A message from the Chair: Dr Lily Read

I wish to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Chair of the RCPsych SAS Psychiatrists 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 Psychiatrists 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 Psychiatrists 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 of you as possible at various College events, in my travels around the country (virtually or in person when we can). I am interested in hearing your views and suggestions. I would like to hear from you in person or via email: specialtydoctors@rcpsych.ac.uk.

Dr Lily Read