Professor Najaf Siddiqi

Professor Najaf Siddiqi is a Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, UK, and a Visiting Professor at Bournemouth University. He combines extensive clinical experience with a commitment to surgical excellence, research, education and innovation in healthcare.

He specialises in minimally invasive colorectal and general surgery, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery for both malignant and benign conditions. His principal clinical interests are the surgical treatment of bowel cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, alongside a wide range of other colorectal and general surgical conditions.

Education and Training
Professor Siddiqi graduated in medicine in 2003 and undertook his initial postgraduate training in Yorkshire, UK. He subsequently completed his higher surgical specialty training (CCT) in the Wessex Deanery, rotating through specialist colorectal units in Basingstoke, Southampton and Portsmouth.

During his training, he received subspecialist training in robotic colorectal surgery at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, and subsequently completed a post-CCT fellowship in advanced colorectal robotic surgery at Portsmouth Hospitals University, UK.

Academic Interests and Research
Professor Siddiqi has a strong research interest in colorectal cancer, surgical education, surgical technology and quality improvement. He was awarded a Doctor of Medicine (MD) research degree by the University of Portsmouth for his research into the use of biomarkers to detect micrometastasis in colorectal cancer. He has authored more than 50 publications in medical journals and presented over 60 papers at national and international scientific meetings.

As Visiting Professor at Bournemouth University, he has a particular interest in exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to advance surgical practice, education and training. His research interests include the application of emerging technologies to surgical skills assessment, training, evaluation of surgical performance and improvements in the quality of patient care.

He is interested in fostering collaboration between clinical practice, academic research and technological innovation to help develop new approaches to surgical education and healthcare delivery.

Leadership and Surgical Education
Professor Siddiqi contributes to national and international surgical education and has participated in masterclasses in laparoscopic and robotic surgery. He is a faculty member for laparoscopic and robotic surgery courses organised by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT) and the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI), supporting the professional development of consultants and surgical trainees.

He is also Clinical Lead for Audit and Quality Assurance in Surgery at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, contributing to the evaluation of surgical practice and the continuous improvement of clinical services.

Special Interests
General surgery, Colorectal surgery, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Gallbladder surgery, Hernia surgery, Fistulas, Haemorrhoids, Bowel Cancer, Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Personal Interests
Outside work, Najaf enjoys badminton, table tennis and swimming. He particularly values spending time with his wife and two sons, including going hiking together as a family.