Read this news article https://sasmj.org/sas-doctors-in-northern-ireland-analysis-of-a-video-from-november-2021/
This new article introduces the doctors who made the video and their roles since its creation in November 2021.
Disclaimer: the details for each doctor have been sourced from the internet, utilising LLM like the ChatGPT, etc. There may be some inaccuracies in the reporting of the recent work experiences of the individual doctors in this article. If you notice any mistakes, please write to the SAS Journal editor for corrections by emailing in**@sa***************.com or using the contact form.
In the order of appearance
Mr. Charlie Martin
Mr. Charlie Martyn discusses the pivotal role of Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors in Northern Ireland’s healthcare system. He emphasises the importance of leadership, service improvement, and the diverse opportunities available within a SAS career.
Mr Charlie Martyn is the Medical Director at the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) in Northern Ireland. He has a distinguished medical background, having qualified in Medicine in 1983. In November 1995, he became a Consultant in Accident and Emergency at the Ulster Hospital and subsequently became Clinical Director of Specialist Surgery in April 1996. His special interests include major trauma and hand and wrist injuries. Additionally, he has been an Advanced Life Support Instructor in the UK and the Republic of Ireland for over a decade. Setrust
Professional Contributions and Achievements:
- Advocacy for SAS Doctors: Mr Martyn has strongly advocated for SAS doctors, recognising their invaluable contributions to the healthcare system. He has participated in events highlighting the opportunities within a SAS career, encouraging professional development, and challenging the perception that SAS roles are limited to service provision. Medall
- Recognition of Excellence: Under his leadership, the SEHSCT has celebrated the achievements of its medical staff. For instance, in October 2024, two Specialty Doctors from the trust were honoured with prestigious awards at the inaugural Northern Ireland Medical & Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA) SAS Recognition Awards. Dr Jeenat Khan received the SAS Award for Innovation in Equality and Diversity, while Dr Andrew Kerr was presented with the Community Interface Award. Mr Martyn expressed immense pride in all SAS doctors, stating, “Their hard work and commitment to innovation and excellence are vital to the success of our healthcare services.” Setrust
- Leadership in Medical Education: Mr. Martyn has been involved in medical education and training, particularly in the field of emergency medicine. His experience as an Advanced Life Support Instructor has contributed to the development of medical professionals in both the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Setrust
Through his dedication to patient care, service improvement, and professional development, Mr Charlie Martyn exemplifies the significant contributions of medical leaders to the healthcare system in Northern Ireland.
Dr Joanne Younge
Dr. Joanne Younge discusses the challenges and opportunities for Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors in Northern Ireland. She emphasises the importance of career development, recognition, and support for SAS doctors within the healthcare system.
Dr Joanne Younge is an Associate Specialist in Old Age Psychiatry and the SAS Lead at the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) in Northern Ireland. In this capacity, she supports and guides SAS doctors, advocating for their professional development and integration into leadership roles within the trust. Nimdta
Involvement with the SAS Collective:
Dr Younge is a founding member of the SAS Collective, a grassroots organisation established by SAS doctors to advocate for improved career development and recognition within the NHS. The SAS Collective has initiated the “#SASsix” campaign, which outlines six key policy calls to enhance the careers of SAS doctors. These include access to educational supervisors, equitable professional development opportunities, pathways to specialist roles, and opportunities for leadership and academic positions on par with consultants. NHS Employers
Advocacy and Achievements:
Through her roles, Dr. Younge has been instrumental in promoting the value of SAS doctors and striving for systemic changes to support their career progression. Her efforts and those of her colleagues in the SAS Collective have led to endorsements of the “#SASsix” campaign by various NHS trusts and professional organisations, reflecting a growing recognition of SAS doctors’ pivotal role in delivering high-quality patient care. Northumbria NHS
Dr. Younge’s commitment to the professional development of SAS doctors is further demonstrated by her involvement in organising recognition events and awards that celebrate the contributions of SAS doctors within the healthcare system. Nimdta
In summary, Dr. Joanne Younge is a key advocate for SAS doctors in Northern Ireland, working diligently to enhance their professional development, recognition, and integration into leadership roles within the NHS.
Dr Nicola McCurly
Dr. Nicola McCurley discusses the challenges and opportunities for Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors in Northern Ireland. She emphasizes the importance of professional development and the need for adequate support structures to enhance SAS doctors’ contributions to the healthcare system.
Current Role:
Dr. Nicola McCurley is a Specialist in Oral Surgery at the Greenwood Specialist Dental Clinic in Northern Ireland. She holds qualifications including BDS (QUB), MSurgDent (RCSPGla), MPhil (QUB), and DipMedEd (QUB). Greenwoods
Professional Contributions:
Dr. McCurley has been actively involved in research related to patient anxiety and intravenous sedation in Northern Ireland. She co-authored a study titled “Patient anxiety and IV sedation in Northern Ireland,” which examines the prevalence of dental anxiety and the use of IV sedation as a management strategy. Pure Admin
Additionally, Dr McCurley is associated with the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland. Her involvement in this organisation underscores her commitment to advancing healthcare services and supporting the professional development of her colleagues. Association for Coaching
Through her clinical practice, research endeavours, and participation in professional organisations, Dr McCurley continues to contribute significantly to the field of oral surgery and the broader medical community in Northern Ireland.
Dr Andrew Kerr
Dr. Andrew Kerr discusses the pivotal role of Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors in Northern Ireland’s healthcare system. He emphasises the importance of leadership, service improvement, and the diverse opportunities available within a SAS career.
Current Role:
Dr Andrew Kerr serves as a Specialty Doctor in Cardiology at Lagan Valley Hospital, part of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) in Northern Ireland. In this capacity, he is integral to the Cardiac Centre, which provides patients with rapid assessment, investigation, and treatment services, enhancing patient care and reducing unnecessary hospital admissions. Northern Ireland World
Professional Contributions and Achievements:
- Service Development: Dr. Kerr has been instrumental in establishing and developing the Cardiac Centre at Lagan Valley Hospital. Since its inception in November 2020, the centre has treated over 1,100 patients, offering same-day access to cardiac investigations and treatments, improving patient outcomes and streamlining care pathways. Northern Ireland World
- Recognition: In October 2024, Dr Kerr received the Community Interface Award at the inaugural Northern Ireland Medical & Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA) SAS Recognition Awards. This accolade acknowledges his efforts in building strong community partnerships to deliver patient-centred care. Setrust
- Leadership and Education: Beyond his clinical duties, Dr. Kerr is an Educational Supervisor, coordinating foundation training and teaching within the trust. He also represents the SEHSCT at the Northern Ireland British Medical Association (BMA) SAS committee. He is the Regional Manager for St. John Ambulance, demonstrating his commitment to medical education and community service. Setrust
- Advocacy for SAS Doctors: Dr. Kerr actively promotes the role of SAS doctors as leaders within the healthcare system. He has participated in events highlighting the opportunities within a SAS career, encouraging professional development, and challenging the perception that SAS roles are limited to service provision. Medall
Through his dedication to patient care, service improvement, and professional development, Dr. Andrew Kerr exemplifies the significant contributions of SAS doctors to the healthcare system in Northern Ireland.
