How Melanin Medics helped me navigate the hidden curriculum of medicine

Being a volunteer for Melanin Medics and a member of the Medical Students Network has been a privilege. Through social media, events, webinars, blogs, and the incredible community, I've learnt so much about the realities of studying medicine. It's helped me navigate medical school more intentionally by uncovering the hidden aspects of the degree that aren't always discussed in lectures.

Here are a few ways it has made a difference:

Firstly, Melanin Medics hosted an excellent virtual research conference with nearly 300 attendees titled Building the Pipeline. We heard from clinical academics and researchers who shared invaluable advice on getting involved in research, alongside practical ways to take those first steps. Attendees also had the opportunity to present their own research, highlighting an important aspect of medicine that often isn't spoken about during medical school teaching.

Another experience that had a huge impact on me was helping to develop the Building Your Portfolio for Medical Students resource guide. Through creating the guide, I gained a much clearer understanding of every component of specialty applications and why it's important to start building your portfolio early. Speaking with doctors who had already been through the application process also gave me practical insight into what they wished they had known as medical students. The guide brings together practical advice, personal experience, and encouragement to help students get started early, stay consistent, and reflect throughout their journey. It covers everything from SSCs and electives to audits, research, teaching, and overcoming barriers, particularly those experienced by Black medical students.

Throughout the academic year, Melanin Medics' Research Team also hosted specialty webinars featuring consultants and registrars from a range of specialties. These sessions offered valuable insights into different career pathways and clarified the requirements for each specialty information that isn't always made clear during medical school.

Beyond events, I've also found the Melanin Medics blog incredibly valuable. Reading articles about postgraduate exams such as the MRCS, exploring how medicine can be used as a launchpad into other degrees and career paths, and hearing the experiences of doctors has broadened my understanding of what a career in medicine can look like beyond medical school.

Because of everything I've learnt through Melanin Medics, I now actively look for research opportunities within medical school, choose extracurricular activities with future specialty requirements in mind, and keep an ongoing record of my portfolio achievements rather than trying to remember everything at the end of the year.

Overall, Melanin Medics has played a pivotal role in helping me navigate the parts of medical school that lectures and seminars don't always cover—and there's so much more I haven't even mentioned. A huge shoutout to the Research Team, Engagement and Programmes Team for organising these incredible events and initiatives, and to the Communications Team for ensuring students know about all the opportunities available. Melanin Medics is an amazing community that supports aspiring healthcare professionals at every stage. Whether you're a volunteer or simply attend events as a member, there's a programme, event, or resource that can help you grow throughout your journey.

One of the biggest lessons I've taken away is that succeeding in medicine isn't just about passing exams. It's about being proactive, seeking opportunities, learning from those who've gone before you, and surrounding yourself with a community that equips you with the knowledge, support, and confidence to build the career you want.

Medicine can sometimes feel like you're expected to figure everything out on your own, but it doesn't have to be that way. If you're looking for a community that will support, encourage, and equip you throughout your journey, I'd encourage you to become part of Melanin Medics. Your future self will thank you for it.

Written by Precious Oluwaniyi, Final Year Medical Student & MM Content Writer