SAS Week 2025: Recognizing and advancing the SAS Doctor workforce
This week marks SAS Week 2025, a dedicated time to acknowledge the vital contributions of specialist, associate specialist, and specialty doctors - collectively known as SAS doctors – throughout the UK’s healthcare system.It’s an opportunity to celebrate progress made, address ongoing challenges, and advocate for continued growth and support for SAS careers.
SAS doctors represent a substantial and increasing segment of the medical workforce,delivering high-quality,patient-centered care daily.Beyond direct patient care,they are actively involved in crucial areas like medical research,education initiatives,leadership projects,and advocating for improvements within the NHS. Despite this significant impact,their contributions have historically been undervalued.
SAS Week serves as a platform to highlight the diverse roles and expertise of SAS doctors and to drive positive change for both current and future professionals. This year’s event features coordinated activity across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The UK SAS Committee (SASCUK) is collaborating with NHS Employers, the British Medical Association’s specialist, associate specialist and specialty doctors committee, and regional colleagues to amplify the voices and priorities of SAS doctors.
Recent advancements, including the introduction of the specialist grade and updated SAS charters in Wales and Scotland, have opened new avenues for career progression, professional recognition, and improved working conditions. However,challenges persist. Many SAS doctors continue to report obstacles to career advancement, insufficient recognition of their skills and experience, and a need for better support in their working lives.
To address these concerns, SAS committees across the UK are actively campaigning for:
* Pay restoration to reflect the value of their expertise.
* Expansion of specialist roles to provide more opportunities for career advancement.
* Improved access to the Portfolio Pathway for professional development.
* Increased involvement in leadership roles within the NHS.
Throughout SAS week, stories, interviews, and blogs from SAS doctors across various specialties and nations will be shared, offering valuable insights into their experiences and perspectives.
As Chair of SASCUK, Ujjwala Anand mohite expresses pride in the progress achieved and a firm commitment to continued advocacy. This SAS Week is focused on increasing visibility, fostering pride, and driving concrete action towards fair contracts, supportive work environments, and career pathways that fully recognize the breadth of SAS doctors’ expertise. SASCUK remains dedicated to listening to and amplifying the voices of SAS colleagues across the UK.
The success of SAS Week relies on the contributions of all involved – from members sharing their personal stories to those working tirelessly behind the scenes to implement improvements. Together,these efforts are shaping a stronger future for SAS doctors,ultimately benefiting patients and the NHS as a whole.
