The
Enrichment Programme
Supported by
The Enrichment Programme is a 10-month development programme designed for final year medical students of Black African and Caribbean heritage, including students of mixed race heritage studying Medicine in the UK which focuses on increasing career confidence, supporting career readiness and enabling career advancement. The programme takes a holistic approach with aims to help Black African and Caribbean final year medical students navigate their last year of medical school and help them thrive in the next phase of their life as doctors.
At Melanin Medics, we are passionate about not just increasing access to a career in medicine but also creating spaces for medical students and doctors to thrive once they have entered into the career. We aim not just to promote diversity in medicine and widen aspirations but to also ensure that individuals are able to achieve those dreams in spaces where they feel fully supported. We believe that by fostering mentoring and peer to peer relationships, it will establish a solid foundation for productive, impactful and fruitful careers.
Community
Expand your network and connect with your peers and your mentors
Preparation
Receive the tools and resources to grow personally and equip you for the working world
Development
Kickstart your professional career on the right note and learn from those ahead of you
What the Programme involves
The programme has been developed to ensure that there is a good balance between excelling academically, strengthening social support and participating in sessions that will enrich students both personally and professionally while receiving tailored support for their medical careers and future aspirations.
The students are paired with a mentor who is a current doctor in their mutual area of interest and they will receive one-to-one mentoring sessions over the course of the year.
One-to-one monthly mentoring sessions
3 x Peer-to-peer group sessions
3 x Tailored clinical and non-clinical webinars
2 x Exam preparation workshops
1 x In-person networking social event
Wellbeing support through the Wellbeing Fund
Portfolio development support
Virtual delivery
Our Why
According to research conducted by The GMC, ethnic minority graduates of UK medical schools have had poorer outcomes during recruitment for foundation, speciality training and consultant posts. In addition, in comparison to white peers, ethnic minorities have 2.5 times higher odds of failing exams. Moreover, further studies have outlined that medical students from an ethnic minority background have “experienced less supportive social and less positive learning environments''.
Through the Enrichment Programme, we will encourage CAREER ADVANCEMENT through educational resources and the sharing of opportunities. We will support CAREER READINESS through the establishment of peer networks, wellbeing support and learning how to deal with complexity and challenging situations. We will increase CAREER CONFIDENCE through mentoring relationships that will provide personalised support and foster long-term relationships.
Become an
Enrichment Programme Student
WHO SHOULD ENROL?
Black African and Caribbean Final Year Medical Students who attend a UK medical school
You will be paired with a doctor to support you in the transition from medical school to foundation years.
As a Enrichment Programme student, you will be required to do the following:
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Commit to meeting with your mentor a minimum of once a month
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Attend the programme launch event, mentor meetings, webinars and other programme sessions
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Submit a log of short reflections and feedback on the programme
Applying to the Enrichment Programme does not guarantee you a place. Applications are assessed based on the quality.
Deadline for Student Applications:
22nd of October 2021
Application Process
Applications open:
27th September 2021
Applications close:
14th October 2021
Applicants selected:
17th October 2021
Programme commencement:
November 2021
Become an
Enrichment Programme Mentor
Mentors must be a UK-based Doctor registered with the GMC
You will be paired with a final year medical student mentee to give them a better understanding of what is needed in the transition from medical school to foundation years.
Applying to the Enrichment Programme does not guarantee you a place. Applications are assessed based on the quality.
Deadline for Student Applications:
22nd of October 2021
As an Enrichment Programme Mentor, you will be required to do the following:
Commit to meeting with your mentee a minimum of once a month
Attend the programme launch event, undergo initial training and receive ongoing support
Submit feedback on the Enrichment Programme
Utilise the Mentoring Guide and resources shared
Receive a certificate at the end of the programme for you contribution
The Enrichment Programme Team
If you have any questions or queries, please contact the team via programmes@melaninmedics.org
Dr Khadija Owusu
Director of Programmes
Dr Ayomide Ayorinde
Enrichment Programme Lead
