Syed F. Zafar, MD
Board-certified Hematologist and Medical Oncologist Syed Zafar, MD has extensive clinical and research training. After completing his residency training in Internal Medicine at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, he was selected by the program leadership as a Chief Medical Resident. As a result of his compassionate care, dedication and leadership skills, he was recognized by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and awarded the prestigious Gold Humanism Award and inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Dr. Zafar completed his clinical and research fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Zafar has been an institutional principal investigator for numerous translational and clinical research trials. He has published several scientific papers, abstracts and book chapters in peer-reviewed journals including the New England Journal of Medicine, American Journal of Clinical Oncology, Journal of Geriatric Oncology and Nutrition Reviews.
His research efforts and collaboration also led to the first-ever immunotherapy treatment approval for esophageal cancer in 2021. He was awarded the prestigious Elkin Grant to study novel treatments in pancreatic cancer at Emory University.
Dr. Zafar has presented his work nationally and internationally in various meetings and conferences. A sought-after speaker, he has lectured extensively about contemporary management of various malignancies in didactic conferences.
He is past Chair of the Department of Medicine at Gulf Coast and currently serves as Chief of Hematology and Oncology at Lee Health System hospitals in Fort Myers. Dr. Zafar also volunteers his time with various patient support groups in Lee County.
- Hematology
- Medical Oncology
- English
Education, Residency, Training & Fellowship
- Dow Medical College – Karachi, Pakistan
- Detroit Medical Center- Wayne State University – Detroit, MI
Residency & Chief Residency
- Emory University Winship Cancer Institute – Atlanta, GA
Board Certified
- Medical Oncology
- Hematology
- Internal Medicine
Honors & Achievements
- Recipient Elkin Scholarship Grant at Emory University
- Gold Humanism and Excellence in Teaching, 2008 Award received on behalf of Wayne State University and Arnold P. Gold Humanism Society
- Castle Connolly’s #1 in Cancer Care, Florida – 2025
Leadership Positions
- Chief, Oncology Lee Health and Past Chair Gulf coast / Internal Medicine
While always intrigued by the science of medicine, the resilience and bravery of cancer patients inspired Dr. Syed Zafar to specialize in oncology. He provides care and participates in research for all forms of cancer, and sees a bright future for patients, given the ongoing improvements and advancements in diagnosis and treatment.
Denise Guerrazzi Patient Testimonial – Dr. Syed Zafar – Florida Cancer Specialists
Medical Oncologist, Dr. Syed Zafar, discusses how much he loves becoming a part of his patients’ story and how cancer research is being revolutionized.
Janet Smith Patient Testimonial – Dr. Syed Zafar – Florida Cancer Specialists