SAS Celebration Week 2026: SAS as a career choice (Dr Mithun Barik)

For this year's SAS Celebration Week, Dr Mithun Barik tells us about the career he never planned – but would choose again.

When I decided to study medicine, my goal was simple: I wanted to help people, particularly those who were most vulnerable. At the time, I never imagined that this aspiration would eventually bring me to Scotland. As an international medical graduate, I quickly learned that growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Looking back, moving to a new country and healthcare system was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It taught me resilience, adaptability and the value of supportive colleagues and mentors, lessons that continue to guide me today.

Following Core Psychiatry Training, I made the decision to move into an SAS role. This was a deliberate and positive career choice. I chose the role because it gave me the opportunity to work with an inspiring consultant and an exceptional multidisciplinary team. Their passion for patient care, innovation and development created exactly the kind of environment I wanted to be part of. Looking back, that decision shaped the rest of my career and opened doors I never knew existed.

Today, I work as a Specialist Psychiatrist in Addictions in Ayrshire, Scotland. What keeps me passionate about this work is the privilege of supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Many of the patients I meet have experienced trauma, poverty, stigma and significant health inequalities. Yet despite these challenges, they continue to show remarkable resilience and determination. Supporting people on their recovery journey, helping them regain hope and improve their wellbeing remains one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. In a country that continues to face the devastating impact of drug-related deaths, I feel privileged to contribute, however modestly, to helping people stay safe and build a better future.

One of the things I value most about working in Scotland is its culture of encouragement and collaboration. Fairly early in my career, I realised that I wanted to contribute beyond my clinical role. I became something of a compulsive volunteer, putting my hand up for projects, committees and initiatives whenever they sparked my interest.

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that opportunities rarely arrive at the perfect moment and often begin with a simple decision to put yourself forward. Throughout my career, I have discovered that growth happens when you step beyond what feels familiar and embrace new challenges. For SAS doctors, the possibilities are often far greater than we realise. If you are willing to be curious, get involved and say yes to opportunities, doors begin to open. Looking back, many of the most rewarding experiences of my career began with a conversation, a small project or simply the confidence to volunteer. My journey has taught me that the SAS pathway can be incredibly rewarding, not because opportunities are handed to you, but because it gives you the freedom to create a career that reflects your interests, strengths and ambitions.

That curiosity led me into a range of educational, leadership and service improvement roles. Nationally, I work as an SAS Educational Advisor, contribute to the SAS Development Team within Public Services Delivery Scotland, and serve as the SAS Lead for Scotland within the Royal College of Psychiatrists. These roles have given me opportunities to support colleagues, influence professional development and contribute to improvements that extend far beyond my own clinical practice.

Working with both the SAS Development Team and the Royal College of Psychiatrists has been incredibly rewarding. These experiences have introduced me to inspiring colleagues from across Scotland and the rest of the UK, helped me build lasting friendships and professional networks, enabled me to learn from different perspectives and allowed me to contribute beyond my local service. They have also reinforced my appreciation of the enormous contribution SAS doctors make to the NHS every day.

Another aspect of the SAS role that I value greatly is its flexibility. It has allowed me to pursue interests in education, leadership and service improvement while maintaining a fulfilling clinical career. Just as importantly, it has given me space for life outside medicine. Living in Scotland has nurtured my love of hiking, and some of my best moments of reflection have come while walking through its hills and landscapes.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the future. I am passionate about supporting resident doctors and SAS colleagues as they develop their confidence and skills. Some of the most influential people in my own career were those who took the time to encourage me, guide me and open doors for me. I hope to do the same for others.

When I think back to the young medical student who simply wanted to help people, I could never have imagined where that ambition would lead me. Scotland has given me opportunities, friendships and a sense of belonging that I will always cherish. What began as a desire to make a difference has become a career filled with purpose, learning and unexpected opportunities. I am proud to be an SAS psychiatrist, proud to call Scotland home, and excited for whatever comes next.

Dr Mithun Barik
Specialist Psychiatrist in Addictions , South Ayrshire Treatment and Recovery Team (START)
SAS Lead, RCPsych in Scotland