We’re well into 2026 and at this point, many people are reviewing their resolutions and goals for the year to track progress. For medics, some of those goals look vastly different to our peers outside of work. Medicine tends to attract ambitious, high-achieving people, and presents a linear path of achievements. Pass the exams to get into medical school, graduate and get into your chosen specialty, then enjoy your success as a consultant. It sounds simple. Hence being ‘successful’ felt much easier earlier in life, and earlier in this career. Somewhere along the way life becomes complicated by expectations of audits and publications, portfolio building and post-grad exams. The competition for these has grown to unprecedented levels, and as achievements become more difficult to attain, so the check points to track your progress become fewer and further between. I realised that still, we were not all on the same level when it came to opportunity, awareness of expectations and freedom to make bold career choices. Emails go unanswered, study leave gets rejected, the study budget itself is nonexistent. Suddenly the career you aspired to seems much further away and much less attainable. Every career has its own challenges, yes, but when discussing this with non-medic peers, the confusion is almost immediate: ‘Aren’t you already a doctor?.. What else do you need to do?’ It feels silly to complain that you are not where you want to be in life, when you are somewhere in the career you have worked towards for a significant portion of your life. This part of your career is a necessary stepping stone to learn and make progress, but how do you explain that the next stone keeps moving further away. Simultaneously, life goes on. There are relationships to build, finances to organise, homes to buy, and a personality to try not to lose. Medicine has a way of making itself the centre of attention. There is always another career milestone to reach, meaning personal milestones end up taking a backseat. The sunken cost fallacy pushes medics to continue at 100mph because if you slow down or take a break, the path gets that much longer or the opportunity will be lost. The real and imagined pressures of making any sort of progress often lead to burnout. Familiarity with the job can breed disrespect for yourself. Frequent, long, unsociable hours are “just part of the job”, rather than a detriment to your wellbeing. Constantly breaking bad news and managing complex diagnoses is “not a big deal”, rather than an occasionally traumatic aspect of the job. In the race to reach the next part of training, you forget how far you have come since starting work. You may have quite literally saved multiple lives, delivered babies, and talked people through the best and worst days of their lives. The knowledge, experience and self-confidence you gain is only recognised in the ‘Experience’ part of your CV or in that one interview question you spend weeks preparing for. But if the interview never comes, or you haven’t enough points to apply, when do you acknowledge your progress? With specialty applications well underway in this current climate, I’ve found that this is a good checkpoint to review not only my career but my life as a whole. Call it frontal lobe development or just growing up, but my epiphany at 25 was that I need to be a more well rounded person. I may have accidentally made medicine my entire personality and it was coming to my own detriment. I love my job and find it incredibly fascinating, but was finding myself much less so. Becoming a doctor was not my only goal in life but somehow overshadowed the rest. While my chosen specialty is not the most competitive to enter, the potential toll of the job on personal wellbeing over the course of a career is not to be underestimated. The culture of medicine can make it feel as though your worth is measured by how much of yourself you are willing to sacrifice for it, and I cannot allow myself to believe this. I work hard at becoming a good doctor, and I must work at least equally hard at becoming a good person. So I asked myself some questions: What expectations do I hold for others but fall short of, myself? Do I live out my faith as I want to? Am I learning about other important areas of my adult life; relationships, finances, wellbeing; as much as I am my job? I approached my 2026 goal-setting with these questions in mind, considering aspects such as health, finances and personal development (which I like to call ✨enrichment✨) and considering how I can be more intentional about investing in them. Here’s what that looked like in practice: Scheduling time for things outside medicine (not just fitting them in “if there’s time”) Actively learning about finances and long-term stability Having honest conversations with seniors about life beyond medicine I stopped defining success solely by how I felt my career was progressing, and more by my contentment with my life as a whole. Since F1 have often asked registrars to share their thoughts on contentment in life. As with many things, the experiences of those more senior can be invaluable to change perspective and even to avoid mistakes. I know that if I’m not intentional about it, work may easily become the only metric by which I measure my life. My career may last another 40 years, but my life may last much, much longer. I have to be happy with how I live it. Written by Dr Cynthia Sumah

