Physician and Farmer, Dr. Haider Provides Compassionate Cancer Care for Community

Let’s get to know Dr. Syed Haider, Hematologist/Oncologist at Froedtert South! When I was a child, my dad asked me what I was interested in. I told him that I liked to make new discoveries. I was not interested in mechanical science but rather the science of discovery. He surprised me with a microscope for my birthday. I pricked my finger and watched the blood under the microscope. It moved! I was fascinated, and I was hooked on the discoveries I could make in blood cells. For the rest of my childhood, my birthday gifts were bigger and better microscopes.

A WORLD OF EXPERIENCE

I grew up all over the world! I was born in Pakistan. I have lived in London, England and Ann Arbor, Michigan. I moved back to Pakistan to live with my grandpa while I attended Dow Medical College at the University of Karachi. I completed my internal medicine residency at Yale University School of Medicine in Connecticut. I did a Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship at the University of Missouri and a Bone Marrow Transplant Fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. I had opportunities to bring my practice to the bustling metropolis of Chicago, but I chose the quaint Kenosha countryside as the right place for me to live, to work, and to make a difference.

FUN ON THE FARM

I always wanted to live on a farm, and, for the past twenty-one years, I have been blessed to own a working hobby farm in Kenosha County. Aside from raising two children, whom I am incredibly proud of, I also raise goats, sheep, and chickens. Each animal has a different personality, and it’s so much fun. I do most of the farm work myself, including changing the water for the goats twice a day. My farm work keeps me on a schedule and helps me stay grounded in nature. I absolutely love it! Additionally, I work with Kenosha County on conservation efforts and tree planting. I volunteer at a local high school by giving lectures on health topics. I also play and coach cricket. I think that my zest for a full and fulfilling life makes me better, happier, and more compassionate as a physician.

PROGRESS AND PREVENTION

The progress in scientific discoveries keeps me energized! Every day, further discoveries can translate into new treatments and improved patient care. I believe that cancer research is on the right track with advancements in immunotherapies and vaccines. We are on the cusp of exciting discoveries, and I continue to be passionate about this wonderful field of study.

While progress is incredible, preventative care is imperative. It is instrumental to a patient’s quality of life to receive regular check-ups with a primary care physician. I encourage following the U.S. Task Force recommendations for tests and screenings and for patients to receive routine pap smears, mammograms, colonoscopies, genetic screenings, lung cancer screenings, and skin cancer screenings as applicable. Smoking cessation is essential as well.

COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CARE AT FROEDTERT PLEASANT PRAIRIE HOSPITAL

From the original St. Catherine’s Hospital to the private practice, I have spent twenty-one years serving this community as an oncologist. I am so happy to now be practicing at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital. The mission of this world-class organization and the administration’s thorough dedication to excellence align with my values both personally and professionally. The care provided at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital is well-coordinated, multidisciplinary, and personalized.

In partnership with Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital has extensive, leading-edge resources and access to highly specialized treatments which make this hospital a strong asset for the community. A patient can receive much of the cancer care they need right here at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital with medical oncology, radiation oncology, cancer surgery, and various subspecialties all working together in the same building. If a patient needs to be admitted to the hospital, they are already in the building. We offer simple and straightforward access to ancillary services right here. If a patient needs highly specialized care, typically only done in an academic setting, we readily collaborate with Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin. I am impressed with the professional collaboration and closeness of this entire team as we all work together to provide the best care possible for each patient.

With my practice at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital, I can make two guarantees for my patients. I guarantee that my patients will receive the best care possible and that this team will give one hundred percent effort towards their personalized care. With the Froedtert & Medical College Cancer Network, access to excellent and comprehensive cancer care is all right here. I am proud to be part of this team that lives in and participates in this community, cares about this community, and wholeheartedly serves this community. We treat the individualized needs of each patient, and we truly care about every person.