Career Development

Breast Clinicians are SAS doctors working in breast disease management in symptomatic and screening breast services. They are trained in a range of areas, including triple assessment of symptoms; clinical examination, imaging assessment and biopsy. Breast Clinicians also support genetics referrals and run family history clinics, which can help to identify a patient’s risk level for developing breast cancer. They are trained in family risk consultation, undertake risk assessment and provide guidance on preventative therapy.

Trained Breast Clinicians work in one or more of these areas and may also take on a senior leadership roles.

Breast Clinician are SAS doctors and should be employed on the 2021 SAS Contract.

Trainees are employed as a Specialty Doctor MC75 and continue on this salary trajectory once fully qualified. Once Breast Clinicians fulfil the eligibility criteria, it may be appropriate to consider employment as a Specialist Doctor MC70.

What would a typical week involve?

Breast Clinicians may work autonomously within breast radiology services, surgical breast clinics and family history services. Whilst completing the Credential, training spans all three areas to support competency development as described in the Credential curriculum. The exact combination of clinical responsibilities continued after the Credential is negotiated between the Breast Clinician and employing trust, accounting for personal preference and service need.

In addition to clinical duties, Breast Clinicians may take on senior leadership roles e.g. Director of Screening, educational roles e.g. Clinical and Educational Supervisor and research.

The Breast Clinician role is varied and rewarding. They are integral and uniquely flexible members of the multidisciplinary team. Breast Clinicians are entrusted with some of the responsibilities traditionally undertaken by consultants, including radiologists and surgeons. They are independent practitioners, able to support, develop and lead the services they join. Their expertise and holistic perspective of patients, breast disease management and breast services enable them to play a pivotal role in teaching, service development and research.

The Credential offers training based in one breast unit, providing ample time for the trainee and breast unit to optimally support each other. Trainees and Supervisors report a mutually beneficial impact on the development of the trainee and service. To date, all Credential holders have been retained in breast services after completion of training. Employment during and after the Credential typically involves geographical stability and family friendly working hours.

A day in the life of… a Trainee Breast Clinician – National Breast Imaging Academy

A day in the life of… a Breast Clinician – National Breast Imaging Academy

A day in the life of… a trainee breast clinician – National Breast Imaging Academy

Since 2019, training to become a Breast Clinician has been available through the Credential in Breast Disease Management. This 3-year programme was developed by the Association of Breast Clinicians (ABC), the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR), Health Education England (HEE, now NHS England) and the NBIA.

Minimum requirement

Medical degree and eligible to be appointed as a Specialty Doctor on the 2021 SAS contract.

Expected requirement

Completion of the Credential in Breast Disease Management

Further details can be found here

• Information about the credential: NBIA website and RCR website
• Association of Breast Clinicians
• Recommended courses and conferences