Dr Asif Umar
Minimal Access & Bariatric Surgeon
Dr Asif originally hails from Srinagar, a district within Jammu and Kashmir. He started his academic journey at Tyndale Biscoe School, a renowned British establishment of 1880s, where he also completed his pre-university education. He then pursued his MBBS degree at a medical college in Jammu, starting in 1999 and completing his internship in 2004. Following this, he pursued his MS in Surgery at the same institution. In 2010, he moved to Delhi and took on the role of Senior resident at PGIMER Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for a three-year tenure. It was during this period that he developed a deep interest in Advanced Laparoscopic procedures and Bariatric surgery, leading him to undertake a specialized course in Advanced Laparoscopy in Bruges, Belgium, under the mentorship of Dr Bruno Dillemans, a distinguished authority in this field. AZ Sint Jan Hospital, Bruges, Belgium is a high output centre for Advanced Laparoscopic procedures and is one of the best in the world.
After completing the training there, he returned to Delhi and worked as a Junior Consultant at Batra Hospital until 2016, where he performed a wide range of basic and Advanced Laparoscopic surgeries. Since 2016, he has held the position of Senior Consultant in various medical institutions, specializing in Advanced Laparoscopic procedures and Bariatric surgeries.
Dr Asif emphasizes, “Upon joining Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, I received comprehensive training in fundamental
Laparoscopic surgeries, under the guidance of esteemed practitioners who were pioneers of Laparoscopic surgery in North India. This experience sparked a profound interest in this specialty. Subsequently, I pursued advanced training opportunities, undertaking a fellowship in Laparoscopic surgery at Max Hospital, Delhi under the mentorship of Dr Chaubey, a distinguished figure in the field. This exposure further ignited my passion for Laparoscopic surgeries”.
As part of his professional development, Dr Asif also sought international opportunities and was privileged to become the second Indian surgeon to successfully complete a fellowship in Belgium, following in the footsteps of only one other Indian surgeon. However, he specializes in upper GI Laparoscopic surgeries, including Bariatric surgeries, Lap fundoplication, and other Esophageal surgeries. He also performs Advanced Laparoscopic procedures for complex hernias and Laparoscopic pelvic surgeries. Shedding light on the most significant challenges encountered by him in Laparoscopic surgery, Dr Asif says, “I firmly believe that the key to success in any surgical field lies in finding the right mentor and it’s never easy. It requires sacrifices, dedication, and hard work. I am grateful to all my teachers, mentors, and guides for their support and encouragement”.
In surgery, success hinges on a strong team, and thus Dr Asif prioritizes the entire team that includes everyone involved in patient care, right from hospital staff to those interacting with the patient from admission to discharge. He understands that a supportive institution valuing societal contribution is also crucial for delivering the best care. Precisely, in light of the constant evolutions within the healthcare sector, Dr Asif prioritizes staying abreast of current events and industry advancements. Through active participation in conferences and engagement with experts, he fortifies his knowledge of the latest innovations and trends.
Over time, Laparoscopic surgeries and Robotics are increasingly utilized in surgical procedures. The outcome of surgeries is now influenced by the technology and instruments used in addition to the surgeon’s skills. Advancements in technology have led to improved visibility during surgeries, resulting in better precision, fewer complications, reduced hospital stays, lower blood loss, and decreased infection rates. New technologies and energy sources are continually introduced, similar to the continuous updates in mobile phones. Dr Asif mentions that easy access to the latest technology in Delhi has significantly backed his surgical practices.
Having performed several Laparoscopic surgeries, Dr Asif has had many success stories too along the years. He states, “Surgery is not just a job for money. It’s about the smiles on the faces of the patients. It’s worth millions to see a life saved and the joy on the faces of their families. These memories stay with you forever. I am thankful to the almighty for choosing me to be a healthcare professional, particularly a surgeon”.
Well, consistent practice is key to success. Finding the right people and being dedicated are crucial. Looking further, Dr Asif is also transitioning to Robotic surgeries, building on expertise in Laparoscopic surgeries. As an advice to the patients seeking surgical interventions, he says, “It’s important to thoroughly research and choose the right surgeon. Trust in the surgeon’s expertise and maintain trust & communication throughout the process”.
As part of his professional development, Dr Asif also sought international opportunities and was privileged to become the second Indian surgeon to successfully complete a fellowship in Belgium, following in the footsteps of only one other Indian surgeon. However, he specializes in upper GI Laparoscopic surgeries, including Bariatric surgeries, Lap fundoplication, and other Esophageal surgeries. He also performs Advanced Laparoscopic procedures for complex hernias and Laparoscopic pelvic surgeries. Shedding light on the most significant challenges encountered by him in Laparoscopic surgery, Dr Asif says, “I firmly believe that the key to success in any surgical field lies in finding the right mentor and it’s never easy. It requires sacrifices, dedication, and hard work. I am grateful to all my teachers, mentors, and guides for their support and encouragement”.
In surgery, success hinges on a strong team, and thus Dr Asif prioritizes the entire team that includes everyone involved in patient care, right from hospital staff to those interacting with the patient from admission to discharge
In surgery, success hinges on a strong team, and thus Dr Asif prioritizes the entire team that includes everyone involved in patient care, right from hospital staff to those interacting with the patient from admission to discharge. He understands that a supportive institution valuing societal contribution is also crucial for delivering the best care. Precisely, in light of the constant evolutions within the healthcare sector, Dr Asif prioritizes staying abreast of current events and industry advancements. Through active participation in conferences and engagement with experts, he fortifies his knowledge of the latest innovations and trends.
Over time, Laparoscopic surgeries and Robotics are increasingly utilized in surgical procedures. The outcome of surgeries is now influenced by the technology and instruments used in addition to the surgeon’s skills. Advancements in technology have led to improved visibility during surgeries, resulting in better precision, fewer complications, reduced hospital stays, lower blood loss, and decreased infection rates. New technologies and energy sources are continually introduced, similar to the continuous updates in mobile phones. Dr Asif mentions that easy access to the latest technology in Delhi has significantly backed his surgical practices.
Having performed several Laparoscopic surgeries, Dr Asif has had many success stories too along the years. He states, “Surgery is not just a job for money. It’s about the smiles on the faces of the patients. It’s worth millions to see a life saved and the joy on the faces of their families. These memories stay with you forever. I am thankful to the almighty for choosing me to be a healthcare professional, particularly a surgeon”.
Well, consistent practice is key to success. Finding the right people and being dedicated are crucial. Looking further, Dr Asif is also transitioning to Robotic surgeries, building on expertise in Laparoscopic surgeries. As an advice to the patients seeking surgical interventions, he says, “It’s important to thoroughly research and choose the right surgeon. Trust in the surgeon’s expertise and maintain trust & communication throughout the process”.
