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SAS Doctors

The College has published a strategy to support SAS doctors working in pathology. 

The term SAS doctor includes specialty doctors, associate specialists, and specialist grade doctors. 

The College recognises that those working in this grade are a vital asset to pathology services, providing a variety of services depending on their terms of employment. 

Dr Esther Youd, RCPath Assistant Registrar (2018 - 2021) said:

'I am delighted to see the launch of this strategy for SAS and locally employed doctors. They are a vital and growing part of the pathology workforce in many disciplines and, as a College, we hope this will give us the building blocks to support, engage and empower those in these posts. 

We will be forming a working group to put this strategy into action, so please get in touch to be a part of this work.'

Through this strategy, the College aims to engage and empower SAS doctors, throughout all stages in their careers. The strategy outlines a number of objectives that will lead to the implementation and development of services and governance for SAS doctors.  

The College is also making a number of commitments including:

  • improving the attractiveness and relevance of affiliate member benefits and resources available to those in this grade 
  • supporting SAS doctors working in pathology who become College members, including by encouraging their participation in the College’s CPD scheme 
  • ensuring SAS doctors will have a stronger voice; for example, through inclusion on committees and exam panels. 

The College will work in partnership with its membership, specialist societies and external bodies to ensure that the contribution of SAS doctors across all pathology specialties is recognised.

DOWNLOAD THE STRATEGY: 

Read this Blog

Dr Azka Anees, a specialty doctor in histopathology at Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, has written a blog describing her experience and the different facets of the profession: Being a specialty doctor in the UK.

AoMRC paper: rhetoric vs reality

The Academy of Medical Royal College's has published this paper, which identifies gaps between the rhetoric and reality surrounding SAS doctors’ experiences and calls for an improved culture shift among the profession and employers to better support the SAS workforce.

AoMRC statements

Guidance on Independent Reporting