Dr Safa Al-Shamma

Dr Safa Al-Shamma graduated from Dundee University with Commendation in 2002. He trained in general medicine in Scotland, followed by an intensive care medicine attachment at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. He then joined the gastroenterology training programme at Mersey Deanery.  Dr Al-Shamma later completed a hepatology and liver transplantation fellowship at The Royal London Hospital and then King's College Hospital, London. He has worked as a consultant gastroenterologist with a special interest in hepatology at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital since early 2011. Dr Al-Shamma was the clinical lead and head of the gastroenterology department at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital from early 2018 to 2021.  Dr Al-Shamma manages a wide variety of general gastroenterology conditions including IBS, change in bowel habits and abdominal pain. He also has a particular expertise in managing all aspects of liver disease. This includes investigation of abnormal liver function tests, management of fatty liver, viral hepatitis, fibroscan and work-up for liver transplantation (having set up closer links with the Royal Free Hospital.) He also leads the complex interventional hepatology and hepatocellular cancer services.  Dr Al-Shamma additionally has a particular interest in complex colonoscopy as one of three endoscopists performing advanced and complex colonoscopy procedures at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. This includes endoscopic excision of large and complex colonic polyps. Finally, Dr Al-Shamma has an active research interest including fatty liver disease and viral hepatitis. He also has a significant interest in education, training and teaching including secretary to the Royal College of Physician's MRCP Part I Examination Board and membership of the gastroenterology Speciality Certificate Exam Board. He was also recently appointed as deputy director for medical education at University Hospitals Dorset. 

Hepatology including Hepatocellular cancer, liver transplantation work-up/referral/follow-up, fatty liver and autoimmune liver diseases. Complex/advanced colonoscopy. Teaching, education, assessment and examination in multiple local and national roles.