Get to know Dr. Saikou Saidy

Saikou Saidy, MD, MPHE

Clinical Assistant Professor
Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

What is your primary professional focus as it relates to our mission areas (clinical, research and/or medical education)?
My clinical focus is pulmonary and critical care medicine, with particular interests in obstructive lung disease, point-of-care ultrasound and critical care echocardiography, and pulmonary procedures (bronchoscopy and pleural procedures). 

I am also passionate about medical education and creating a bedside learning environment where trainees from different backgrounds and learning styles can thrive.

What drew you to UW–Madison and the Department of Medicine? 
I grew up in The Gambia, West Africa, and Madison has become home for my family and for a vibrant Gambian community. The Madison community has been incredibly welcoming to Gambians and to my own family, so it is a privilege to return and build my academic career at UW–Madison while serving a community that has given us so much.

What are you most excited about during your first year with the department in this role?
I’m most excited about getting to know my colleagues and trainees, caring for patients across the pulmonary and critical care spectrum, and contributing to the professional growth of my trainees. I’m also looking forward to opportunities for collaboration across the department.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?  
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially our new baby boy, staying active, watching and playing soccer. I look forward to traveling more and exploring new places.

Favorite piece of advice from a mentor or inspiring figure in your life?
A mentor once told me: “The extent of your impact as a physician will not be determined by how much you know, but by how much you care about your patients and your colleagues.” 

That has stayed with me and continues to shape how I approach medicine and the people I work with.