SAS doctors lead every day: through clinical decisions, supervision, service redesign, governance and the informal work of holding teams together. Formal leadership development matters because it can turn that experience into greater organisational influence.
The Royal College of Physicians' SAS Leadership Programme reflects a growing recognition that SAS leadership requires dedicated development rather than an invitation to fit into a pathway designed for another group. Its themes include culture, communication, improvement, inclusion, autonomous practice and preparation for onward leadership roles.
Dr N Aziz contributed to the programme's development and has shared his experience of progressing as a SAS doctor into clinical-director and national professional roles. The central lesson is practical: aspiration is insufficient when access, sponsorship and credible opportunities are missing.
This publication will review leadership opportunities critically, including who can access them, what they enable, and whether organisations translate development into real responsibility.
Royal College of Physicians — SAS Leadership Programme ↗