Business Hour
Gail Bailey speaks with Dr Arif Aslam about his career journey and his work as a leading Consultant Dermatologist in the UK and beyond
Experienced Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Arif Aslam is a double fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon and member of the prestigious American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS). He has extensive experience in the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin cancer and provides expert, multi-disciplinary care for patients with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer – alongside preventative assessment and care for people who may be at heightened risk of the disease.
Born and raised in Lancashire, Dr Aslam is proud to be offering this highly specialised surgery back in his home county at Discover Laser in Burnley: “I have been practising medicine since 2004 and after completing my training in general medicine, I began training to specialise in dermatology in Manchester,” he explains.
Becoming a Consultant Dermatologist in 2014, Dr Aslam’s dedication for advancing skin cancer treatment led him to specialise in Mohs surgery and he went to Perth in Australia in 2019 to become a fellowship-trained surgeon under the tutorship of Professor Carl Vinciullo: “I was very privileged to be tutored by the world-renowned Professor Vinciullo to gain my fellowship, and I feel further privileged to now be able to offer this highly specialised surgery across the region back in Lancashire.
“Australia and New Zealand are the global leading nations in the world in treatments for skin cancer and I am fortunate to have spent time both training and working in both countries to gain a greater depth of experience and understanding,” Dr Aslam says.
Mohs surgery itself is a precise, highly effective, specialised type of surgery used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Dr Aslam is one of very few dermatologists in the UK and Europe with this accreditation and the only UK dermatologist with membership of both the Australasian College of Dermatologists and American College of Mohs Surgery.
“With a procedure like Mohs surgery, you need trust, precision and attention to detail,” explains Dr Aslam. “It is the gold standard technique for removing high-risk skin cancers, leaving healthy skin untouched, minimising the chance of scars and coming with the highest cure rate and lowest chance of recurrence of any form of treatment,” he adds.
Out of just over 100 Mohs surgeons in the UK, only about 14 are fellows of the prestigious American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS). Dr Aslam was also recently invited to speak at the annual meeting of the American College of Mohs Surgeons in Phoenix, Arizona and gave a lecture on surgical reconstruction following treatment by Mohs surgery: “Being the only surgeon from the UK invited to speak was a huge honour, having also recently returned from Perth, where at the Australasian College of Dermatology Annual Scientific Meeting I presented two lectures on Mohs and dermatologic surgery.”
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr Aslam is actively involved in research and education having written chapters in medical textbooks along with published journal articles. His commitment to continuous learning ensures that he remains at the forefront of the latest developments in his field.
One of the hallmarks of Dr Aslam’s practice is his dedication to patient-centred care. He understands that a skin cancer diagnosis can be a daunting experience, and he prioritises creating a supportive and reassuring environment for his patients, from the initial consultation through to post-operative care: “Patient care and cutting-edge treatments are paramount to my work as a Consultant Dermatologist as I am always focused on the best possible outcome for my patients,” he says.
Along with private practice across Lancashire and working for the NHS at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Dr Aslam’s dedication, skill and compassion make him a trusted and respected figure in Lancashire’s healthcare landscape. He is also the Chair of the Skin Cancer Multidisciplinary Team and for those facing the challenges of skin cancer, Dr Aslam offers not just a treatment plan, but a pathway to healing and hope.
Respected by both his colleagues and patients, one recently treated by Dr Aslam at his Discover Laser clinic, stated: “I’m delighted with the surgery performed by Dr Aslam. From the first time we met in clinic, I felt reassured and just knew he would do a great job. Every step of the way I felt cared for and felt in safe hands.”
Read about one of Dr Aslam’s successful Mohs case studies on page 65 in this summer issue of Live Ribble Valley magazine.
drarifaslam.com
discoverlaser.co.uk
