BAOMS says SAS and LE doctors must have same career opportunities as all OMFS team members
14 February 2020 (Last updated: 17 Feb 2020 16:15)
BAOMS calls for SAS and locally employed doctors to have same training and career opportunities as all OMFS team members
British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) Deputy Chair Peter Brennan has welcomed this first survey by the General Medical Council (GMC) of Specialty and Associate Specialist doctors (SAS) and locally employed doctors (LE), stating that it was long overdue.
“In our opinion this survey was long overdue. Training rotations pay attention and take action following the publication of the annual GMC trainee and trainer surveys, and Trusts and Deaneries strive for the best schemes for their junior doctors.
“BAOMS actively promotes equality and the value of all team members in OMFS. This includes SAS and LE doctors, who provide service commitment as well as training for many of our more junior colleagues. It is essential that SAS and LE doctors and dentists feel valued at so many levels, with continuing professional development, updating and developing new skills and knowledge as core to ensure best practice.”
Peter Brennan said that SAS and LE doctors and dentists have felt unvalued, demoralised and unsupported for years, adding: “This has undoubtedly had implications for career development, and raised the risk of burnout and staff disengagement. BAOMS hopes that the results of this first and much-needed GMC survey will lead rapidly to change and ensure our SAS and LE colleagues feel as valued as other members of the team. Furthermore, our specialty Association would be delighted to help instigate change across the wider medical and surgical professions.”
Vinita Shekar, BAOMS Council representative for SAS and Chair of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSEng) SAS Forum, supports Peter Brennan’s call for SAS and LE doctors to have access to equal opportunities to “achieve their full professional potential and enjoy a rewarding career”.
SAS and LE doctors make up over 30% of the medical workforce and are integral to patient care in the NHS. They also play a key role in training the next generation of doctors. In response to the survey the doctors highlight issues around lack of access to professional development and support to maintain professional skills and knowledge.
For further information and interviews contact: Siân Evans on 020 8674 8921 / 07752 414433 / or BAOMS
Notes to editors
The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) promotes the advancement of education, research and the development of oral and maxillofacial Surgery in Great Britain, and encourages and assists postgraduate education, study and research.
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