Standing Firm in Power and Pride: Life as a Black Medic in Scotland

Having spent over 20 years of my life in Scotland (yes, I can confirm Black Scottish people do exist), I would like to take a moment to reflect on what I’ve learned from that experience—especially now, having recently relocated to England for specialty training.

Black History Month feels like a fitting time to share my reflections as a Black female medic who trained in Scotland.

This year’s theme is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.” But what does that really mean?

The theme centers around two core values: power—the ability to create meaningful, positive change—and pride, which speaks of knowing where we come from and embracing our history unapologetically.

With that in mind, here are three reflections I’d like to share with you.

Reflection One: You Stand Out—So Make It Count

You would think that being the first Black person at my local primary school, the only Black girl in my secondary school year (for the most part), and one of just a handful of Black medical students at university would have prepared me for being one of only two Black doctors in the Edinburgh Foundation Programme cohort. Truth be told, it did not.

Looking back, I can pinpoint moments when I became acutely aware of the colour of my skin. Naturally, I stood out visibly. And when you stand out like that, you're easily noticed, whether you want to be or not.

At some point, I realised: If I’m going to be remembered, it may as well be for being a diligent junior doctor.  It can be an unnecessary burden to be constantly reminded of your colour and feel that you must be better. But I had to change my mindset. This looked like focusing on simply doing the fundamentals well: be on time, write a good job list; ask questions; be involved in the ward round; listen to your patients; be diligent; smile. Reframing that pressure as an opportunity allowed me to develop as a brand-new junior doctor navigating the workspace.

Reflection Two: Ground Yourself in Community

Before medical school, I stumbled upon YouTubers like Courtney Daniella, Nissy Tee, and Chidera Ota. Seeing Black girls at Cambridge was almost surreal—because I hardly saw Black girls period, let alone in renowned academic institutions. That was my first encounter of the power of the online community, and it was a game-changer.

Not long after, I found Melanin Medics and joined their mentorship programme where I was paired with an amazing mentor. This was a hallmark moment for me, and I am eternally grateful for the positive impact Melanin Medics has made on my journey. I soon realised that, just because I didn’t see Black medics around me in Scotland, didn’t mean they didn’t exist.

Embedding myself in the Melanin Medics community during foundation training was crucial for me to stay grounded. I would make trips to London and Manchester for events. I learned that although the journey time was a small price to pay if it meant that I would be in a space that would revitalise me.

There are no words to describe what it felt like to be in a room full of Black female doctors at the International Women’s Day brunch in Manchester. That day, I met a consultant neonatologist who spoke about her experience navigating a predominantly white, male specialty. Her words reminded me: you are not alone.

Reflection Three: Perhaps You Were Made for Such a Time as This

I truly believe our experiences are part of a bigger story.

Since moving from Scotland, I’ve had time to reflect—and I’m genuinely grateful for the training I received there. I developed qualities that I might not have gained elsewhere. I often think of biblical figures like Moses and Esther—people who found themselves in places where others from similar backgrounds like them rarely were.

Moses, an Israelite raised in an Egyptian palace. Esther, an orphan who became Queen of a nation. Both used their unique positions to bring about a positive change for their people. Their stories remind me that being “the only one” in a space perhaps, is an opportunity for you to be a catalyst for positive change within your community.

There’s so much I’ve learned by growing up and training in Scotland. So, to anyone who feels isolated or out of place in their environment, my simple conclusion is this:

Stand firm in power and pride.

Do not overlook the significance of being in a space where you might be the only one. Maybe there is a reason you are there. And until that reason becomes clear, please root yourself in a community. And after all, if you're going to stand out, you may as well make it count.

written by Emma Brew, GPST1