SAS doctors recognised for leadership and innovation at annual awards

Published: 9 October 2026

A doctor who has championed the development of Specialty and Specialist (SAS) colleagues across Torbay and South Devon and a colleague helping teams make the most of our new electronic patient record system have been recognised at this year’s SAS Awards.

Dr Gurcharan Dua received the Leadership Award and Dr Ben Bartlett was presented with the Innovation Award during a ceremony at Torbay Hospital on Friday evening.

Our annual awards recognise SAS doctors who make an exceptional contribution to patient care, colleagues and services.

Leadership Award – Dr Gurcharan Dua

Dr Dua was recognised for his longstanding commitment to supporting doctors and helping develop the SAS workforce.

Alongside his clinical role, he serves as SAS Chair, SAS Tutor, a member of the Local Negotiating Committee and Foundation Year 2 Programme Lead. He is also an appraiser, supporting colleagues across the organisation.

Over several years, Dr Dua has played a leading role in championing the interests of SAS doctors, supporting professional development and helping to strengthen opportunities for doctors at different stages of their careers, while continuing to balance these responsibilities alongside his clinical duties.

Innovation Award – Dr Ben Bartlett

Dr Bartlett received the Innovation Award for his work to develop the use of Epic, our electronic patient record system, which was introduced earlier this year.

Looking at ways to make better use of Epic’s capabilities, he developed new clinical templates for acute medicine, including a clerking proforma designed to support more consistent documentation and improve the recording of important clinical information.

Colleagues praised his initiative and creativity in developing functionality that helps clinicians work more efficiently while supporting high standards of documentation and patient safety. His work has also helped teams make the most of the opportunities offered by our new electronic patient record.

Dr Kate Lissett, Chief Medical Officer, said: “Our SAS doctors make an enormous contribution to patient care and to the development of our services.

“This year’s awards recognise two different but equally important contributions. Guru has shown outstanding leadership and commitment to supporting colleagues, while Ben has demonstrated how innovation can help us get the best from new technology and improve the way we work.

“Both have made a significant contribution to our organisation and are thoroughly deserving recipients of these awards.”

The evening celebrated the contribution SAS doctors make across a wide range of specialties, bringing expertise, experience and continuity to services for local people.