SAS doctors
The term 'SAS doctor' includes specialty doctors and specialist grade doctors with at least four years of postgraduate training, two of which are in a relevant specialty.
SAS doctors are a diverse group with a wide range of skills, experience and specialties. They are an essential part of the medical workforce.
A career as an SAS doctor can be a very satisfying and rewarding alternative to becoming a consultant or GP and there are many different reasons for choosing it as a long or short term career option.
SAS doctor posts usually offer the opportunity to focus predominantly on providing direct patient care and less on the other clinical and non-clinical responsibilities required of a consultant or trainee. However, depending on their personal interests and experience - and the available opportunities in their trust and specialty - SAS doctors are encouraged to be involved in teaching, service development, research or management and leadership.
Becoming a SAS doctor may allow you to:
- work more flexibly without having to meet the requirements of a formal training programme
- work in a specific geographical location without having to rotate to different units
- work in a subspecialty which suits you
- optimise your work-life balance, as the hours may be more regular than for trainees or consultants
- gain experience to enhance your application for a specialty training post
- have more time to study for membership exams
- achieve a portfolio career, with several distinct roles
- develop your knowledge, skills and experience to apply to join the GMC Specialist or GP register via the portfolio pathway (previously known as the CESR - Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration or CEGPR -Certificate of Eligibility for General Practice Registration)
Prior to 2008, SAS doctors were appointed to staff grade or associate specialist posts. Since 2008 these grades have been closed to new entrants, with all new SAS doctor appointments being specialty doctors. From 2021 a new specialist grade role was introduced which offers career progression for specialty doctors. A copy of the contract for SAS doctors (specialty doctors and specialist grades) is available in NHS Employers' NHS terms and conditions of service handbook.
Career progression for SAS doctors
Specialty doctors can progress to the new specialist grade which sits between the specialty doctor and consultant grades. Specialist grades will still mainly focus on providing direct clinical care but will also have further development opportunities such as management, additional responsibilities, research and clinical academia.
SAS doctors also have opportunities to access an increasing number of continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities through different national initiatives. They're regularly involved in teaching, leading service development, and research.
Contact your local Health Education England office or deanery for guidance on funding for CPD.