By Dr Grace Ogwel (Obstetrics and Gynaecology ST1) The Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) is a major stepping stone in the specialty training journey. As resident doctors, we all know that entry into specialty training is more competitive than ever and for many of us, just seeing those four letters can trigger a collective sigh (or panic). This guide focuses on: what the MSRA actually involves how scoring works the revision strategies that helped me the mistakes to avoid the most useful resources I used My goal is to help you revise smartly, not endlessly! What is the MSRA? Why does it matter? The MSRA is a 170 minute, computer-based exam consisting of two parts. ​​1. Professional Dilemmas (PD) – 95 minutes, 50 questions This section tests your judgement, prioritisation, communication skills, and ethical reasoning. You’ll encounter situations from a variety of clinical settings, from hospitals to GP clinics, and occasionally even non-medical settings e.g. you overhear a conversation about a patient on a bus. 2. Clinical Problem Solving (CPS) – 75 minutes, 97 questions This is where your medical knowledge gets put to the test. It’s about applying knowledge safely and effectively, just like you do every day on the wards.  The MSRA carries different weights depending on the specialty. When I applied for O&G, my score was used to shortlist candidates and determine whether I was called to interview. Following the interview, it made up 33% of my final ranking.  Most specialties have an interview as part of the application process and the MSRA is important in shortlisting candidates for interview. For General practice (GP) and Psychiatry, the MSRA score is the only  tool used in the allocation of offers.  Please take the time to look into exactly what the application process consists of for the specialty(s) you are applying for Key MSRA dates Applications open: 23rd October 2025 Applications close: 20th November 2025 MSRA exam dates Testing window 1 (all specialties): 6-19th January 2026 Testing window 2 (GP and Psychiatry): 12-25th February 2026 Recruitment outcomes:  17th March 2026 How MSRA Scoring Works (Simple Breakdown) The exam draws from a bank of MSRA questions, with individual test papers curated from this pool. Each section is scored separately at first, giving you your raw scores. These are then scaled to account for how tough that particular exam was and to show how you performed relative to other candidates. The scaled scores from CPS and PD are then combined into your overall MSRA score. A score of 575+ is generally considered competitive across most specialties. But it’s not just about the combined score — some specialties also require you to hit a minimum score in each section before you can even be considered for shortlisting. Professional Dilemmas (PD) MSRA Tips: How to Approach Questions Effectively When I first started revising, the PD paper seemed like the “easier” half of the MSRA. I had done similar situational judgement exams back in medical school and remembered doing fairly well. That said, I know that cohorts of resident doctors who graduated after 2022 may not have had exposure to SJT-style assessments. For you, Professional Dilemmas can feel really daunting or, on the flip side, there’s a risk of assuming it’s simple, something you can tackle with just “common sense,” and that it doesn’t require as much prep as the Clinical Problem Solving section. A key point to remember: each section is weighted evenly.  Important :  Don’t underestimate PD section, it can make or break your score! If you’ve never done an SJT, struggled with it in the past, or think there’s no way to approach it strategically, think again! There is a logic and a structure to this section, and everything ties back to the GMC. Your goal is to be the doctor the GMC wants you to be. To do this, at the very least make sure you read: Good medical practice General Professional Capabilities Framework The PD section primarily assess three key domains: Professional integrity  Coping with pressure  Empathy and sensitivity  MSRA PD Section: Question Types and How to Tackle Them Ranking questions:  These ask you to order actions from most to least appropriate.  Multiple-choice (combination) questions : These ask you to select three actions that, together, safely resolve the situation. MSRA PD Section Strategy: How to approach Professional Dilemmas Read the question carefully Identify the domain being tested e.g. is a colleague lying and my professional integrity being tested? Anchor yourself in GMC guidance Choose the safest, most professional action based on GMC ideals Important: Use one question bank for PD, different banks will use slightly different reasoning and this can add confusion (and stress!) MSRA Clinical Problem Solving (CPS): How to approach and ace this section CPS is knowledge based but is aimed at the level of foundation level doctors. The challenge you will find is timing (you have 75 minutes to answer 97 questions), and possibly revising topics you haven't encountered since medical school(!)  In this section you need to work quickly  and decisively .  The CPS section tests: investigations, diagnosis, emergencies, prescribing  and management decisions  Clinical topics covered in the CPS section: Cardiovascular Dermatology / ENT / Eyes Endocrinology / Metabolic Gastroenterology / Nutrition Infectious disease / Haematology / Immunology / Allergies / Genetics Musculoskeletal Paediatrics Pharmacology and Therapeutics Psychiatry / Neurology Renal / Urology Reproductive Respiratory Tip: Some subjects weigh far more heavily than others. For example, paediatrics alone carries the same weight as infectious disease, haematology, immunology, allergies and genetics combined. Prioritise these larger, high-yield topics first before moving on to smaller areas. Effective Approach to MSRA Clinical Problem Solving (CPS) Section If you’re sitting the MSRA, chances are you’ve already passed many tough exams to get this far, so you probably already know what works for you. That said, here are a few things I would recommend: Start timed practice early.  Getting used to the clock from the beginning makes a huge difference. Read around the topics.  Don’t just answer questions, make sure you understand the underlying principles. Tools like the Knowledge Bank in Passmedicine can help you do this efficiently. Do full timed mocks once you’re underway in your revision.  Simulating the real exam conditions will help build both stamina and confidence. Keep CPS questions simple.  The stems are short and sometimes feel like there isn’t enough information. Don’t overcomplicate things, focus on what’s being asked and apply your knowledge safely. I found that MCQbank had the most realistic question style. Answer every question.  There is no negative marking , so even if you’re unsure, pick an answer, flag it, and move on. Leaving questions blank is a missed opportunity. Top Resources for MSRA Preparation: Study Tips from My Experience Passmedicine MCQBank  Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine  Oxford Handbook of Clinical Specialties  Peers  GMC Good Medical Practice  GMC Generic Professional Capabilities Framework https://heeoe.hee.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/msra_test_blueprint_information_nov_2019.pdf   MSRA Exam Day Tips: How to Stay Calm and Maximise Your Score Arrive early.  Give yourself time to settle, breathe, and get into the right headspace. Eat properly beforehand.  A long exam + an empty stomach = unnecessary stress. Fuel yourself well! Use your 5-minute break between PD and CPS.  Step away from the screen, breathe, stretch and reset. Report any issues immediately.  If something goes wrong during the test, speak to the local invigilator straight away. Raise concerns within 24 hours.  If anything affected your performance, submit this through Oriel/HEE within 24 hours. Answer every question.  If you’re unsure: pick something → flag it → move on. There is no negative marking, so leaving a question blank is never worth it! I really hope this brief guide has been helpful, and I’m wishing you all the success in your MSRA. Please remember: specialty training entry is increasingly (and unnecessarily) competitive, and your exam result is not a reflection of your worth as a person or as a doctor. You are valuable regardless of the outcome. Best of luck with your preparation, you’ve got this! ​​If you have questions after reading this, please reach out, Melanin Medics is here to support you every step of the way.

