I have recently been offered a role as a specialist anaesthetist. This is the final stage of my career pathway. To most, becoming a consultant is the final stage. To those not on the trainee pathway, the goal is to become a specialist.

The introduction of the specialist grade in April 2021 has finally given SAS doctors a new genuine career progression opportunity. This contract allows experienced anaesthetists to have a role that recognises the value we bring to our departments. Although this is a very new role, many trusts have created specialist anaesthetist posts that offer a fair and balanced job plan.

I will have started in my new role by the time of publication of this article. The agreed job plan is very different to the role that I currently have. I will be working on a variety of elective, urgent and emergency lists in a range of specialties in a major trauma centre. My employers have been very understanding about my family situation, and have agreed to keep my days fixed and close together so that time away from home is minimised.