Meet your vascular surgeon
From the UK to Perth: my journey as a vascular surgeon
- Author: Dr Nishath Altaf
- First published: 16 April 2025
Why I love vascular surgery
A specialty that goes from head to toe
When people ask how I became a vascular surgeon, I usually joke that it was a process of elimination. At school, I liked science and problem-solving, but I wasn’t someone who always knew I’d be a doctor. My dad was a doctor, so medicine was familiar, but the truth is, I really found my way step-by-step.
In the early years of medical training, I realised I enjoyed the academic side of medicine; the logic of diagnosis and the hands-on nature of surgery appealed to me. I didn’t feel like I fit the “old-school surgeon stereotype” you sometimes hear about; loud, commanding, a typical type A personality (competitive, perfectionist, a bit stressed or intense). But what I’ve come to realise is that surgery, especially vascular surgery, doesn’t need you to fit a mould. You just need work ethic, perseverance, and curiosity.
I first came across vascular surgery during my Resident Medical Officer years, that’s the early phase after finishing med school, and it caught my interest immediately. I had some excellent mentors who were generous with their time and knowledge. They showed me the impact that vascular surgery can have, and it stuck with me.
What I loved was the scope; we operate on arteries and veins all over the body, from the neck down to the ankles. No two days are ever the same. That variety, and the mix of high-stakes emergency cases and detailed elective work, really appealed to me.
“I liked that vascular surgery could be both urgent and delicate. Some cases are life-saving; others simply help someone walk better or play golf again. That range is what drew me in.”
Vascular surgeon Perth
From Manchester to Perth
Training in the UK
I started my formal vascular surgery training in Manchester, UK. It’s where I did most of my early surgical rotations, and I later completed my Fellowship with the Royal College of Surgeons. It was a strong program, but as with many UK trainees, I came to Australia in my final year for a fellowship and that’s when things changed.
I moved with my wife and two young children, thinking we’d stay for a year. But we loved it: the lifestyle, the blue skies, the surgical culture, all of it. I ended up re-training here, sat a few more exams, and earned my Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons too.
To this day, I believe the vascular training here in Australia is second to none. I’ve had trainees from the UK and Europe come to Perth to learn, which speaks volumes about the quality of education and innovation in this part of the world.
“Australia leads the way in endovascular surgery. The outcomes here are world-class, and I’m proud to be part of that landscape.”
Vascular surgeon Perth
Meet your vascular surgeon
What does a typical week look like?
I split my time evenly between public and private practice. About half of my week is spent consulting with patients; the other half is in theatre performing vascular surgeries. The procedures range from varicose vein treatments to more complex arterial repairs.
On-call duties are lighter these days, about one in every 13 days, shared between multiple hospitals across Perth. It’s a team-based system, and it works well.
“People often ask if I get tired of the workload, but honestly, I love it. I enjoy not knowing exactly what the day will bring; it keeps things interesting.”
Vascular surgeon Perth
Despite the long hours, I make time to exercise and keep fit. It’s part of the culture at Royal Perth Hospital; many of us run or train together, and that sense of camaraderie really helps with work-life balance.
I also enjoy music: a bit of R&B in the theatre now and then never hurts. It keeps the mood relaxed, especially during long procedures.
What I genuinely love about my job is the people. The team dynamic with nurses, physios and fellow doctors makes going to work feel like a social event at times. And the results we see, whether it’s helping someone avoid an amputation or simply getting back to walking without pain, those are moments I never take for granted.
“I wake up looking forward to work. That might sound cheesy, but it’s true. Vascular surgery isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am.”
Vascular surgeon Perth
Vascular surgery in Perth
My role in public and private practice
Today, I head the Department of Vascular Surgery at Royal Perth Hospital and also work from Hollywood Private Hospital, with consulting rooms in Nedlands, Carine and Midland. I see a broad range of patients, from complex arterial cases to varicose vein treatments. Each person is different, and that keeps the work meaningful.
“If you’re curious about what vascular surgeons do, or you’re considering treatment yourself, I’m always happy to explain things in plain terms.”
Vascular surgeon Perth
Meet your vascular surgeon
What does a typical week look like?
I split my time evenly between public and private practice. About half of my week is spent consulting with patients; the other half is in theatre performing vascular surgeries. The procedures range from varicose vein treatments to more complex arterial repairs.
On-call duties are lighter these days, about one in every 13 days, shared between multiple hospitals across Perth. It’s a team-based system, and it works well.
“People often ask if I get tired of the workload, but honestly, I love it. I enjoy not knowing exactly what the day will bring; it keeps things interesting.”
Vascular surgeon Perth
Despite the long hours, I make time to exercise and keep fit. It’s part of the culture at Royal Perth Hospital; many of us run or train together, and that sense of camaraderie really helps with work-life balance.
I also enjoy music: a bit of R&B in the theatre now and then never hurts. It keeps the mood relaxed, especially during long procedures.
What I genuinely love about my job is the people. The team dynamic with nurses, physios and fellow doctors makes going to work feel like a social event at times. And the results we see, whether it’s helping someone avoid an amputation or simply getting back to walking without pain, those are moments I never take for granted.
“I wake up looking forward to work. That might sound cheesy, but it’s true. Vascular surgery isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am.”
Vascular surgeon Perth
Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: helping people understand their options and supporting them to make the best choices for their health.
Dr Nishath Altaf
Contact Dr Altaf
If you have queries or 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. Get in touch today.