Dr. Syed – Consultant Psychiatrist (CCT, PGDip Forensic Psychiatry, MSc NHS Leadership)
Dr. Syed is a highly experienced Consultant Psychiatrist with a distinguished career spanning over 13 years in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT). His extensive expertise covers General Adult Psychiatry, Substance Misuse, Forensic Psychiatry, and Military Psychiatry. Through his clinical leadership, academic contributions, and commitment to medical education, Dr. Syed has established himself as a respected authority in the field of psychiatry.
Educational Background and Specialist Training
Dr. Syed obtained his medical degree from Medical College Srinagar, Kashmir, before relocating to Scotland for core psychiatric training. He subsequently completed his higher psychiatric training in Cambridge, achieving his Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in General Adult Psychiatry with a subspecialty in Substance Misuse.
To further enhance his expertise, Dr. Syed pursued additional postgraduate qualifications, including:
Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Psychiatry – King’s College London
Master of Science (MSc) in NHS Leadership – Jointly awarded by the University of Birmingham and the University of Manchester
These advanced qualifications reflect his commitment to continuous professional development and his ability to integrate cutting-edge clinical, forensic, and leadership practices into his work.
Current Roles and Leadership Responsibilities
Dr. Syed has played a pivotal role in shaping psychiatric services within CPFT, holding several leadership positions, including:
Consultant Psychiatrist, CPFT – Providing specialist psychiatric care within adult mental health services.
Clinical and Educational Supervisor – Actively involved in the training and mentorship of junior doctors and psychiatry trainees, ensuring high standards of clinical competence.
Former Associate Clinical Director – Served as a senior clinical leader, contributing to the strategic development of psychiatric services.
Medical Appraisal Lead, CPFT – Responsible for overseeing the revalidation and professional development of medical staff within the trust.
Clinical Lead for Out of Area Placements, CPFT – Managing and overseeing the placement of patients requiring specialized mental health care outside the trust’s local services.
Lead for CPFT Inpatient Contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) – Overseeing the delivery of mental health services to military personnel, ensuring compliance with MOD standards and protocols.
Clinical Expertise and Special Interests
Dr. Syed has worked across a broad range of clinical services, developing extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of complex psychiatric conditions. His areas of expertise include:
Psychotic Disorders – Specialized in the assessment and treatment of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and related conditions.
Mood and Anxiety Disorders – Extensive experience in managing depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – Providing comprehensive diagnostic assessments and evidence-based treatment plans for adults with ADHD.
Substance Misuse and Dual Diagnosis – Expertise in managing patients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, ensuring integrated care approaches.
Forensic Psychiatry – Special interest in forensic psychiatric assessments, risk management, and expert witness testimony in legal cases.
Military Psychiatry – Expertise in psychiatric care for serving military personnel and veterans, addressing service-related mental health conditions and rehabilitation needs.
Medico-Legal Expertise
Dr. Syed is a highly regarded expert witness with substantial experience providing psychiatric assessments for both civil and criminal cases. His forensic expertise includes:
Fitness to Plead and Criminal Responsibility Assessments
Risk Assessments for Violence and Reoffending
Capacity Assessments under the Mental Capacity Act
Expert Testimony for Magistrate and Crown Courts
Psychiatric Evaluations for Immigration and Asylum Cases
Commitment to Excellence in Psychiatry and Leadership
Dr. Syed is dedicated to advancing psychiatric care through clinical excellence, medical leadership, and continuous innovation in mental health services. His multifaceted roles within CPFT, combined with his commitment to education, research, and forensic psychiatry, exemplify his holistic approach to improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of psychiatric care. Whether working within the NHS, military settings, or forensic services, he remains steadfast in his mission to deliver compassionate, evidence-based, and ethically sound psychiatric care.