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SAS Doctor

For 1 year I have been in the UK, and every time I think about writing this topic, I keep wondering where do I begin? Which point do I emphasize? 

So what is a SAS doctor anyway?
SAS doctor is a Non-Trainee doctor who is working on a particular subspecialty. He can be an SHO grade/Trust Grade, Registrar Grade, or Associate Specialist.

If he/she is at SHO level, they are called Trust Grade
If Someone is at Registrar level, they are called Speciality Doctor
If Someone is at the Associate Specialist level, it can be a title of Associate Specialist or Locum Consultant (provided the trust is willing to promote him/her).

Does this mean he is a non-trainee doctor?
Yes, it means he is not in a standardized training program, however, it is by no means a disadvantage, if you know what you want; you can do what a trainee is doing.

Explain more?
So a trainee has access to E-portfolio and collects evidence of his training, you can do the same. If you can do a procedure, keep a record of it and get it signed off by a senior and build your portfolio accordingly. If you have seen a particular case, discuss it with a senior send him CBDs etc, if you delivered a teaching session, collect feedback. This can help you with CESR.

But I heard you don't get access to courses and things?

That's not true, you get access to courses, most trusts recognize the role of SAS doctors at different levels, and how they are vital to the team. You are supported by the BMA, and Health Education England has courses for SAS doctors. We are told to believe we have no rights, but that is not the case.

I heard SAS doctor is someone trainees can dump their work on is it true?
No, SAS doctor has a dedicated Job Plan, where he is supposed to be and what he is supposed to do, He also gets dedicated SPA time, which he would require to do his/her learning period. This is your right and you can contact your SAS tutor in your trust if you are not getting it.

I have heard that SAS doctors can be moved around at a minute's notice?

While there are instances that are true of this occurring, the simple reason is that most SAS doctors don't know their rights, and there is still a mindset among certain people that a SAS doctor is a service doctor. This mindset is changing and i am hoping probably in the next few years this mindset would be entirely changed.

Can I have a discussion with my Clinical Lead about my learning Needs?

Absolutely, I definitely did and I ended up with a very supportive lead who understood, I have met some amazing SAS doctors as well, One I would at one point interview and have a detailed conversation about this. Probably I will ask my clinical lead for an interview as well.

Can I do teaching while I am a SAS Doctor?
Well, I certainly did just last week, you can be an educator and even a clinical supervisor if you want to be, your career is entirely in your hands. you can even do a Master's as well and many trust have programs that can help you in paying for it.

Why not Go for Training?
It depends on you really, if you have MRCP and want to do subspecialty training go for it. If you wish to stay a non-trainee and want to progress as a SAS doctor, that's fine too. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. For me, I prefer being a SAS doctor cause I know what I wanted, and how I need to fulfill my gap experiences.

Advantages of being a SAS doctor?
1. More work-life balance,
2. Able to work in a single Trust
3. Complete your training need and step up once you're ready

Final Words:
Being a SAS doctor is by no means a disadvantage, you learn and progress in your career the same way as any other doctor does. You just need to be focused on what you want, gather evidence and whenever ready you can step up.






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