Locum work is particularly important in rural and remote areas, and areas affected by staff shortages. In the past, Senior Doctors would often choose locum employment as a way of ‘easing into retirement’. However, nowadays, doctors of all ages and stages of their career are choosing to work in locum employment and find it provides many benefits including:

• flexibility and work-life balance

• financial incentives

• variety and travel

• skill development and specialisation

• exposure to different healthcare settings

Specialty Doctors/Staff Grade/Associate Specialists are collectively known as SAS Doctors. They are senior and experienced Doctors with 4 + years (post foundation) experience, including 2-years’ experience in a medical specialty. Generally, these are permanent posts, with hands-on duties and extensive patient contact. SAS doctors receive continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities and are regularly involved in teaching, management and research. SAS doctors who have not followed an approved training program, but have gained the same level of knowledge, skills and higher-level competencies as CCT holders, can apply to the GMC for a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) or Certificate of Eligibility for General Practice Registration (CEGPR).