SAS DOCTORS AT ASGBI

The Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) recognises the vital contribution of Specialty and Specialist (SAS) doctors, who make up around 20% of the medical workforce and play an essential role in delivering high-quality NHS care.

Who are SAS doctors?

SAS doctors provide expert clinical care outside the traditional consultant training pathway. Roles include Specialty Doctor, Specialist, and doctors in legacy grades such as Associate Specialist and Staff Grade.

The new Specialist grade, introduced in 2021, offers career progression for highly skilled doctors with at least 12 years’ postgraduate experience (including six in their specialty) and proven capabilities.

SAS careers offer:

• Geographic stability and flexibility
• Early opportunities to focus on specialist interests
• Recognition as educators by the GMC, medical colleges, and Health Education England
• Opportunities in research, education, leadership, and management. Some SAS doctors pursue CESR to join the Specialist Register or re-enter training to achieve a CCT, while others build long-term senior careers within the SAS grades.

How We Support SAS Surgeons

ASGBI values SAS surgeons as integral members of the surgical team. We provide:

• Reduced fees for ASGBI Congress and courses
• Access to ASGBI publications, e-learning, and CPD-accredited events
• Opportunities to join the Moynihan Academy, focused on Emergency General Surgery training
• Eligibility for mentorship, fellowships, and leadership positions within ASGBI
• Dedicated SAS-focused webinars and sessions at ASGBI Congress
• Support for CESR preparation
• Representation on ASGBI Council through the SAS representative

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), ensuring parity of esteem for SAS surgeons and embedding equality into all future ASGBI work.