Promoting the crucial role of SAS doctors
The RCR is launching the consultation period for our first SAS strategy, encompassing specialty doctors and specialists, as well as those on the former associate specialist and staff grade contracts. The new strategy will promote the contribution of radiology and oncology SAS doctors in the NHS and ensure their inclusion in the workforce plans.
Ahead of the launch, our SAS Leads for clinical radiology and clinical oncology share their experience and insight working as SAS doctors, the importance of being part of the SAS community and future plans for the workforce.
Dr Vaishali Parulekar, RCR SAS Lead for Clinical Radiology
Like most SAS doctors, my career path was unconventional. With a baby in my arms, I arrived in the UK after qualifying as a radiologist in India. Having initially chosen to be a full-time mum, I later decided to pursue my career. Being an international medical graduate (IMG) and a BAME woman I knew statistically, all odds were against me.
While I was preparing for my qualifying exam, I gained breast imaging experience in Oxford and was subsequently offered a job. Despite this, I was at a crossroads; I was faced with a dilemma between training or accepting a SAS job in breast imaging. I chose the latter to keep my family together, as my husband was an ophthalmology trainee in Oxford. I also found the specialty rewarding with patient-facing clinics, different imaging modalities and interventional procedures.
My career evolved from Trust Senior House Officer to current Associate Specialist – with a good work-life balance. I learnt advances in breast imaging and pursued my passion for Indian classical vocal music. I also contributed to the Department of Health’s report on ‘Women in Medicine’ in 2009. Yet something was still missing. I was a ‘jobbing middle grade’ doctor who wanted more respect, recognition, reward, a raised profile and career progression.
Promise and hope
Health Education England development funding gave me access to leadership workshops and courses – this provided me with knowledge, networking opportunities, promise and hope. My career started blossoming, with many local and national roles since then including the current Academy of Medical Royal College SAS committee Co-Chair and Deputy Director for Oxfordshire Breast Screening Programme, as well as an organiser for national SAS conferences.
I engaged with the RCR in 2018 and have subsequently represented SAS doctors in clinical radiology. In this role, I’ve contributed to College committees and working groups, SAS literature and the SAS strategy. Over the years, I have seen positive culture shift towards the SAS workforce, but there is a long way to go. According to a recent General Medical Council workforce report, SAS is the largest growing workforce compared with GPs, trainees and consultants. I see this as a strong and stable workforce of the future NHS – providing high-quality and safe patient care. It’s why I’m really excited to be a part of growing the RCR’s first SAS network and helping to shape the future of the SAS workforce.
This is my success story of a fulfilling and enriching SAS career by choice. I’m a strong advocate of SAS careers and hope to carry the baton of amazing work by my predecessors.
Dr Alex Kuciejewska, RCR SAS Lead for Clinical Oncology
Giving our community a voice is what motivates me in my role as an SAS doctor. I’ve been an oncology SAS doctor at The Royal Free Trust Hospital in London for over five years now and have represented SAS doctors at the RCR for three years.
When I was choosing this career path five years ago, I was mainly driven by considerations of work-life balance. As it turned out, my SAS post had led to a lot more opportunities than I expected. I was able to explore various interests and set a path for my professional development that would probably not be available to me if I was an oncology consultant. While most consultants are expected to be involved in managing the department, I have chosen to train in facilitating communication skill courses. Currently, I’m involved in setting up communication skills courses specifically for IMGs locally and, if successful, we’re hoping to expand it beyond the trust. In the future, I’m planning to train as a coach and specialise in supporting IMGs. This type of activity is in line with my interests and provides a welcome respite from day-to-day clinical work.
Work-life balance
The work-life balance remains an important consideration for me though, particularly with the current pressures of the NHS. I was able to negotiate a job plan that suited my needs and I know many SAS doctors around the country have managed to achieve the same. In an era where most healthcare professionals are stressed and overworked, having a satisfactory work-life balance is invaluable.
I’ve also really enjoyed building the SAS community of oncology doctors around the country for the past three years – and it’s something I’m pleased to continue working on with the RCR. I have reached out to all oncology departments and created an email group of SAS oncology doctors. We are very inclusive and do not differentiate between clinical and medical oncology. The group is a perfect space to swap ideas and experiences, as well as receive answers to any SAS-related questions. It connects doctors facing similar challenges, allowing them to support each other.
We are a very diverse group of doctors who have a lot to offer and as we are growing bigger in numbers, I would like to see our presence getting stronger and more defined in the oncology field.
Sign up to our SAS professional network and be part of the growing community today