Movember: What Black Male Med Students Told Me About Navigating Medicine

As a Black woman in medicine, I’ve had my own moments of being underestimated, but the experiences of Black men sit in a unique space. Their visibility, their absence, the stereotypes working against them, the pride they carry, and the pressure they feel all shape a reality we don’t talk about enough.

So, in light of men’s mental health month, I spoke to a few Black male medical students and asked them to share their journeys with me. Their honesty was refreshing. Their vulnerability was powerful. And their stories deserve space.

Being Overlooked Before Being Known

Almost everyone I interviewed described moments of being underestimated before they’d even opened their mouths. One student explained how, in group projects, people would naturally talk over him or assume he had the least to contribute. Another shared how people were visibly shocked when he said he studied medicine — one person even accused him of lying.

These weren’t dramatic confrontations. They were subtle, repeated reminders of how Black male intelligence is still unfairly questioned.

Why Representation Isn’t Optional

When I asked why Black male representation matters, their answers pointed to the same truth: visibility changes what people believe is possible.

One student put it simply: “We deserve to be seen in these spaces.”

Representation isn’t a token gesture. It shapes belonging, for patients, for future applicants, and for the culture of healthcare itself. Seeing a Black male doctor shouldn’t feel rare; it should feel normal.

Identity as a Challenge and a Strength

Some students described moments where being a Black man meant having to prove themselves twice over. But they also spoke about the strength their identity gave them — especially when caring for Black patients or discussing conditions that disproportionately affect our communities.

There’s a cultural understanding that can’t be forced. A connection that’s immediate. A sense of trust that’s natural.

Misconceptions That Need Challenging

A key misconception they highlighted was the assumption that Black male students are only present because of diversity initiatives rather than ability.

This narrative ignores the work, consistency, and drive it takes to get here. It diminishes their achievements and silences their stories.

Words for the Next Generation

When I asked what they’d say to younger Black boys considering medicine, the message was clear:

Back yourself. Don’t shrink your excellence. You belong here.

There was something incredibly grounding about the way they said it — a reminder that encouragement hits differently when it comes from someone who has lived the same struggle.

Final Reflections

Listening to these students reminded me why these conversations matter. Their experiences are woven into the fabric of medical school life, yet they often remain unspoken.

I felt honoured to hold their stories, even briefly. I hope sharing them helps someone else feel seen, understood, or encouraged.

Our community grows stronger every time we give each other room to breathe, to speak, and to be fully witnessed.

I encourage you to speak to a fellow male healthcare student today, and learn more about their experiences!

Written by Precious, Content Writer, 4th Year Medical Student