Profile

Receiving a haematology diagnosis — or simply being told that blood tests are abnormal — can be a frightening and confusing experience. Dr Sophie Zemenides believes it is essential that every patient feels fully informed, supported and involved in decisions about their care, regardless of how straightforward or complex their situation may be.

Dr Sophie Zemenides is a Consultant Haematologist at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, with a specialist interest in myeloid disorders. She trained across Imperial College London and the University of Oxford as an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow and holds a PhD from Imperial College London in the immuno-metabolism of acute and chronic leukaemias. Her research has been driven by a commitment to understanding these diseases more deeply in order to improve outcomes for patients.

Her clinical practice spans the full range of haematological conditions, including myeloid disorders, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasms, acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), lymphoma, myeloma, anaemia, haemochromatosis and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Recognising the particular complexity of haematological illness in older and frail patients, she established a dedicated multidisciplinary team working alongside care of the elderly and dementia specialists, reflecting her belief that the best care treats the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

Dr Zemenides has an active research interest in the metabolic signatures of leukaemia, publishes in peer-reviewed journals and presents at international meetings, including the American Society of Hematology. She is actively involved in clinical trials, helping to ensure that her patients have access to the latest treatments while maintaining a practice that remains at the forefront of the field.

Whatever brings a patient to see her, Dr Zemenides aims to ensure they leave with a clear understanding of their situation and a personalised plan that is right for them.

Professional Expertise

• Management of benign and malignant haematological conditions, including myeloid disorders, lymphoma and myeloma
• Diagnosis and management of myeloproliferative neoplasms, myelodysplastic syndromes and acute leukaemias especially complex diagnostic evaluations
• Investigation and interpretation of complex or unexplained abnormal blood tests
• Management of anaemia, cytopenias and thrombotic disorders
• Experience in the delivery of systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT), including oral agents
• Involvement in clinical trials in haematological malignancies
• PhD in haematology with a focus on metabolomics in acute myeloid leukaemia, MDS and CLL
• Provision of specialist advice and support to multidisciplinary teams and other clinicians

Other Contributions

• Teaching and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students at Imperial College London and the University of Oxford
• Academic involvement as NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow
• Participation in clinical governance, including involvement in national audit work in transfusion practice for haemoglobinopathies
• Development of integrated multidisciplinary pathways, including collaboration with Care of the Elderly and Dementia services to support complex and frail patients
• Previous role as Stem Cell Transplant Coordinator at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
• Provision of specialist advice and education to colleagues across specialties

Professional Memberships

• Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath)
• British Society of Haematology (BSH)
• European Haematology Association (EHA)