This International Women’s Month, we’re celebrating the women within the Melanin Medics community who are not only part of medicine, but actively shaping it. We asked two leaders within Melanin Medics the same set of questions, reflecting on joy, purpose, community, and paving the way forward! Dr Olamide Oguntimehin, Founder, Melanin Medics Dr Oyinda Adeniyi, Director of Communications, Melanin Medics What is something about medicine that brings you the most joy or fulfilment? Olamide: “Seeing patients get better, knowing that you’ve made a difference, and knowing that you’ve helped. Even when their families are appreciative, that’s something that means a lot to me. And also the community you find in medicine. Seeing people that I’ve helped in their own journeys excel really brings me so much joy.” Oyinda: “The idea that small actions, like prescribing, putting together a management plan, or discussing a patient case, can have such a big impact on a patient’s quality of life. What feels trivial can actually be transformative. Every single day can be impactful when you look at it like that.” What does it mean to you to see Black women continuing to shape and lead within medicine? Olamide: “I think it’s really powerful. It’s easy to forget how far women have had to come in medicine, let alone Black women. To see them excel despite obstacles and lack of support in certain spaces is really powerful. I look to the next generation hoping they won’t go through the same challenges I’ve been through, just as my mentors hoped the same for me.” Oyinda: “Being the first doctor in my family, and the first female doctor, means legacy. It impacts how I work. I want to do everything with a spirit of excellence. Not because I have to be excellent, but because I get to be.” What makes you most proud when you look at the Melanin Medics community today? Olamide: “Seeing the friendships that are formed. People coming to events not knowing each other and leaving as friends or study buddies. It’s amazing to see how far-reaching the community is and the impact it has on people’s lives and their professional careers.” Oyinda: “Seeing people come to events, find mentors, and even get into medical school because of the opportunities Melanin Medics has given them. And also seeing transformation in team members. People growing in leadership, thinking differently, and learning to innovate together. That’s something really special.” What continues to motivate you in your journey in medicine? “Medicine is an avenue for serving, for justice in health provision, and for healing. It motivates me because you can do good every single day. And you can use your medical degree as a springboard to do more good, through outreach, leadership, or other opportunities.” What advice would you give to women aspiring to work in healthcare? “Find mentors. Find people who will lift you as they climb. Find people who remind you that there is light and joy coming, and that it’s not all doom and gloom. And find a community that can support you when you feel like you can’t do it. People who can pour into you when you need it.” Looking Ahead! These reflections remind us that medicine is more than a career. It is impact, community, legacy, and service. Within Melanin Medics, it is also a space where Black women are supported to grow, lead, and create change. Join the Conversation! As we wrap up International Women’s Month: Who are the women in medicine that inspire you? How will you use your journey to uplift others?

As healthcare professionals and students, it is so easy to neglect caring for ourselves while caring for other people. After all, we have a duty of care to our patients and the community around us. Yet, if we are honest, many of us struggle to rest without guilt. Medicine can quietly teach us that being constantly busy is a badge of honour. Over time, we may begin to feel that slowing down means we are doing something wrong. But rest is not a weakness. It is one of the ways we protect the very heart that led us into this profession. This matters more than we often admit, especially given the well-recognised link between inadequate rest and burnout in healthcare professionals. However, in this month of love, it is important to reiterate that we must love ourselves first to be able to love others effectively. You cannot pour from an empty cup! So, here are some tips and tricks to ensure that we show ourselves some love: 1. Start the day right One way I am learning to love myself more is by ensuring that I start my day in a way that serves me well, so that serving others becomes slightly easier. For me, that means having a wake-up routine to look forward to. This involves having a shower with my favourite playlist playing, then having breakfast and journalling before heading off. Whilst this does mean I wake up slightly earlier than I need to, it helps me feel much more refreshed before starting my day. Perhaps you are a morning gym person! Organising your day so that you can head to the gym before starting your shift or lectures could completely change your outlook for the rest of the day. 2. Take your time away seriously Book that annual leave. Go on holiday. See your time off as sacred time to spend with family or loved ones, or, if you need to, by yourself. If rewarding yourself after a long period of work means bed-rotting for a couple of hours before doing something else, do it! If you find comfort in reorganising your whole bedroom on your time off, do it with a great playlist and enjoy that time away. Even on a daily basis, being able to properly rest when you are away from work gives you the opportunity to refill your cup. 3. Find a community and take part There are so many communities out there that can give you a routine and something to look forward to in the week beyond on-call weekends or 9–5 placement days. Whether this is faith spaces, book clubs, run clubs, sports teams, or more, there is a third space out there for everyone. At Melanin Medics, we also run social events for medics to network, relax, and make friends. We had the Summer Social last year, and we have our International Women’s Day brunch coming up in March. 4. Learn your own love language Love languages are a psychological concept that has become much more popular in everyday conversation. The five commonly described love languages are Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Physical Touch, Acts of Service, and Receiving Gifts. Whilst it is important to understand other people’s love languages, learning your own can help you love yourself more intentionally. For example, if you know that your love language is quality time, take yourself out on a solo date. If it is receiving gifts, when you get that pay cheque at the end of the month or when you pass that exam, celebrate yourself with something meaningful. I love doing this. This way, you are showing yourself love in the way you receive it best. There are many other ways to show yourself love and care this month. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on how you currently care for yourself and where you could be more intentional. We would love to hear from you!  What is one way you are choosing to practise self-love during this season of training or work?  Share your reflections in the comments or connect with the Melanin Medics community to continue the conversation. If this post resonated with you, consider sharing it with a friend or colleague who might need the reminder too! Happy Love Month!

