A prominent figure in the haematological community, Dr. Shirley D’Sa MD, FRCP, FRCPath helped found WMUK, and is dedicated to improving care and support for patients with Waldenström’s Macroglobulinaemia. Through her efforts, she has helped bridge the gap between health professionals and patients, striving to overcome barriers in patient care.
Dr. D’Sa’s dedication to advancing haematology and improving patient outcomes makes her a respected leader in her field. Her work not only impacts her patients and their families but also sets new benchmarks in research and clinical practice globally.
Education and Training
Dr. Shirley D’Sa MD, FRCP, FRCPath began her medical education at St George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London, graduating in 1990. Her postgraduate training included a pivotal year in Haematology and Oncology at the prestigious Royal Marsden and Charing Cross Hospitals. After earning her MRCP, she specialised in Haematology at University College Hospital London (UCLH) starting in 1995.
Research and Specialisation
Following her FRCPath qualification in 2000, Dr. D’Sa pursued an MD research degree at UCL. Her research focused on studying immune recovery in multiple myeloma patients using advanced flow cytometry and molecular techniques, after a novel donor stem cell transplantation. She was appointed as a Consultant Haematologist at UCLH in 2002, focusing primarily on myeloma.
Leadership and Clinical Focus
In 2004, Dr. D’Sa established the UCLH Centre for Waldenström’s Macroglobulinaemia and Related Conditions. This centre has become the largest dedicated facility for WM in Europe, known for its comprehensive approach to this rare cancer and related conditions like Cold Agglutinin Disease and Cryoglobulinaemia. Her innovative treatments in these areas have significantly influenced global standards.
Collaborative Initiatives and Services
Dr. D’Sa’s collaboration with Professor Michael Lunn has led to the creation of two national services at UCLH: the Neurohaematology Service and the Joint POEMS Service. These services are renowned for managing complex immunologically driven conditions and rare diseases linked to myeloma-like cells, respectively.
Academic Contributions and Community Involvement
Dr. D’Sa holds the position of honorary associate professor at the UCL Cancer Institute. She is deeply involved in clinical trials, serving as the UK Chief Investigator for numerous studies focusing on Waldenström’s Macroglobulinaemia and Cold Agglutinin Disease. She also plays a crucial role in biobanking and genomic studies that aim to enhance our understanding of lymphoid malignancies.
