Hello my name is…….Asif Ameen

 

I have only just joined the Trust last week but have thoroughly enjoyed my first few days here and have met many wonderful folk already. I have experienced the first few days at a quite a few organisations but there is a genuinely different feel at CHFT, it really stands out in terms of how friendly and welcoming everyone has been across the board. I already feel part of the team so thank you to everyone - long may it continue!

 

What is your position?

Assistant Divisional Director (ADD) – Medicine.

 

Tell us about your career background?

A series of sales and marketing jobs from the age of 16 whilst in full time education. I used to love it and was convinced that my future was in sales until I stumbled across the NHS Management Scheme and the rest as they say is history. My first role was based in Barnsley where I also had the ‘Cook’s Tour’ of the NHS followed by two further placements, including a three-months period in Canada. Since graduating from the scheme I have held a variety of positions across NHS Trusts, the private sector and overseas working in the Middle East. My most recent role was at Barts Health NHS Trust in London which was a brilliant experience but I couldn’t pass the opportunity that presented itself a couple of months ago to come here.

 

What are the best bits about your job?                       

I know it’s an old cliché but it’s the variety on offer; the chance to meet and work with people from so many diverse backgrounds, that’s both colleagues and patients/public. There’s never a dull moment and so many opportunities to make a real difference to the lives of our local population.

 

What is the highlight of your career so far?

I think going out to the Middle East and testing myself in a completely new environment was a real highlight for me, getting to work with professionals from all corners of the world and having the opportunity to visit places such as Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand to see how different health systems operate. I learned a great deal out there trying to improve health services with completely different and unique challenges compared to what I was used to seeing in the NHS. I suppose it’s made me appreciate the NHS even more than I did before, seeing countries far and distant working endlessly to try and emulate parts of what we have achieved and sustained here across our health systems.

 

Sum up your role in three words?

All About People

 

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I’d like to think I’m still in the midst of the growing up process so… a professional footballer. I think I’m nearly there (you heard it here first) and hope to combine the job with my role as ADD!

 

Who is your hero/heroine and why?

I don’t really have any heroes or heroines as such but as a keen sports fan I would say Roger Federer. He is a joy to watch and has operated with sheer class and quality for the best part of two decades. Plus we have a very similar style of playing

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When you are not at work how do you relax?

Following the recent addition to our family - I have two boys a three-month-old baby and a two-year-old  -  the answer is not being at home! Usually it’s the outdoorsy stuff – country park walks, being on the cricket pitch on a Sunday, a round of golf; just being active as much as possible. The good weather certainly helps – in winter it's five-a-side football and squash/badminton.

 

What is your favourite place?

Being on safari probably – although visits are too few and far between!

 

What would people be surprised to know about you?

My passion and enjoyment of video games seems to be increasing by the day (the extent to which is the real surprise) - I'm sure you can imagine how much of a hit this hobby is with the wife!! #stayyoungplayvideogames

 

**Asif succeeds Saj Azeb - now at Leeds Teaching Hospitals - in the role