Thinking about opportunities beyond the NHS? Not sure where your medical degree could take you? This event is for you. Events Upcoming Event: Medicine Reimagined 11/05/26, 11:00 Thinking about opportunities beyond the NHS? Not sure where your medical degree could take you? This event is for you. In a time when medicine can feel uncertain, with questions around job security, training pathways, and the future of the profession, it’s easy to feel unsure about what comes next. This event is here to show you that your medical degree opens far more doors than you might think. Join us this summer for an interactive careers experience exploring non-traditional pathways in medicine. Through short talks and candid Q&As, speakers will share their journeys, challenges, and practical advice. The event will end with networking giving you space to connect, ask questions, and plan your next steps. Open to medical students and doctors at all stages, whether you’re just curious, exploring or ready for change, there’s something here for you! Register Now Previous Next

Stay up to date with our latest news, updates and Melanin Medics announcements NEWS Stay up to date with our latest news, updates and announcements Filter by Audience Aspiring Medics Doctors Medical Students Research Upcoming Event: Medicine Reimagined 11 May 2026 Thinking about opportunities beyond the NHS? Not sure where your medical degree could take you? This event is for you. READ MORE Virtual Research Conference 2026 25 Mar 2026 Join us for a virtual conference exploring medical research. With Keynote Speakers, workshops oral and poster presentations with prizes and more. READ MORE Specialty Insight Webinar Series 20 Mar 2026 The Specialty Spotlight Webinar Series is a 4-part webinar series aimed at medical students, designed to provide practical, experience-based insight into different medical career pathways. READ MORE International Women's Day Brunch - GET YOUR TICKET! 7 Feb 2026 An intimate gathering offering an opportunity to network with like-minded women, share experiences, and hear from inspiring speakers. READ MORE APPLICATIONS OPEN: Join the Envision Med Programme 5 Jan 2026 Sign up to be a participant or mentor on the Envision Med Programme! READ MORE Table Talk: Men’s Health in Motion 3 Nov 2025 Join us for night of connection, table tennis and conversations about men's health. READ MORE Applications Open: MedSteps Programme 19 Sept 2025 The MedSteps Programme is a 4-month development programme for 2nd year medical students of black heritage, designed to enhance confidence, community and career readiness. READ MORE New Melanin Medics Merchandise - SHOP NOW! 2 Sept 2025 We’re delighted to announce the launch of our official Melanin Medics merchandise collection! READ MORE Envision Research Summer School 2025 - APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN! 9 Jul 2025 We’re excited to announce that applications are now open for the Envision Research Summer School. READ MORE Join the Melanin Medics Team 29 Jun 2025 We are currently seeking individuals who are committed to advancing healthcare and promoting diversity in the field. READ MORE 8 Years of Melanin Medics 28 Jun 2025 Read our 2024 Impact Report celebrating our 8th year of impact, community and excellence. READ MORE SurgIn: The Lewin Programme - Applications Now OPEN! 9 Jun 2025 We are thrilled to announce that applications are officially open for SurgIn: The Lewin Programme! READ MORE

Melanin Medics is a national charity promoting racial diversity in Medicine, widening aspirations and aiding career progression. We equip and support black medical students and black doctors in the UK to advance in their careers, connect with peers and grow professionally.  Empowering current & future doctors of black heritage A national charity promoting racial diversity in Medicine, widening aspirations and aiding career progression. DONATE FIND OUT MORE Community is at the heart of what we do We ensure young people, medical students and doctors black African and Caribbean descent have the opportunity, community and resources to excel in their medical education and careers. LEARN MORE Home to the largest intergenerational network of black medical students and doctors in the UK For aspiring doctors Whether you are a young person or a postgraduate student thinking about becoming a doctor, we can help you! For medical students Whether you are in you are an undergraduate, intercalating or postgraduate, we can help you! For doctors We help doctors to thrive and progress through your medical career through resources & events. FIND OUT MORE Making a difference through mentoring At Melanin Medics, we support the individual through role modelling, mentoring and career support. We influence their environment through outreach, advocacy and workshops. LEARN MORE Keep up with the latest news & blog articles READ OUR NEWS VISIT THE BLOG Events Upcoming Event: Medicine Reimagined Opportunities, Events Virtual Research Conference 2026 Trusted By We champion racial equity in medicine, for the benefit of the workforce and patients. We widen access to medical school and medical specialty training for black young people, medical students and doctors. We equip and support black medical students and doctors to advance in their careers, connect with peers and grow professionally. We educate current and future healthcare professionals about how to care and advocate for patients from diverse backgrounds.