As the next cycle of our Enrichment Programme begins, we thought to give some insights into some misconceptions about foundation medical training in the UK! Misconception no. 1: Choosing individual rotations A common misconception we have heard is that most medical students believe you can choose each of your rotations individually, tailoring your foundation programme entirely to your interests. However, in actuality, most foundation jobs have the full set of six rotations across F1 and F2 pre-allocated to you. This means, once you’re matched to a programme you may be automatically assigned specific specialties and locations for both years, with limited flexibility to swap. So, make sure you research the foundation school you’re applying to, making sure it has specialties you are interested in! Misconception no.2: Portfolio requirements Portfolio forms, sign-offs, reflections—they don’t end after finals. If anything, they matter even more now.  It’s easy to underestimate how much ongoing assessment continues during foundation training. ARCP (Annual Review of Competency Progression) comes around faster than you’d expect, especially if you’re only just getting the hang of your ward job.  Start early, ask questions, and stay organised—you’ll thank yourself when ARCP rolls around. Misconception no. 3: full GMC graduation Many students think full GMC registration only happens after F2, but actually, it’s granted after F1— as long as you get a satisfactory Certificate of Completion . This means you're officially recognised as a fully registered doctor with the GMC, and you can start applying for specialty training (if you want to), work locum shifts more freely, or even take an FY3 year if that’s part of your plan. Knowing this early can help with career planning—especially if you're thinking about taking a break after F2 or applying for competitive training programmes that require full registration at the point of application.  Just make sure you stay on top of your e-portfolio, supervisor meetings, and assessments—because any delays in your F1 sign-off can hold up your registration. Misconception no.4: Specialty Applications The foundation programme is thought to give you two full years to explore different specialties and then decide what to apply for. However, in practice, applications for specialty training open in October of F2, which is very early in the programme, usually during your 1st rotation. This means that you might not have the chance to experience all the specialties you're considering before making decisions about your specialty career path. This leaves many doctors applying based on limited experiences or relying on insights gained during medical school or early F1. Moreover, if you want to apply for specialty training after F2 you must be building your portfolio throughout later years in medical school and F1. Even if you’re not 100% sure what you want to do, start narrowing things down in med school or early F1. You’ll be surprised how quickly October of F2 rolls around— having some portfolio evidence or specialty-specific insights by then really helps. Misconception no.5: No spare time! As a foundation doctor, you’ll have more time than you think—yes, even with nights, long days, and weekend shifts. But to truly make the most of it (and protect your wellbeing), you’ll need to be intentional. Plan your annual leave around zero days and weekends to create longer stretches of rest, and use those windows to actually recharge—not just catch up on life admin. Whether it’s a proper break, a weekend away, or just time to do nothing, prioritising rest is just as important as ticking off portfolio tasks. Burnout is real, and planning your time well is one of the simplest ways to guard against it. When the rota drops, grab a calendar and block out any golden weekends or clusters of zero days. Then, slot in annual leave strategically to stretch out your time off. Even adding just one or two days can turn a regular weekend into a mini reset—and your future self will thank you for it. Starting foundation training can feel like stepping into the unknown—but the more informed you are, the more empowered you’ll feel. Whether you’re navigating portfolios, planning your career, or just trying to find your rhythm, you don’t have to figure it out alone. That’s exactly why our  Enrichment Programme  exists—to support current Black medics with mentorship, guidance, and community. If you're a final year medical student looking to get ahead with confidence, connection, and clarity, this programme is for you.   Applications are now open—find out more via this link

This month is all about women! Women’s History Month is our time to recognise and celebrate the contributions of women to history, culture and society. This is so important as we must acknowledge and celebrate these achievements as well as highlight the unique challenges women face in the home, within their careers and in society. We ensure that during this month we highlight these challenges but also celebrate the great things women do! It’s important that we all come together as allies for women, which involves not only awareness of the issues and successes but actionable things we can do for them. Allyship is an ongoing process of learning support and advocating for women. Within healthcare, this can be through bringing awareness to the gender disparities in the workplace such as leadership gaps, bias in research and discrimination. So, we must see how we can practically be an ally for women of all backgrounds within the industry, the home and all backgrounds. Being an ally isn’t just about being aware of these challenges—it’s about actively supporting women in meaningful ways. So, what can you do to be a better ally? 1.        