SAS Week NI Conference 2025 - A Day of Insight, Inspiration, and Connection

As part of the UK-wide celebration of National SAS Week 2025 (October 6–10), the Northern Ireland Medical & Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA) SAS Career Development Team hosted a landmark regional conference on October 8th, bringing together over 100 SAS doctors and dentists from across all five Health and Social Care Trusts.

The conference—“Unlocking Opportunities via Shared Experience and Enhanced Learning”—was led by Dr Julie Anne Forbes, Associate Dean for SAS Career Development, and Ms Catherine Diver Deputy Associate Dean for SAS Career Development, and featured a full day of expert panels, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.

The programme opened with a warm welcome from Dr Forbes, followed by three themed panel sessions and corresponding workshops:

• Panel 1: SAS in Leadership
  Chaired by Dr Julie Anne Forbes, this session featured insights from:

  • Mr Chris Hagan, Medical Director BHSCT
  • Dr Stephanie Warne, SAS Lead WHSCT, RCS NI & BMA NI Council
  • Dr Andrew Kerr, Neurology Service Manager SEHSCT
  • Ms Karen Gillvray, Clinical Lead Glaucoma Service, RCOphth NI SAS Rep

• Panel 2: SAS Clinical Skills Development
  Chaired by Ms Catherine Diver, with contributions from:

  • Dr Fionnuala McCann, SAS Lead SHSCT
  • Dr Sagitha Joseph, Anaesthetics BHSCT
  • Dr Molly Carson, Anaesthetics SEHSCT
  • Dr Anna O’Reilly, Obstetrics RJMS

• Panel 3: SAS in Educational Roles
  Also chaired by Ms Catherine Diver, featuring:

  • Dr Lorraine Parks, Director of the Foundation School, NIMDTA
  • Dr Debbie Cullen, FPD SHSCT
  • Dr Andrew McAllister, Deputy DME BHSCT
  • Dr Sarah Stirling, SAS Lead NHSCT
  • Dr Marguerite McCloskey, Associate Dean Recognised Trainers, NIMDTA

Each panel was followed by an interactive workshop, allowing delegates to engage directly with the themes of Leadership, Clinical Practice, and Education—the three pillars of SAS career development.

Celebrating Shared Experience and Future Possibilities

The event provided a unique opportunity for SAS professionals to connect, reflect, and explore career pathways in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Delegates were encouraged to share feedback via QR code and the day concluded with closing remarks from Mr Mark McCarey, Chief Executive of NIMDTA.

Click HERE to view the event programme

Click HERE to view our #SASWeek Celebrations page

Click HERE to view information on SAS Career Development Opportunities