Syed Hamza Bin Waqar, MD

Specialist Training

  • MD: Dow Medical College, DUHS — Karachi, Pakistan
  • Residency: State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate — New York
  • Fellowship: Moffitt Cancer Center / University of South Florida — Tampa
  • Languages Spoken: English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi 

From the vibrant streets of Karachi to the halls of some of America’s most renowned cancer centers, Dr. Syed’s journey in medicine has been shaped by a simple belief: the best cancer care combines the power of modern science with a genuine understanding of the person behind the diagnosis. Today, he brings that perspective, along with extensive academic training and a passion for advancing cancer treatment, to Oregon Oncology Specialists.

Raised in the culturally diverse city of Karachi, Pakistan, Dr. Syed graduated from the distinguished Dow Medical College before pursuing his Internal Medicine residency in New York City. His training included two formative years at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where mentorship from leading experts in multiple myeloma, stem cell transplantation, and cellular therapies ignited his interest in hematologic malignancies. He went on to complete his Hematology and Medical Oncology fellowship at Moffitt Cancer Center and the University of South Florida, gaining comprehensive experience alongside nationally and internationally recognized leaders in cancer medicine.

Dr. Syed’s dedication to medicine has been recognized both at the bedside and through his academic work. He received the SPOTTED Fellowship Award in each of his three years of fellowship, a distinction reflecting his commitment to clinical excellence, collegiality, and patient advocacy. His research has involved collaborations across institutions and international borders, contributing to publications in journals including The Lancet, Haematologica, and the American Journal of Hematology. He was also awarded a competitive University of South Florida Graduate Medical Education Research Grant, serving as principal investigator on a study examining racial disparities and immune-cell profiles in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

At Oregon Oncology Specialists, Dr. Syed focuses on multiple myeloma, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), histiocytic disorders, and myeloid malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). His interests extend to precision oncology, molecularly targeted treatments, and emerging cellular immunotherapies, reflecting his commitment to incorporating scientific advances into everyday clinical practice. He also cares for patients with a broad range of solid tumors.

For Dr. Syed, bringing academic oncology into community practice is about more than access to advanced treatments; it is about ensuring that patients can benefit from the latest advances in cancer medicine without losing the personal connection that defines exceptional care. He values the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients while bringing the knowledge, innovation, and collaborative approach of major cancer centers closer to home.

His approach is guided by three principles: clarity, compassion, and confidence. Whether discussing a new diagnosis or navigating a difficult treatment decision, he strives to make complex medicine understandable, ensure that patients feel heard, and advocate for the care that best aligns with their goals.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Syed enjoys traveling, hiking, exploring the Pacific Northwest, staying active, and spending time with family and friends. He is also a proud cat dad.