Dr. Zia has practised in the UK, and taught at the University of Manchester and University of Nottingham. She has been a postgraduate research and post-doctoral clinical research fellow at the University of Central Lancashire. Dr. Shagufta Zia is a member of the General Medical Council, UK, the General Civil Aviation Authority, UAE, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, Pakistan, and AIMS Pakistan Board.
She works mainly in the detection and management of chronic diseases, diabetes, neurological conditions, blood disorders, metabolic disorders, weight management and obesity. She provides guidance about preventive medicine and immunisation, travel medicine and vaccination. She advises on family planning, and various methods of contraception. She conducts screening and management of sexually transmitted diseases and helps patients with infectious disease management.