Personal Profile
Syed Fida Ur Rahman Casans, known as Fida, is a British National and a highly skilled Laparoscopic Colorectal and General Surgeon. Born on October 23, 1972, Fida has dedicated his career to providing exceptional healthcare, training the next generation of doctors, and pushing forward advancements in surgical techniques.
Fida's journey began in 1998 when he graduated with distinction, earning a Bachelor in Medicine and Bachelor in Surgery (MBBS). He further honed his skills during his pre-registration house officer posts at Bishop Auckland General Hospital and South Tees Hospitals in Middlesbrough. Thereafter he successfully completed Basic Surgical Training at South Tees Hospitals, in Middlesbrough and was awarded an MRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh in 2003. His passion for research led him to join a world-renowned scientific team at Durham University, where he explored the role of stem cells in colorectal cancer. Fida's exceptional work resulted in a PhD in Biological Sciences from Durham University, and he had the privilege of presenting and publishing his findings in esteemed peer-reviewed journals.
Driven by a deep commitment to education, Fida actively trains and mentors junior doctors, medical students, nurses, and theatre staff. In 2004, he took on a teaching role as a clinical lecturer associated with the University of Newcastle, and in 2005, he obtained a Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Education from the same institution. Fida's dedication to medical education extends beyond the classroom, as he has also undertaken charity work in Sudan and Pakistan, providing vital healthcare support in underserved areas.
Following the completion of his scientific research, Fida resumed his surgical training in the Northeast of England. He successfully completed a Higher Surgical Training program, earning a Fellowship to the Intercollegiate Specialty Board in General Surgery, Edinburgh (FRCS) in September 2012. In October 2014, he began his career as a Consultant Surgeon at Darlington Memorial Hospital, part of County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust. In this role, Fida provides acute and elective healthcare, specializing in laparoscopic colorectal and general surgery. He is actively involved in restructuring the unit, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care, and has overseen the appointment of other skilled colorectal consultant surgeons.
Fida's expertise extends to various advanced endoscopic procedures, including upper gastrointestinal (OGD) and lower digestive tract (colonoscopy) examinations, as certified by the JAG (Joint Advisory Group on GI Endoscopy). He is also a core member of the Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT) responsible for assessing advanced colonic and rectal polyps/lesions. Fida has pioneered innovative techniques at his trust, such as Trans Anal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TaMIS) and Trans Anal Endoscopic Operations (TEO) for locally advanced polyps. Moreover, he played a crucial role in establishing a colonic stenting service, in collaboration with radiologists, at Darlington Memorial Hospital, significantly advancing colorectal cancer care.
Passionate about staying at the forefront of surgical advancements, Fida attended an immersion course at the prestigious Barcelona clinic in Spain, where he gained expertise in Trans Anal Total Meso Rectal Excision (TaTME) procedures for rectal pathologies. He is also actively involved in the introduction of robotic surgery in his trust and is undergoing training in this innovative field.
In addition to his specialization in bowel-related conditions, both cancerous and non-cancerous, Fida offers a wide range of treatments using laparoscopic and open surgical techniques. His expertise includes hernia surgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, haemorrhoidal disease treatments, recto-anal rectopexy, anal fissure treatments, pilonidal sinus surgery, fistula in ano treatments, bowel cancer surgery, inflammatory bowel disease surgery, stoma reversal, rectal prolapse surgery, proctectomy, diverticular disease management, skin lesions treatments and a host of other treatments as well.
Additionally, Fida is an active participant in major scientific meetings and conferences, keeping up to date with the latest advancements in his field and presents papers and audits at both national and international platforms, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and best practices. Furthermore, Fida plays a crucial role in academia, examining post-graduate students and critically assessing their work and research. He takes pride in nominating deserving candidates for the award of a PhD or Masters degree, recognizing excellence and fostering the growth of future scholars.
As the senior most colorectal consultant at Darlington Memorial Hospital, Fida has held various leadership posts, demonstrating his ability to effectively manage and inspire a team. He takes great pride in being part of a high-performing team that consistently delivers exceptional results, not only within the Northeast of England but also nationally. Fida's commitment to maintaining and improving standards across a wide range of areas is unwavering. His dedication and professionalism are evident in the positive feedback he receives from patients, their relatives, colleagues, and staff.
On a personal note, Fida finds joy in skiing with his family and engaging in a good game of squash. He cherishes the support of his wife, who is also a consultant paediatrician working in the NHS. With five children, Fida’s life is filled with excitement and constant activity, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.
