Specialty and specialist doctors in psychiatry

Impact of SAS doctors on psychiatric service delivery

The SAS doctor workforce is vital to psychiatric service delivery and patient care pathways. They are key members of multidisciplinary services across various psychiatric specialties.

SAS doctor roles are diverse, often involving significant autonomy in managing complex cases under consultant supervision. They also:

• provide continuity of care
• supervise resident doctors and medical students
• contribute to teaching and service development
• lead or participate in research projects
• develop specialist interests, becoming experts in specific areas of practice

Unlike training posts, SAS doctor roles are not time-limited. They offer stability, allowing doctors to develop long-term expertise within a service.

How to become a SAS doctor in psychiatry

Are you thinking about becoming a SAS doctor as an alternative to higher specialty training?

To become a SAS doctor in psychiatry, you’ll need the following:

• Full GMC registration.
• A minimum of 4 years full-time postgraduate training, or equivalent. At least 2 years must be in a relevant psychiatry specialty.

Like consultant posts, SAS doctor opportunities are advertised on our recruitment website. Becoming a SAS doctor in psychiatry involves demonstrating your experience, skills, and suitability for a specific role. This can be done through an application and interview process, rather than following a defined national training programme.

View our SAS doctor opportunities in psychiatry.

Career progression for SAS doctors in psychiatry

There are lots of opportunities for career progression for SAS doctors in psychiatry:

• Specialist registration via the Portfolio pathway—As a SAS doctor, you can apply to join the GMC specialist register via the Portfolio pathway. Use this route to demonstrate equivalence to the completion of postgraduate medical training. If successful, you’ll be eligible to apply for consultant psychiatrist posts.
• Developing a special interest—You can become highly specialised in a sub-specialty or working with a specific patient group.
• Leadership and management—Opportunities exist to take on roles in medical education, clinical governance, and service management in health boards across Scotland.

Find out more about developing your career on the Scotland Deanery website.

Support and resources for SAS doctors in psychiatry

As an SAS doctor, you hold a unique and vital position in the Scottish medical workforce and bring invaluable experience to psychiatric services. To support your work and professional career development, we've gathered the following key resources specifically for you. 

The Royal College of Psychiatry (RCPsych)

RCPsych provides a number of resources, including:

• CPD eLearning
• SAS UK job planning guidance
• College guidance on the Portfolio pathway
• Psychiatrists’ support service
• SAS strategy

Find out more about RCPsych resources for SAS doctors.

NHS Education for Scotland

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) leads a dedicated programme to support SAS doctors' career development and growth. This programme provides access to lots of resources, including funding and guidance specific to your needs.

The focus of the NES SAS Doctor Development Programme includes:

• SAS Development Fund—It provides financial support for training or projects that extend beyond routine study leave so you can develop new knowledge and skills. The fund can also be used for short-term top-up training. This could be helpful if you’re applying for specialist registration via the Portfolio pathway.
• National training, workshops, and regional events—NES offers courses, workshops, and regional events covering a range of clinical and non-clinical skills. These are often free to attend and are certified for CPD points.
• SAS education advisers—Every health board has a network of local SAS education advisers who are experienced SAS doctors. They guide career development, job planning, appraisal, and provide general support.
• Portfolio pathway support—If your goal is to achieve specialist registration, NES offers specific guidance and support. This includes peer support groups and webinars by former SAS doctors who have successfully gained specialist registration. Funding is also available for courses to help you address any competency gaps.

Find out more about the NES SAS Doctor Development Programme.    

Resources from the Scotland Deanery

The Scotland Deanery website, managed by NES, is a central hub of essential information and resources for SAS doctors in Scotland. It complements the direct support provided through the NES SAS Doctor Development Programme.

You’ll find the following information on the Scotland Deanery website:

• Guidance on contracts and job planning—Understand your rights and responsibilities. This will help you effectively negotiate and review your job plan so that there is appropriate time for professional development.
• Appraisal and revalidation—Access guidance on the Scottish Online Appraisal Resource (SOAR) and the revalidation process. This will help you meet the GMC requirements and plan your ongoing professional development.
• Career development resources—Explore tools and advice for career progression as a SAS doctor in Scotland. These resources include insights into extended roles, leadership opportunities, and creating a Personal Development Plan.

Discover more resources from the Scotland Deanery.