A message from the chair: Dr Lily Read

I wish to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Chair of the RCPsych SAS Committee.

I am a Specialty Doctor in Old Age Psychiatry at Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the SAS tutor and the CESR Fellowship Scheme Lead in my trust and a medical appraiser.

My journey

After obtaining a medical degree from The University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj, Romania, I gained a BA in psychology from Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj and MSc from Manchester University. I was awarded a PhD from University of Leeds for my work in the neuropsychology of dementia. I passed the PLAB soon after moving to the UK. I have been involved in medical research for a number of years, securing substantial research funding as a principal investigator that lead to several publications.

For six years I worked for the UK Government as a Medical Advisor, Research Manager and Head of Policy and have extensive experience of representing and negotiating with national and international organisations.

Since returning to NHS full time, I have been passionate about the SAS doctors group, and have a particular interest in career development and progression, including CESR , credentialing and medical management and leadership, and the barriers encountered by our group with these processes.

I have been an Affiliate College member for many years, but was not directly involved with the College until four years ago when I decided to apply to join the SAS Committee. I was appointed Vice Chair in 2016, a position I held for four and a half years. I feel privileged to have been appointed the RCPsych SAS Committee Chair in 2021 and am determined to represent our group and listen and learn from you all.

Get in contact

I am hoping to meet as many as you as possible at various College events, in my travels around the country (virtually or in person when we can). I am interested to hear your views and suggestions. I would like to hear from you in person or via email: specialtydoctors@rcpsych.ac.uk.

Dr Lily Read