NHS doctors can work in a variety of roles depending on their level of training, specialty, and experience. Here are the main job roles for NHS doctors:

NHS Doctors’ Job Tiles 101

Foundation Doctors

Foundation Year 1 (FY1) and Foundation Year 2 (FY2) Doctors:

Newly qualified doctors in the first two years of post-medical school training.

FY1 doctors work under supervision and with limited responsibilities.

FY2 doctors have more autonomy and take on broader responsibilities, preparing them for specialty training.

Core Trainees

Core Training (CT1-CT2/CT3):

After completing the foundation program, doctors enter core training, which provides further training in a specific field, such as Core Medical Training (CMT), Core Surgical Training (CST), or Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS).

This is usually a 2-3 year period, where doctors gain experience in their chosen specialty before applying for higher specialty training.

Specialty Trainees

Specialty Registrar (ST1-ST8):

Doctors in higher specialty training after completing core training.

They progress through different stages (ST1 to ST8), with increasing responsibilities and complexity in their training.

The length of specialty training varies depending on the specialty (e.g., general practice training is shorter than surgical training).

General Practitioners (GPs)

GPs are family doctors who provide primary care services in the community.

They diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of health issues, and they refer patients to specialists when necessary.

GPs often work in practices, either independently or as part of a group practice.

Consultants

Senior doctors who have completed all their training in a specialty and have attained a position as a consultant.

They are responsible for leading a team, managing patient care, and often have a role in teaching and research.

Consultants can work in various specialties, such as surgery, internal medicine, psychiatry, pediatrics, and more.

SAS Doctors (Staff, Associate Specialist, and Specialty Doctors)

These doctors have completed their training but have not yet become consultants.
They play a crucial role in service delivery, working in a variety of specialties.
SAS doctors have substantial clinical experience and usually work with more autonomy than trainees.

Clinical Fellows

Doctors who are often in a training role but outside the standard training pathway.
They may be involved in research, gaining additional experience in a specialty, or taking on specific projects.

Locum Doctors

Temporary doctors who fill in gaps in the NHS workforce.
They can be at any level (junior doctors, GPs, consultants) and are hired on short-term contracts.

Academic Doctors

Doctors who combine clinical work with research and teaching.
They often hold positions in medical schools or universities in addition to their NHS roles.

Medical Directors and Clinical Leads

Senior roles often held by experienced consultants.
They are involved in the management and strategic planning of services within the NHS.
Medical Directors oversee the clinical performance of an NHS trust, while Clinical Leads focus on specific services or departments.

These roles reflect the hierarchical and structured progression of a doctor's career within the NHS, allowing for diverse opportunities and specialisations.