Why I Stayed: Eight Words That Define My Journey with Melanin Medics

When I first came across Melanin Medics, I didn’t just see a platform but I saw a reflection of the person I wanted to become. A place where Black medical students and doctors could thrive, not in isolation, but in community. I joined not just to take part, but to grow, to serve, and to find joy in being surrounded by people who get it. 

When I think about why I’m still here, eight words come to mind, each one representing a reason I’ve stayed and grown with Melanin Medics.

Being a part of Melanin Medics and writing content has made me feel a part of a bigger mission to be an advocate for Black medical professionals across the country. It brings me joy contributing to Melanin Medics’ vision of empowering current and future doctors of Black heritage. I’ve truly enjoyed being part of a charity that ensures Black medical students, like me, have the opportunity, resources , and community to excel in our medical education and careers. When applying to medical school, I had a Melanin Medics mentor who gave me advice on interviews and the UCAT, and also gave me tips on how to write my personal statement. Being able to see the number of Black medical students part of the Melanin Medics community allowed me to believe that I also belong in medical school.

Through the content I produce and the stories shared, I have worked on being a true advocate for black people in every medical space. Being a part of Melanin <edics has allowed me to work on shifting narratives, challenging stereotypes and most importantly celebrating black excellence in medicine. At each Melanin Medics event, I am surrounded by amazing, inspirational people within the medical field who take time out of their roles to support Melanin Medics who have done great things within the field. For example, we have many members who have completed the Healthcare Leadership Academy, have won grants and awards for their advocacy and leadership, have spoken at international conferences and so much more. Melanin Medics is a great hub to represent black excellence, and I am privileged to be a part of it.

In my role as Content Writer, I’ve had the privilege of developing skills both within and beyond the scope of what I expected. Continuous professional development is something deeply encouraged within the Melanin Medics team, and through the projects I’ve taken on, I’ve grown in areas like project management, writing, editing, and communication. With the support of my colleagues, I’ve also stepped outside my comfort zone to explore new interests. Building the portfolio resource guide from scratch was a major turning point as it challenged me to research thoroughly, plan with intention, and communicate clearly. The development of the portfolio guide, as well as the research webinars held by the Research Tea has helped me to demystify research and research pathways. Melanin Medics has helped me better understand what it looks like and the value of academic contribution. I also gained practical experience in branding, design, and adapting content to be both informative and engaging. These experiences have stretched me and built a professional confidence I’ll carry well beyond medical school.

Both academic events such as the Innovate for Impact Hackathon and social events such as the Women in Medicine brunch have played a great role in my growth in Melanin Medics. These events emphasised to me what life in medicine is truly about, balancing your academic development with joy and connection with other medics. I truly enjoyed attending the events but also planning, promoting and executing the events with the team. Truly, being a part of Melanin Medics sharpens both ends of my sword!

Through being at Melanin Medics I’ve grown into leadership in many ways. In my role, I have been a leader in taking initiative, owning my projects and managing timelines. But not only that, the team works in a beautiful way that emphasises us all as leaders, as working independently is a form of leadership, true leadership which is consistent and intentional, things the whole team have developed. Partly, this was developed by the mentorship available within the team. Each team member has supported and encouraged me and we all supported each other, a form of informal mentoring that has truly helped me grow in confidence and my voice. Being a part of Melanin Medics helped me see mentorship not as a formal relationship, but as any moment of guidance – whether written, spoken or shared.

It’s been such a meaningful ride so far, and I’m honestly so grateful to be part of something that keeps pouring into me as much as I pour into it. If you’ve been thinking about getting involved, this is your sign! 

Whether you’re looking to build skills, find community, or just be part of something uplifting, there’s a space for you here.

Here’s to 8 years of impact – and to all the years still to come. 

For information on how you can support Melanin Medics, click here!