SAS advocates shouldn’t be essential – however they’re

It may appear daring, even contradictory, for somebody who champions SAS docs to say this, however SAS advocates shouldn’t be essential. And but, right here I’m, writing as one. So please, learn on. 

Specialty and specialist (SAS) docs are an important a part of the NHS workforce, however their roles, contracts and profession pathways stay poorly understood. I’ve campaigned for years to enhance the working lives of SAS colleagues, and they’re extremely seen in my very own organisation. Still, I used to be greatly surprised when a marketing consultant in one other specialty turned to me and requested bluntly: “Imran, what is a SAS doctor anyway?”

This wasn’t a junior colleague unfamiliar with the time period; this was somebody who had labored every day alongside SAS docs in their very own division. 

As SAS docs, we frequently discover ourselves explaining repeatedly who we’re and what we do. It’s tiring and it may be embarrassing. 

During the WHO security crew transient, when colleagues introduce themselves, it’s uncommon for a SAS anaesthetist or surgeon to specify their grade. And once they do, it usually results in confusion amongst the multi-professional crew. 

Even after years in a SAS position, I’m incessantly requested by nurses: “So when are you becoming a consultant?”  It’s well-intentioned however displays a deep-rooted assumption {that a} marketing consultant submit is the one satisfying profession vacation spot. 

Even scientific managers usually misunderstand SAS docs’ wants and ambitions. They know we’re important to sustaining protected providers, notably out of hours. However, they don’t at all times recognise that we are able to and may progress. This contributes to the under-utilisation of the specialist grade and the dearth of growth alternatives.  

Many SAS docs work in isolation, typically as the one SAS of their division, or some as the one SAS of their specialty. We’re usually mislabelled as “middle grades” or “staff grades”, phrases that both erase our potential or check with contracts that closed practically twenty years in the past. 

We’re a various group, in ethnicity, social background, nation of qualification, neurodiversity and gender. These totally different traits could make us extra weak to being undermined or bullied at work. Much of this goes unseen by those that haven’t lived that SAS expertise. 

In my very own belief, colleagues not often communicate overtly concerning the limitations they face. Many settle for poor behaviours as a part of the job. Escalating considerations can really feel intimidating and futile, particularly when management doesn’t perceive the problems.  

All of that is precisely why the SAS advocate position is such a optimistic pressure. 

As an advocate in my very own belief, I’ve labored to carry SAS docs and their contributions into the highlight. We’ve celebrated distinctive SAS docs with awards, together with Clinical Trainer of the Year. SAS colleagues have hosted employees webinars to spotlight who we’re and what we do. I meet repeatedly with medical workforce and senior management to press for higher alternatives. 

Here’s what I’ve centered on: 

This work has made a distinction. Our SAS workforce feels extra recognised, valued and engaged.  Our belief has made the #SASsix marketing campaign a board-level EDI precedence. We’re contributing to a mission board working in the direction of higher SAS careers. SAS docs are making use of for senior management roles, and extra colleagues really feel empowered to talk up.  

I do know there’s nonetheless extra to do. For some, the affect hasn’t but reached them. Without the SAS advocate position, it’s laborious to envisage how we are going to make additional progress.  

One of probably the most invaluable components of this journey has been the assist from the SAS advocate community. Around 80 of us share concepts, recommendation and keenness. We meet just about and in particular person however probably the most helpful is the peer assist – with the ability to attain out to educated SAS leaders who perceive the challenges is invaluable.  

Engaging native SAS colleagues stays the most important problem. Advocates throughout the nation have tried artistic approaches, particularly throughout SAS Week the place there’s pleasant competitors to host probably the most inspiring occasions.  

Some trusts nonetheless haven’t appointed SAS advocates. In at present’s monetary local weather, it’s tempting to query the worth of funding these roles. But these making these choices usually don’t see the every day realities SAS docs face. 

If a belief is content material with its SAS docs being under-recognised, disengaged, bullied and never fulfilling their potential, then maybe the position is not going to be a precedence. But no SAS tutor or SAS LNC consultant has the capability or remit to do what a devoted advocate can.  

In an excellent world, SAS docs wouldn’t face discrimination or exclusion. Sadly, that’s not the world we reside in. Until it’s, SAS advocates are important – not only for colleagues, however for the NHS as a complete.