Hello everyone! I’m Tulika, a specialty doctor at Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Cwm Taf, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you during SAS week – a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of specialty and associate specialist doctors across the UK.

From India to Wales: a journey of dedication

My medical journey began in India, where I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, earning a gold medal for the highest marks in medicine. In 2019, I moved to the UK through the medical training initiative scheme, completed my medical royal college exams, and began working as a senior fellow in Cardiff. In 2022, I joined Royal Glamorgan Hospital as a SAS doctor – a role which offered me a better work-life balance and the opportunity to pursue my passion for teaching.

Teaching, training and transforming

Teaching has always been close to my heart. I started with local sessions at my hospital and later secured funding to deliver three basic skills courses for doctors across Wales – the first of their kind in more than a decade. These courses required months of planning and coordination but the results were worth it. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, not just from participants but also from patients who felt they had contributed meaningfully to the NHS. The initiative was even shortlisted for the NHS Wales Awards!

I also organised a skills workshop for visiting doctors, helping international colleagues – especially from India – gain hands-on experience with advanced clinical practitioner procedures. The gratitude and requests for more sessions reaffirmed the importance of practical training.

Breaking barriers and building bridges

I’m proud to be the first SAS doctor appointed as a Royal College student in Wales. Initially hesitant to apply, I realised the importance of having a formal platform to voice our perspectives. I now serve as an associate college tutor, lead internal medicine training-specific teaching sessions, and regularly meet with resident doctors to tailor learning to their needs.

Becoming a PACES (practical assessment of clinical examination skills) examiner in Wales was another milestone. Despite challenges in securing referees, my application was accepted by the Royal College in London. It’s a fantastic way to stay sharp and connect with fellow examiners.

Leading with purpose

I was fortunate to attend the SAS leadership course in London as part of the first SAS cohort. The fully sponsored seat gave me access to invaluable insights into leadership and management and I met inspiring colleagues from across the UK.

SAS doctors bring a wealth of experience and are more than capable of stepping into leadership roles – whether in clinical education, supervision, examination, appraisal, or research. Yet many hesitate to apply. I understand the barriers: lack of support, recognition, and integration into job planning. But the rewards – personal growth, professional satisfaction, and the ability to make a difference – are immense.

A message of pride

To all my fellow SAS doctors: your work matters. Your voice matters. Your journey is valid and valuable. I’m not a consultant. I am a SAS doctor – and I’m proud to be one.

Thank you for listening, and happy SAS week!