About the SAS Collective
Firstly, we as individuals, aren't important and don't seek credit or recognition for any work. However, in the interests of full transparency, we are open about who we are, our backgrounds, our motivations, and of course any conflicts of interest.
The six founding members are just a small number of "jobbing" SAS doctors within the SAS collective which is a growing grassroots organisation.
The SAS Collective is a group of passionate Specialist, Associate Specialist, and Specialty Doctors committed to advocating for SAS doctors across the NHS. We work to enhance career opportunities, support professional development, and promote the value of SAS roles within the healthcare system.
Why did the SAS collective form?
The SAS Collective was founded by a group of SAS doctors who met on socai media and recognized a need for stronger advocacy and support for Specialist, Associate Specialist, and Specialty Doctor careers.
With many SAS doctors feeling overlooked and undervalued, and struggling to effect meaningful change in their organisations we came together to start a grassroots campaign that would turn rhetoric into reality.
Our work would not be possible without the valuable existing work of national organisations, including the BMA, NHS Employers, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, and NHS England.
Lily Read
Dr Lily Read is the Associate Postgraduate Dean for SAS doctors and dentists at NHSE East Midlands and a Specialty Doctor in Old Age Psychiatry at Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
With a medical degree from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj, Romania, and advanced qualifications including a BA in Psychology, an MSc, and a PhD in the neuropsychology of dementia from the University of Leeds, Lily has a strong academic and clinical background.
She has served as a principal investigator on significant research projects, securing substantial funding and contributing to multiple publications.
Prior to her full-time return to the NHS, Lily held influential roles within the UK Government as a Medical Advisor, Research Manager, and Head of Policy, where she gained extensive experience in representing and negotiating with national and international bodies.
Since rejoining the NHS, she has passionately championed SAS doctors, advocating for career development pathways like CESR, credentialing, and leadership roles.Lily is also a SAS Tutor, the CESR Fellowship Scheme Lead, and a medical appraiser.
She currently serves as Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ SAS Committee, where she actively works to reduce barriers to professional development for SAS doctors and enhance their recognition within the NHS.
Michelle Hatch
Dr Michelle Hatch is an SAS Specialty Doctor in Intensive Care Medicine in North Wales.
After earning her medical degree from the University of Edinburgh in 1989, she took a nearly 20-year hiatus from medical practice, returning in 2014. Currently, she serves as the SAS Tutor for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and chairs the Intensive Care Society’s SAS Professional Advisory Group.
Michelle is a dedicated advocate for the SAS role and for women in medicine.
Imran Sharieff
Imran is a fool. He works in South London and occasional posts memes on social media.
Joanne Younge
Joanne is an Associate Specialist in Old Age Psychiatry and a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) where she is SAS lead.
She earned an MSc in Specialist Cognitive Therapy with distinction and established a specialized CBT service for older adults, which was a finalist in the Trust Chair’s Awards in 2019.
Joanne co-authored a CBT textbook and coordinated Certificate, Diploma, and MSc CBT training at Queen's University Belfast for nine years. She has also supervised at University College London and serves as a Clinical Facilitator with the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA).
Mithun Barik
Mithun is a Specialist in Addictions Psychiatry and an influential advocate for SAS doctors across Scotland. Based in NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
He serves as the Scottish representative on the Royal College of Psychiatrists' SAS Committee and is the Chair of the Scottish SAS Psychiatry Association.
An International Medical Graduate, Dr. Barik received his MBBS from the University of Calcutta in 2001. His dedication to advancing the SAS role has led him to become a SAS Educational Advisor, where he supports the professional development of SAS doctors, helping them explore extended roles and educational opportunities.
Mithun is also deeply committed to Quality Improvement (QI) and Realistic Medicine, championing initiatives that enhance patient care and support sustainable practices in mental health services.
Rob Fleming
Rob is a Specialist Anaesthetist at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he also serves as the Specialty Lead for Obstetric Anaesthesia and oversees governance in this area.
Rob is a passionate advocate for the rights and career progression of Specialist, Associate Specialist, and Specialty (SAS) doctors across the NHS.
He is an elected member of both the British Medical Association’s (BMA) SAS Committee and its Executive Committee, and previously held the role of SAS Advocate within his trust and was a founder of the SAS Advocate Network of England. He has served as the Honorary Membership Secretary for the Association of Anaesthetists
Over the years, he has become a prominent voice for SAS doctors on social media, significantly raising awareness about the vital contributions of SAS doctors and advocating for improved working conditions, career progression, and leadership opportunities. His work continues to inspire and support SAS doctors nationwide, underscoring his commitment to advancing the SAS role within the NHS.