Polly Swann

Doctor and Olympic athlete.

Name: Polly Swann
Category: Former student at Edinburgh Medical School
Role: MBChB
Time active with Edinburgh Medical School: graduated 2019



 

Polly shows an Olympic medal for the camera

Polly Swann is a remarkable individual who has achieved greatness in both the medical field and the world of sports. As a graduate of Edinburgh Medical School, Polly has demonstrated her dedication and perseverance in pursuing her passion for medicine. She began her degree in 2006, but took a sabbatical in 2010 to focus on her rowing career, before returning to graduate in 2019.

Polly won a silver medal at the Olympics, as well as European and world championship titles. She is a two-time Olympian and has been recognised as one of the University of Edinburgh's greatest sporting alumni, with a place in the University's Sports Hall of Fame.

What is particularly inspiring about Polly's story is the way she has balanced her medical career with her athletic pursuits. While training for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she also worked as a junior doctor during the early stages of the COVID pandemic. Her ability to juggle these two demanding fields is a testament to her hard work, grit and dedication.

Her story is a powerful reminder that success is not limited to one field or pursuit, and that it's possible to make a meaningful impact in multiple ways.