SAS Week highlights: Day three at Tapton Hall

12 October 2023

Sheffield Health and Social Care (SHSC) continued its celebration of SAS Doctors' Week with a gathering on the third day at Tapton Hall. The event featured presentations from key figures in the field and encouraged discussions on the significant role SAS doctors play within SHSC and the broader healthcare landscape.

The day commenced with a presentation by Dr. Louise Egan, SHSC's SAS advocate, who addressed the audience, mainly composed of medical colleagues. Dr. Egan delved into the essence of SAS doctors, shedding light on the unique career path they represent. She emphasised the vital contributions SAS doctors make and how their diverse skill sets benefit both patients and the healthcare system.

Following Dr. Egan's presentation, Dr. Rebecca Thomlinson, a specialty doctor in older adult services, discussed the recently published Royal College of Psychiatrists' SAS strategy. This strategy underlines the importance of recognising and supporting SAS doctors in their professional journey. Dr. Thomlinson's insights provided a broader perspective on the national recognition of SAS doctors' contributions.

The morning session fostered an environment of learning, with SAS doctors engaging in thoughtful conversations about their unique journeys and the experiences that come with being part of the SHSC team. The shared insights allowed SAS doctors to gain a deeper appreciation for their contributions to the organisation.

Guests included Dr. Mike Hunter, the executive medical director at SHSC, and Dr. Olayinka Monisola Fadahunsi-Oluwole, SHSC non-executive director, who is herself an SAS doctor. Their presence highlighted the organisation's commitment to recognising and celebrating the SAS community.

Dr. Yamini Vadali, a speciality doctor on Maple Ward, used the occasion to share her personal experiences as an SAS doctor.

SAS Week - Day 3

“I am Yamini Vadali, speciality doctor on Maple Ward. Maple Ward is an adult acute mixed ward. It is a very busy ward with a high turnover of patients. Currently, I work part time. I am one of the senior medical team members and I am part of the Maple Leadership Team. I work closely with other members of the multidisciplinary team and lead the MDT at times. Apart from my daily clinical activities, I also supervise the physician associate and junior medical colleagues.

“As a SAS doctor, I love the greater flexibility I have in my job, in terms of my working days. I like to continue to keep my skills on physical health issues at the same time I love doing section 12 work on the ward. Being a SAS doctor, it helps me to balance both my professional and personal life very well. It also gave me a good opportunity to meet SAS doctors from different medical and dental specialities when I attended SAS doctors’ training days. Working as a SAS doctor in SHSC helped me to shape my career goals and also grateful to have opportunities to develop, improve and grow as an individual, clinician and a leader within our team.”

The day at Tapton Hall offered a unique opportunity for SAS doctors to reflect on their distinctive roles and contributions they make to SHSC and its patient community. With each presentation and personal account, it became clear that SAS doctors play a pivotal part in the organisation's success and the delivery of quality healthcare services.

As SAS Doctors' Week progresses, these gatherings show the diverse and impactful work SAS doctors carry out at SHSC. The event at Tapton Hall strengthened the organisation's commitment to recognising and celebrating the remarkable contributions of its SAS doctors.

Stay tuned for more updates and highlights as SAS Doctors' Week unfolds.