your degree are relevant for your current role?
The theory was all very relevant, learning the physiology and anatomy of the heart. I felt prepared for my placements from the practical sessions at university too, but it was useful to gain more experience and patient interaction on placements.
What would you say were the best / most challenging things about your degree?
The best and most challenging aspect of the degree was the placements. Being out of your comfort zone and away from your peers for such a long time can be difficult and can feel overwhelming. However, I found I leant most on my placements not only the clinical aspect but also developing as a professional.
If you could go back to your time at St George’s, would you do anything differently?
I had a great time at George’s after having a rubbish time at Newcastle University. Met some great people and got involved with the football society which was always a laugh. If anything I should have made better use of the SU bar and local chicken shops!
Do you have any advice or a message for current students at St George’s?
Whilst you are training, give everything a go and see what you enjoy the most. Try and be as enthusiastic as possible. The small numbers in my cohort made teaching very personal which I really liked and you get what you put in from your placement sites.
Do you have any advice or a message for students considering studying at St George’s?
Physiology is a great career for those who want to be as clinical as possible without the added responsibility and long hours as a doctor! St. George’s is a great place to study with the added bonuses of being in London being a great city for students!