This week, Kate Aldersey, Specialty Doctor in Psychiatry in City & Hackney and Vice-Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists SAS Committee has written a series of frequently asked questions for anyone who is interested in learning more about SAS doctors and #SASWeek2022.
What is a SAS doctor?
The term 'SAS doctor' includes Specialty Doctors, Associate Specialists and Specialist grade doctors with at least four years of postgraduate training. SAS doctors are a diverse group with a wide range of skills, experience and specialties. They make up nearly a quarter of the medical workforce.
What do SAS doctors do?
SAS doctors provide clinical care in the same way that Consultants and trainees do. Depending on their level of experience, they may work independently or they may work as a more junior doctor within a team.
Why do people become SAS doctors?
There are a range of reasons why people become SAS doctors. Some, as a stepping stone into training or a break from training but many more are choosing to be SAS doctors. This career path can offer more flexible working and allow doctors to work in a particular specialty or a particular place rather than rotating through numerous jobs. In this way, SAS doctors can build up expertise within a particular team and build strong relationships with colleagues and patients.
Why are we celebrating SAS doctors?
The BMA and NHS Employers want to celebrate and highlight the value of SAS doctors. SAS week aims to shine a light on the achievements of SAS doctors and to share information about this alternative career path whilst encouraging Trusts to value and support their SAS doctor colleagues to progress. Being a SAS doctor is a career path in its own right and many SAS doctors take on training, research and leadership roles.
What are the challenges that SAS doctors can face?
Surveys have shown that SAS doctors face more challenges at work than other doctor groups - with higher rates of workplace bullying and harassment and many SAS doctors not feeling valued or supported. A high proportion of this group are international medical graduates who can face the specific challenges of coming to a new country with an unfamiliar health system and away from friends and family. Not al these doctors get the support that they need and deserve in settling in. Old attitudes that SAS doctors are only there to cover rota gaps and provide clinical care are still present meaning not all SAS doctors are given opportunities to progress in their career. But this is changing and SAS week is part of bringing about that change.
How does ELFT support SAS doctors?
Each SAS doctor should belong to a peer group. Over recent years ELFT has appointed a SAS tutor to oversee learning and development through training and 1:1 support. There is a SAS doctor steering group which includes representation from across the Trust and aims to monitor the implementation of the SAS charter and discuss other related issues. We also have SAS Local Negotiating Committee reps. Last year saw the introduction of a leadership programme specifically for SAS doctors which was a great success. And finally, ELFT are in the process of appointing a SAS Advocate to oversee SAS doctor wellbeing for the Trust.
If you would like more information about SAS careers and #SASweek2022, you can find it on the NHS Employers website.
Happy #SASWeek2022!