Cook Children's Prosper Doctor Spotlight: Abdul Siddiqui, M.D., of Cook Children's Hematology & Oncology - Prosper

Abdul Siddiqui, M.D., Hematologist – Prosper

Abdul Siddiqui, M.D., is a dedicated and passionate pediatric hematologist at Cook Children’s – Prosper. He is also a dedicated husband and father of two teenagers. He completed his medical training at Cook County Hospital in Chicago and Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit. During his time at the University of South Alabama, he also made significant research contributions and mentored medical students. In this Q&A, Dr. Siddiqui shares about his medical journey, his world travels and what makes him so passionate about his career.

What inspired you to work in pediatrics? What made you decide to pursue hematology/oncology?

I was inspired to become a pediatrician after spending time with children during my medical school clerkships. I noticed that making a sick child feel better puts the smile back on the entire family and that was an amazing feeling. I think it's important to have a positive impact on the lives of young people, and I believe that pediatricians have a unique opportunity to do that. I am drawn to hematology/oncology because it offers a unique blend of clinical care, research, and teaching. I love the opportunity to follow patients from childhood to adulthood and watch them grow and develop. I am also excited to work with a team of passionate and dedicated professionals.

What's your favorite part about working with children?

Children are amazing. They have a way of inspiring me with their resilience and hope. Their positive energy motivates me to come to work every day and approach each child with optimism.

What is your philosophy of patient care?

I believe it's important to treat the whole person, not just the disease. This means paying attention to a patient's mental health and social well-being. It's also important to educate patients and families so they can be active partners in their care.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I love trying new foods and learning about different cultures. I've been lucky enough to travel to many places and try a variety of cuisines. I'm also interested in language learning and can speak four languages fluently.

What are your goals for you and your team?

I'm lucky to work with a great team of doctors and nurses at Cook Children's. We're committed to providing the best possible care to our patients, close to home. My goal is to establish a comprehensive sickle cell disease program and increase participation in clinical trials to keep up with the latest treatments in both Hematology and Oncology.

Is there anything else you would like to share about you and your career?

I think the most exciting part of my career has been the time I spent working in the United Arab Emirates. It allowed me to learn about different healthcare systems and cultures, and how to provide the best care to patients from different backgrounds.