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

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. R eframing 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

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 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 Building Your Medical Portfolio - Medical Students 28 May 2025 A practical guide for medical students on building a strong portfolio. READ MORE Money Matters 25 Apr 2025 A financial empowerment panel and networking event for black doctors READ MORE The Enrichment Programme: Become a mentee or mentor 25 Mar 2025 We are now recruiting both participants and mentors: if you are a final-year medical student seeking tailored support or a doctor eager to empower the next generation, we invite you to join us. READ MORE Innovate for Impact 25 Mar 2025 An interactive event for medical students to explore careers in innovation, medtech and health policy while collaborating on solutions to real-world health challenges READ MORE

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. Programmes Applications Open: MedSteps Programme 19/09/25, 11:00 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. Applications Open: MedSteps Programme Are you a second-year Black heritage medical student looking to excel in medical school? MedSteps is designed to equip you with the skills, confidence, and support network to thrive both academically and personally. Over the course of four months, participants will benefit from: Webinars on effective study strategies, exam preparation and managing clinical placements Tools and guidance to strengthen wellbeing, resilience and confidence Career development workshops including CV building, networking and professional insights An in-person networking and career development event The opportunity to connect with and learn from other Black heritage medical students Eligibility: Second-year medical students of Black African or Caribbean heritage at UK medical schools. Register here: https://www.melaninmedics.com/programmes-1/med-steps-programme Take the next step with MedSteps - building confidence, community, and career readiness. Previous Next

Listen to the Journey of a Black Medic podcast episode in collaboration with NHS Practitioner Health Podcast NHS Practitioner Health BHM Podcast 21/10/24, 11:00 Listen to the Journey of a Black Medic podcast episode in collaboration with NHS Practitioner Health As part of Black History Month, we would like to highlight a recent podcast in collaboration with NHS Practitioner Health. NHS Practitioner Health clinicians Dr Eleanor Cole and Dr Leon Francis are joined by our very own Melanin Medics CEO Dr Olamide Oguntimehin to discuss the journey of a black medic. Starting from the mental health of black medical students and trainees, Eleanor, Leon, and Olamide follow the black medics' journey throughout their careers in medicine, and the mental health challenges that come along with it. To listen to the full episode, click the link below. Listen Now Previous Next