The RCSEd SAS/LED Surgeons and Dentists’ Conference, held at the newly inaugurated RCSEd Regional Office at Birmingham on October 16, 2024, showcased the crucial support provided by the College towards the academic, professional and well-being development of SAS and LED surgeons (Specialist, Associate specialist, Specialty doctors and Locally Employed Doctors). It was a great way to commemorate the SAS Week celebrations.
Building on the resounding success of last year’s SAS Surgeons’ Educational Day, the RCSEd SASLC Committee organised an even bigger event to highlight the various challenges these groups of surgeons face and opportunities they can avail with College support in the delivery of quality patient care in the NHS.
Over the course of the day, the Conference speakers covered various topics deliberating on the burning issues affecting SAS and LED surgeons and dentists, followed by a series of highly popular interactive workshops to support academic, professional and career development of these doctors.
Following a welcome and introduction by the chair of SASLC Committee, Majid Mukadam, College Vice-President Professor Tim Graham launched a pivotal 'RCSEd Resources for SAS/LED Surgeons and Dentists’ Career Development' guidance document to signpost the key resources available to SAS/LED surgeons and dentists for career development and advancement at the College. We hope this resource document will provide useful information to clinicians keen to enhance their own professional development and contribute to the vision of RCSEd to enhance patient care.
Following this, the first themed session focused on the highly popular 'Portfolio Pathway'. We know that a large proportion of this group of doctors aspire to go on the Specialty Register, and it was fantastic to hear hugely experienced Ms Megan Wilson (Head of CESR & Policy, JCST) highlighting key requirements for Portfolio Pathway. Ms Sarah Downey then shared her vast experience of assessing CESR applications and advised on steps to avoid common ‘mistakes’ and ‘pitfalls’. This was followed by lively discussions.
The theme of the next session was on matters affecting the SAS/LED workforce. Prof. Partha Kar eloquently illustrated the challenges faced by SAS doctors, particularly the LED and IMG in the NHS. He referred to the MWRES 2021 report and steps undertaken by various organisations in empowering these group of doctors to develop a fulfilling career. Prof. Geeta Menon spoke on the recent initiatives of the SAS Excellence in Development (SEiD) award and LED, providing a blueprint for change that hopes to encourage Trusts to improve their support for this important group of doctors in their workplace.
The third session was themed on 'Support and Empowerment of SAS LED Dentists & Surgeons' at the College. Prof. Grant McIntyre, Dean of the RCSEd Dental Faculty explained the various facilities the College is able to offer for SAS dentists, while Mr Sherif Elshazly, Senior SAS MaxFax surgeon spoke on 'The Changing Role and Value of OMFS SAS Grades'. Prof Mike Griffin, RCSEd Immediate Past President, who has been pivotal in the setting up of the 'Intercollegiate Surgical Education Committee for SAS/LED (ISECSN)' (a Joint collegium venture that aims to support and help the SAS/ LED surgeons) spoke on its various achievements and the vision for the future. Dr Umesh Salanke has led by example in empowering LED doctors in the Midlands in his role as Associate Medical Director, LED Doctors at UHB, and provided us a template for such initiatives that can be undertaken across the Country. Mr Daniel Ochieng, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals shared his experience as a SAS/LED Neurosurgeon in setting up new clinical service in the NHS.
The afternoon session covered a series of interactive practical workshops with enthusiastic engagement of the delegates on 3 topics of (1) ‘Portfolio pathway – Gathering evidence and submitting them’ by Mr Rickaz Raheem & Mr Neshat Syed Anjum; (2) ‘SAS By choice – Navigating a Lifelong fulfilling career’ by Mr Majid Mukadam, Mr Lasitha B Samarakoon & Prof Tim Graham and (3) ‘QIP in Healthcare & QIP Toolkit to undertake one in the NHS’ by Ms Catherine Driver and Prof Karthikeyan Iyengar.
There was great buzz during the Conference, and the delegates enjoyed the networking and learning opportunities at this annual College event.
Majid Mukadam, Lasitha Samarakoon & Professor Karthikeyan Iyengar on behalf of SASLC Committee.