Specialist and Specialty Doctors

Specialist and Specialty (SAS) doctors are a cornerstone of the NHS workforce, delivering high-quality care and continuity across Pain Medicine services. Specialty doctors typically have at least four years of postgraduate training, with at least two years within Pain Medicine. Specialist doctors are senior SAS doctors with a minimum of 10-12 years’ experience, including six years working in Pain Medicine or a related field ICM. Some doctors may continue to serve under the former Associate Specialist grade, with comparable responsibilities and expertise.

The Faculty of Pain Medicine is committed to supporting SAS doctors in their clinical and professional development. This webpage offers guidance, advocacy, and resources tailored to those working in Pain Medicine across the UK.

Why SAS Doctors Matter

SAS doctors represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the medical workforce. They are integral are integral to multidisciplinary teams and patient care in both acute and chronic pain services.

We believe SAS doctors working in Pain Medicine should have access to:

• Comprehensive trust and departmental inductions, and mandatory training, with assigned mentors and pastoral support.
• Fair remuneration, clearly defined roles and a mutually agreed job plan as per the SAS contract that recognises their clinical experience and workload.
• Parity with consultants for Supporting Professional Activities (SPA) time, CPD funding, study leave, and time allocated for appraisal and revalidation.
• Access to a nominated clinical and educational supervisor, with regular and meaningful supervision.
• Specialty doctors with the requisite experience should be offered the opportunity to become specialists.
• Roles in teaching, leadership, service development, and research, like their consultant colleagues.
• A supportive work environment that fosters their personal and professional growth.

Our Commitment to SAS Doctors

We believe SAS doctors must have:

• Access to educational and training opportunities equivalent to doctors on formal training pathways.
• Regular appraisals and career development guidance to support them in achieving their ambitions.
• A platform to showcase their contributions and leadership within the healthcare system.

Resources and Support 

We are exploring ways to better support SAS doctors in Pain Medicine. Potential initiatives include developing example SAS job plans, improving access to exam preparation resources, study leave, and CPD planning support, as well as creating opportunities to engage in FPM programmes, conferences, and mentoring. We welcome your input to help shape this work.

Please see the example specialist grade job specification we have developed below. Feel free to use and adapt locally.  

References

• The State of Medical Education and Practice in the UK Workforce, GMC, 2024.
• Generic Professional Capabilities Framework, GMC, 2017.
• NHS Employer Guidance
• BMA Guidance