Initial consultation price:
£300
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About Dr Farhan Ahmad
Personal Profile
Dr Farhan Ahmad is a Consultant Interventional Radiologist at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and practises privately at Circle Reading. He was appointed as a consultant in 2009.
His principal interest at Circle Reading is the assessment and minimally invasive treatment of thyroid nodules. In 2018, Dr Ahmad established one of the first dedicated thyroid ablation services in the UK. He has since assessed and treated patients referred from across the country.
Self-paying patients can usually arrange an initial thyroid consultation directly with Circle Reading. Patients using private medical insurance should obtain authorisation from their insurer and check whether a referral is required under their policy. Thyroid RFA is currently offered on a self-pay basis.
Clinical interests
- Thyroid assessment and treatment
- Specialist assessment of thyroid nodules
- Diagnostic thyroid and neck ultrasound
- Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and thyroid nodule sampling
- Assessment for thyroid radiofrequency ablation
- Ultrasound-guided thyroid radiofrequency ablation
- Ethanol ablation of thyroid cysts and predominantly cystic nodules
- Post-treatment consultation and ultrasound follow-up
Wider clinical interests
- Interventional radiology
- Kidney tumour ablation
- Prostate and urological imaging
- Vascular imaging and image-guided vascular treatment
- General ultrasound and cross-sectional imaging
Training and experience
Dr Ahmad obtained a first-class honours BSc in Anatomy from University College London in 1995. He qualified in medicine from St Bartholomew’s and the Royal London School of Medicine in 1998 and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists in 2006.
He completed specialist radiology training in Bristol and London. From 2007 to 2009, he undertook an interventional radiology fellowship at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, with additional honorary fellowship experience at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
In 2008, Dr Ahmad also undertook an honorary radiofrequency ablation fellowship at University College London. He was appointed as a Consultant Interventional Radiologist at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust in 2009.
Why choose Dr Ahmad
Dr Ahmad recognises that patients may receive different opinions about whether a thyroid nodule should be monitored, treated with RFA or removed surgically.
During a consultation, Dr Ahmad reviews previous ultrasound examinations, biopsy results and other relevant medical information. He discusses the patient’s symptoms, concerns and priorities before recommending the most suitable next step.
Not every patient who consults Dr Ahmad will need a procedure. Where monitoring, further investigation, medical treatment or surgery would be preferable, he will explain this clearly and recommend an appropriate onward referral.
When RFA is suitable, Dr Ahmad develops an individual treatment plan based on the nodule’s size, position and ultrasound appearance. He also considers the symptoms it is causing and what the patient hopes to achieve from treatment.
“My priority is to give every patient clear and balanced information. I want patients to understand all their options and feel supported in choosing the treatment, or careful monitoring, that is right for them.”
What patients say
- "Dr Ahmad was very thorough, thoughtful and clear throughout the appointment. I went in there thinking I needed RFA, but after a thorough chat and explanation we decided together that it's not needed just yet. I appreciate his time and effort making me feel comfortable and that it was my decision." (Verified patient review on Doctify, July 2026)
- "I was very impressed with his calm manner and very comprehensive explanations. I would highly recommend Dr Ahmad for anyone considering RFA." (Verified patient review on Doctify, June 2026)
- "Dr Ahmad was very professional, kind and reassuring throughout my appointment. He listened carefully to my concerns, explained everything clearly and made me feel at ease." (Verified patient review on Doctify, February 2026)
Thyroid radiofrequency ablation
Thyroid RFA is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment for selected benign thyroid nodules. It may be considered when a nodule is causing pressure or discomfort, difficulty swallowing, a visible neck swelling or concerns about appearance.
The procedure is performed through the skin using a fine treatment probe and is generally carried out under local anaesthetic. It does not require a surgical incision.
Dr Ahmad uses continuous ultrasound guidance to target the nodule while monitoring the important structures surrounding the thyroid. Patients are normally treated as day cases and can usually return home following a period of observation.
The treated nodule reduces gradually rather than disappearing immediately. Follow-up consultations and ultrasound examinations are used to assess reduction in size, improvement in symptoms and whether further monitoring or treatment is required.
Other thyroid investigations and treatments
Fine-needle aspiration uses a thin needle to collect cells from a thyroid nodule under ultrasound guidance. The sample is examined in the laboratory to help establish the nature of the nodule and guide subsequent management.
Ethanol ablation is for selected thyroid cysts and predominantly cystic nodules. This treatment involves removing fluid from the cyst and introducing a small amount of ethanol to reduce the likelihood of the cyst filling again.
Multidisciplinary thyroid care
At Circle Reading, Dr Ahmad works closely with Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Noel Murphy and Consultant Thyroid Surgeon Mr Sid Nagala. This allows patients to access specialist medical and surgical advice when required.
Through his NHS practice, Dr Ahmad also contributes to multidisciplinary team meetings, bringing together specialists in endocrine and thyroid care to review more complex cases.
Research and education
Dr Ahmad is a founding member of the Applied Health Research Group at the University of Reading. The group brings together university academics and healthcare professionals to undertake research aimed at improving clinical practice and patient care.
He is Chief Investigator for a number of thyroid related studies. These include Thyroid Quality of Life Study, funded by the British Society of Interventional Radiology and TArGET study, (Thyroid Artery Goitre Embolisation Trial) funded by Merit Medical UK and the British Society of Interventional Radiology.
Dr Ahmad has spoken at regional, national and international scientific meetings, including events organised by the British Thyroid Foundation, the British Society of Interventional Radiology, British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons and the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe.
He has supported the introduction of thyroid RFA at several UK centres. He also teaches doctors and other healthcare professionals interested in image-guided thyroid treatments.
