Professor Samuel Ford is a consultant surgeon specialising in general surgery, upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, complex hernia repair, and sarcoma surgery. He holds an NHS consultant post at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and sees private patients at HCA The Harborne Hospital, The Priory Hospital, and The Droitwich Spa Hospital.
He graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2001 and completed higher surgical training in general and upper GI surgery across the South West. He was awarded a PhD in cancer biology by the University of Birmingham, funded through a competitive Cancer Research UK Clinical Fellowship. His research focused on the molecular biology of cancer progression, complementing his clinical interest in advanced cancer surgery.
Professor Ford gained further specialist experience through two high-level fellowships:
- Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan – focused training in advanced sarcoma surgery at one of Europe’s leading cancer centres.
- Royal College of Surgeons Sarcoma Fellowship, Birmingham – with emphasis on complex tumour excision and abdominal wall reconstruction.
He is fully trained in both open and laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery and has extensive experience in treating complex benign and malignant conditions. His areas of expertise include:
- Complex cancer surgery requiring major abdominal or chest wall reconstruction.
- Sarcoma surgery for retroperitoneal and abdominal soft tissue tumours.
- Abdominal wall reconstruction, often following multiple failed hernia repairs or tumour resections.
- Hiatus hernia repair, including laparoscopic fundoplication and surgery for large or para-oesophageal hernias.
- Laparoscopic and open hernia repair for common and complex abdominal wall hernias.
Hernia surgery is a significant part of Professor Ford’s practice. He treats:
- Large and recurrent incisional hernias
- Inguinal (groin) hernias
- Femoral, umbilical and epigastric hernias
- Spigelian and other rare abdominal wall hernias
- Hiatus hernias, particularly in patients with severe gastro-oesophageal reflux or swallowing problems
He offers a tailored approach to each patient, assessing factors such as previous surgery, general health, and lifestyle to recommend the most appropriate surgical option. Professor Ford uses both open and laparoscopic techniques, and in complex cases, applies mesh and advanced reconstructive methods to reduce recurrence and complications.
In private practice, he provides consultant-led care with continuity throughout the diagnostic and treatment pathway. His private clinics are based at:
- HCA The Harborne Hospital
- The Priory Hospital, Birmingham
- The Droitwich Spa Hospital
These locations offer modern facilities for investigation, surgery and recovery, with access to high-quality imaging, anaesthetic support and post-operative care.
Alongside his clinical commitments, Professor Ford is active in research and surgical education. He supervises medical students, surgical trainees, and PhD researchers. His academic work includes:
- Improving outcomes in abdominal wall reconstruction and hernia repair
- Evaluating surgical techniques for sarcoma and complex cancer resections
- Studying long-term outcomes of hiatus hernia surgery and laparoscopic reflux treatment
He regularly publishes in peer-reviewed journals, speaks at surgical conferences, and contributes to national surgical guidelines. He also participates in multidisciplinary team meetings to support coordinated care for patients with complex surgical conditions.
