SAS careers

Developing Relationships

This area of Launchpad is designed to support SAS doctors.

Discover the breadth of opportunities and leadership roles available during an SAS career; and explore top tips for completing the portfolio pathway. 

To celebrate SAS Week (5–10 October), we've opened access to this Launchpad resource for everyone. To explore the full range of exclusive career resources available on RCP Launchpad, join the RCP.

Redefining the path - an SAS success story on leadership and inclusion

An inspiring account of how embracing opportunities can lead to leadership, education and influence beyond clinical practice. Dr Jeenat Khan shares lessons from her SAS career journey and encourages doctors to recognise the value of their voice. 

Plan your 20-minute watch

My SAS journey

Specialty doctor, Dr Tulika Porwal shares insights into her career thus far to demonstrate the breadth of opportunities and leadership positions available as an SAS doctor, including her roles as an RCP college tutor, PACES examiner, and clinical supervisor. 

Navigating the portfolio pathway

Hear how Dr Jaideep Kitson has progressed the portfolio pathway in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and built an applicant network to better support SAS doctors who wish to follow this route. And receive 5 top tips for your application from portfolio pathway evaluator, Dr Ryan Hobbs.

SAS forums

These digital forums have been designed to foster an open and collaborative environment to connect with SAS peers across the UK and to share your experiences. Each session aims to celebrate the SAS role and offer some professional guidance and tips. 

Free to attend - all are welcome.

Find out more
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Want to access all areas?

To celebrate SAS Week (5–10 October), we've made this Launchpad page available to everyone. 
To access the full range of exclusive career development resources on RCP Launchpad, you'll need to join the RCP.
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Explore more

Discover more SAS news stories, blogs and resources here.

Article
23/10/26
Global Update In Medicine

The second Global Update in medicine 2026: responding to change, delivering excellence and connecting physicians

Following the success of the inaugural RCP Global Update in Medicine conference in Dubai in 2025, we looked forward to welcoming colleagues from across the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and beyond to a face-to-face meeting on 1–3 May 2026. The programme had been developed, the faculty confirmed and preparations were well underway.
Blog
14/10/26
Training Physician Toolkit 3

Training cannot be something that happens only when the NHS has time

Reflecting on the findings of the RCP’s report Training physicians for the future, resident doctors Dr Alice Cole and Dr Áine Corry argue that training can no longer be treated as something that happens around service delivery. In this next generation blog, they make the case for a training system built around protected learning time, continuity, high-quality supervision and the recognition that investing in training is ultimately an investment in patient care.
Blog
14/10/26
Training Physician Toolkit 4

Why protecting medical expertise matters for patients

Reflecting on the findings of the RCP’s report Training physicians for the future, Resident Doctor Committee (RDC) deputy chair Dr Max Thoburn argues that the future NHS depends on doctors developing both broad generalist capabilities and deep specialist expertise. In this next generation blog, he makes the case for protecting the opportunities to develop clinical judgement, procedural skills and decision-making that patients rely on when they are most in need within an ever more stretched NHS.
Blog
14/10/26
Training Physician Toolkit 2

There’s no single career pathway through medicine

Reflecting on the findings of the RCP’s report Training physicians for the future resident doctors Dr Laura Bannon and Dr Sacha Moore argue that postgraduate medical training has not kept pace with the realities of modern medicine. In this next generation blog, as more doctors pursue flexible careers, academic opportunities and non-linear training pathways, they make the case for a system that recognises capability wherever it is developed and prepares physicians for the future.
Blog
14/10/26
Training Physician Toolkit 2

The case for training reform has been made – it’s time for action

Reflecting on the findings of the RCP’s report Training physicians for the future, elected RCP councillor Dr Patrick Davey argues that the challenges facing postgraduate training are already well understood – the real test is whether the NHS can deliver meaningful change. In this next generation blog, he sets out why medical training must be protected, measured and prioritised across the system if the NHS is to provide the education that future doctors need.
Blog
14/10/26
Training Physician Toolkit 3

Good training should not depend on luck

Reflecting on the findings of the RCP’s report Training physicians for the future, resident doctors Dr Stephen Joseph and Dr Alexandra Pain argue that we know what good medical training looks like. The challenge is ensuring it is delivered consistently. In this next generation blog, they make the case for stronger accountability and a training system that is monitored, measured and improved with the same seriousness as patient safety, workforce and operational performance.

More resources to develop your career

RCP SAS regional representative network

The RCP SAS regional representative network has been created to ensure that SAS doctors’ needs, views and interests are represented within the RCP.

 
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SAS leadership programme

This one-year programme is designed to empower and elevate SAS doctors in healthcare leadership. 

 
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RCP guidance for SAS doctors

Read the RCP's educational and career guidance for specialist, associate specialist and specialty doctors.

 
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