Vascular surgeon in Perth
Why I became a vascular surgeon: 4 reasons and one you wouldn’t expect
- Author: Dr Nishath Altaf
- First published: 27 March 2024
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Vascular surgeon in Perth
#1 Working closely with patients and being important in emergencies
As a junior doctor in Manchester, and then moving on to Leicester for my basic surgical training, I was introduced to the field of vascular surgery. During this time, I got my first real look at what vascular surgeons do. I was fortunate to have some excellent role models who showed me the ropes. The level of care provided to patients was of a very high standard, which inspired me.
What really stood out to me was how vascular surgeons are often the ones called upon in critical situations, where their broad skill set allows them to operate across almost every part of the body.
“Vascular surgeons get called when any other surgeon gets into trouble with bleeding for example. But it wasn’t just about the surgery itself; it was about seeing patients get better and knowing you played a part in that.”
Vascular surgeon Perth
I saw how vascular surgeons needed to know and do a lot to help their patients, and I wanted to be part of that. This mix of working closely with patients and being important in emergencies, made me sure I wanted to do this job.
#2: My love for research and making a difference:
I really liked learning about how to make surgery better for patients. This interest led me to start a PhD in Vascular Surgery (for those who are interested it was about atherosclerotic disease) at Nottingham University. I finished it, wrote a lot of papers, and talked about my work at conferences all over the world.
The research I did is now helping people not just in Perth, but in the UK, USA, and Europe too. This showed me how much of a difference I could make through vascular surgery and research.
#3: Keeping up with technology and skills
In the last 10-15 years, there’s been a big leap in how vascular surgery is done, especially with less invasive methods, known as endovascular surgery. This progress really excited me. Being in Perth, I’ve had the chance to be right at the edge of these changes, using new techniques and tools that weren’t available before.
Vascular surgeon Perth
The opportunity to work with the latest technology, especially in the public system where new tech often comes first, has been a huge part of why I love my job. I get to use these advanced techniques to give all my patients, whether they’re public or private, the highest quality of care. Plus, being able to do complex procedures with minimal downtime for the patient is incredibly rewarding.
This evolution in our field has kept me motivated and passionate about vascular surgery. It’s a reminder of how our work constantly evolves and how we can make a real difference in people’s lives with the tools and skills we develop.
#4: The personal touch: influenced by family values
Growing up, my dad, who was also a doctor, played a huge role in shaping my desire to help people. His dedication to his patients and his ability to make a difference in their lives left a lasting impression on me.
Not everyone knows this, but this foundation of care my father instilled in me has been a driving force behind my career choice.
“As a vascular surgeon, I find immense satisfaction in interacting with my patients, getting to know them, and using my skills to improve their quality of life. Whether it’s through open surgery or the latest in endovascular techniques, being able to offer a range of treatments tailored to each patient’s unique situation is incredibly rewarding.”
Vascular surgeon Perth
My dad’s influence extends beyond just the technical aspects of being a doctor. He was a clear thinker, patient, and caring, qualities that I strive to embody in my own practice.
His example showed me the importance of not just treating patients, but also building relationships with them, listening to their concerns, and working together to find the best path forward. This holistic approach to patient care, combining technical skill with genuine human connection, is what makes the practice of vascular surgery so fulfilling for me.
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Contact Dr Altaf
If you have questions or you are ready to make an appointment with Dr Nishath Altaf, please give us a call or request an appointment. Dr Altaf consults in Nedlands, Carine and Midland. He is best known in Perth for varicose vein treatment, aortic aneurysm repair, treatment for peripheral artery disease and carotid artery disease, and diabetic foot treatment.