Heartbeat: Hello my name is… Syed Altaf
December 23, 2021
This month we welcome new consultant haematologist, Dr Syed Yasir Altaf who has recently joined the Haemato-oncology team.
Dr Altaf brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the Trust with just under two decades worth of knowledge in his field of work.
Syed completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 2002 (MBBS) in Pakistan and then headed to UK for further medical training where he worked across a variety of hospitals in the country.
“After gaining an array of experience I went on to complete my clinical haematology training from Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Trust in 2015 and my fellowship in bone marrow transplantation from Hammersmith Hospital London in 2016,” said Syed.
Upon completion of his fellowship, in 2016 Dr Altaf decided to move across the globe to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to work as consultant in haematology and bone marrow transplant in King Fahad Medical City.
“I gained a wealth of experience in my time in the Medical City and was able to help a lot of patients which is truly gratifying.”
After his five years in Saudi Arabia, Syed wanted to move back to the UK which is when he joined SWB to work as a consultant haematologist.
When asked about why he decided to join our Trust Dr Altaf said: “Although SWB is a district level hospital, the variety of patients who come here is no less than a tertiary care level hospital. There are plenty of opportunities to further excel my knowledge and skills and I’m also enthusiastic about the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital and all the modern facilities it will have.”
Dr Farooq A Wandroo, Consultant Haematologist is looking forward to working alongside Syed and believes he will be a great addition to haematology and the Trust as a whole. He said: “Syed will be a great asset to the team and I very much look forward to working with him.”
“Dr Altaf has a special interest in myeloid disorders including acute myeloid leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative diseases all of which will only improve the patient care we offer at the Trust.”
If you do see Syed in and around the Trust, be sure to give him a wave and say hello!