Welcome to the website for SAS (Specialty and Associate Specialist) Doctors and Dentists working within the region.
Within this website you will be able to find:
- Contact information on designated SAS Trust Tutors
- Contact information for NHSE SAS Administrative Support
- Links to helpful websites and resources that may be useful for you in your SAS role and for your professional development
- Information relating to the SAS Development Fund from NHSE
What are SAS Doctors and Dentists?
This important group of senior doctors and dentists is comprised of specialty doctors, associate specialists, staff grades, hospital practitioners, clinical assistants, senior clinical medical officers and clinical medical officers. This group of staff is referred to as the Staff, Associate specialists and Specialty doctors (SAS) group. SAS Doctors play an important role in NHS service delivery. In recent years an increasing number of doctors have chosen to become SAS Doctors rather than enter higher specialty training. Due to the evolving demographic of the medical workforce this trend may continue in future years.
SAS Doctors are confident and competent healthcare professionals, delivering clinical services in partnership with medical consultants and other health workers. They make significant contributions to the advancement of medicine and the profession in areas of leadership, education, research and governance. They work in accordance with the requirements of the General Medical Council’s Good Medical Practice.
What is NHSE’s role?
We support SAS Doctors and Dentists within the region in their pursuit of Continuing Professional Development. NHSE is responsible for the management and allocation of educational funding, working collaboratively with the SAS Dean, local SAS Tutors and Local Education Providers (LEPs) to ensure the fund is utilised appropriately.
The development fund for SAS within NHSE is held centrally and managed by the Postgraduate Dean and their team. Funds are received by Trusts annually from NHSE, with the amount calculated according to the number of SAS Doctors/Dentists employed by the Trusts. For detailed information about SAS funding, please click here.
NHSE has established an SAS Tutors Group which has SAS Tutor representation for each local Trust. The group meets four times a year to share information and good practice and to focus on the on-going development of the SAS network regionally.
Meet your SAS Tutors:
Zoe Robb - Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Specialty: Anaesthetics
- Job Title: Specialty Doctor
- Roles: SAS tutor, Educational Supervisor, Well-being Lead, Medical Staffing Committee Chair, Academic Mentor, SAS committee RCoA
- What does your role as a tutor involve
I have been the SAS Tutor for Northumbria NHS Foundation trust since 2022. This leadership role mainly involves organising professional development and educational events for the 65 plus SAS doctors and dentists within Northumbria throughout the year.
A Bit about you: I am originally from the Scottish Borders. I completed my first degree in Biomedical sciences at Aberdeen university prior to studying Medicine at Newcastle university. After graduating in 2011 I carried out my foundation training in Northumbria Trust which led to choosing Anaesthetics as my speciality. After 19 years in the NE of England, I now call the NE coast home.
Why your speciality:I have been a Specialty Doctor in Anaesthetics since 2021 at Northumbria trust. Prior to this permanent trust employed role, I had completed the first stage of Anaesthetic formal training within the NE region and then was an Anaesthetic teaching fellow to the Newcastle medical students at Northumbria trust.
Why SAS Career: Being a SAS anaesthetist allows for myself to progress clinically within anaesthetics along with pursuing my interests in postgraduate education and well-being. SAS doctors and dentists are vital members of all clinical teams. SAS week allows the opportunity to celebrate these roles, out the spotlight on SAS careers and ensure all SAS doctors and dentists can progress their individual careers.

Shubhralina Sriram - Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Your name: Shubhralina Sriram {Lina, if easier}
- Specialty: Plastic Surgery
- Job Title: Specialty Doctor
- Workplace: RVI, Newcastle
- Roles: SAS Tutor, Anti-Microbial Stewardship Lead, LNC Rep, Clinical Supervisor
- What does your role as a tutor involve? Supporting educational and professional development of SAS doctors of NUTH Foundation Trust and doing SAS Advocacy for their general well-being and career progression.
Hobbies: Bollywood dancing, Ladies softball cricket; Bathroom/Kitchen singing; Meeting friends when time affords.
Why your speciality: I have always enjoyed surgery even as a student; Plastic Surgery as super specialisation attracted as one for work-life balance.
Why SAS Career: As a compromise allowing husband to pursue UK training in a different region while kids stayed with me
What next : Career progression to Specialist and pursue niche recognition within specialty
Advice: Read the SAS Charter; know your rights; use your voice to progress in a direction of your own choosing. Attend SAS Events to exchange thoughts because your Network can be your Net Worth.