Educate Yourself To be a good ally, read about the contributions of women in medicine (or any other field), and the barriers that they may face. Not only that, follow and amplify the voices of female medical professionals, especially those from minority backgrounds. Make it a point to recognise the biases in medical education and clinical practice, as well as your own biases.  Why not try this:  read a book by a female author in your field or follow a female thought leader on social media today. 2.        Speak up and challenge bias! Once you educate yourself on these biases, call them out! It is so important to be an advocate for women in the workplace – this can be done by calling out microaggressions and gender bias in conversations and decision-making. Let them know that their contributions are acknowledged, and they are heard.  Try this today:  In your next meeting or group discussion, be mindful of whose voices are being heard, and make space for women to contribute. 3.        Support and mentorship If you know a woman who aspires to be in your position, perhaps from an underrepresented background, offer your support and mentorship to them. A great example is the Akaya Foundation which offers mentorship to young ladies in Ghana, and is now opening in the UK, encouraging wellness and leadership. Also, show your support by acknowledging and celebrating women’s success publicly! Try this today:  Reach out to a woman in your field and offer encouragement or practical advice. 4.        Be Intentional about inclusion Advocate for diverse panels, speakers and leadership in conferences and in the workplace. For example, if you’re organising an event or discussion, make sure women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, are included as speakers.  This can also be done by pushing for family-friendly policies like flexible working hours and parental leave, this will recognise and support the additional caregiving burdens many women face.  Try this today: If you notice a female colleague struggling with balancing work and life, offer support—whether that’s sharing resources or simply listening. 5.        Beyond Women’s History Month I encourage you to commit yourself to a lifelong learning and allyship. Keep advocating for change in policies, pay equity and representation. Check in on the women in your life; your friends, sisters, mothers, and partners. Ask how you can support them in their goals and challenges. Allyship requires action, not just words.  Try this today:  Choose one tangible step from this blog and put it into practice. Let us know in the comments—what action will you take to support women today?

Medical school (and life as a doctor) is a never ending journey. Between placement, lectures, long shifts, studying for exams, and managing the chaos of rotations, finding time for friendships and relationships can seem impossible. But here's the truth: those relationships are more important than ever. So, a question I always have is how do I maintain these friendships when I feel like I have no time at all? Here are some things I’ve been thinking about: In the medical journey there are highs and lows, moments of triumph, and moments of sheer exhaustion. And that’s where friendships come in. Having a close friend (or two, three or more!) can make all the difference. Your friends in medical school / workplace Friends within medicine offer emotional support, a space to vent, and someone who understands when things get overwhelming. They’re there to celebrate the small and the big victories with you! Importantly, they help keep you grounded, reminding you that you're more than just a student or a doctor—you’re a human, too. In medicine, your colleagues start to become like family. You spend countless hours together, with the shared experiences creating sometimes very strong bonds. With intention, some of these bonds can become lasting friendships. The key is being intentional. Even though you’re all busy, taking time to connect beyond just studying or working goes a long way. Grabbing lunch between lectures, sending a text asking how a friend is handling their shift, or sharing a funny meme to lighten the mood are all ways to show your intent. Your friends outside of work! Having relationships outside of medicine however is just as crucial. It’s easy to get sucked into the "medical bubble," but friends from other walks of life can provide perspective and a reminder that there’s more to life than the next patient or case. They help you recharge and maintain your sanity! Sometimes, the last thing you want to do after a long day is socialise. But keeping in touch with friends outside of school or work is key to balancing your life. Whether it’s a weekly phone call, a spontaneous catch-up, or just sending a quick message, maintaining those connections helps you feel less isolated. You don’t need to hang out every weekend or host big get-togethers. It’s the small, consistent efforts that count. Even just a quick text or a “Hey, how’s your week been?” can make a huge difference in maintaining friendships when you’re stretched thin. Balancing it all Overall, to maintain your relationships as a medic, you must balance study time, clinical work, and your personal life. One thing that helps me is scheduling ‘dates’ with my friends on my calendar, just like I would schedule a shift or the time I will spend in the library. This allows me to plan in advance and protect the time I have for my friends. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to say no sometimes –  you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritize the moments that matter and be realistic about what you can handle. Your friends will understand, especially if you communicate openly about it. Acknowledging the guilt that comes with saying no. Unfortunately, there is always the guilt that comes with saying no, or with having a schedule so packed that you miss a birthday, a wedding, or even cancel plans three times in a row. I find this to be a normal feeling among medics, where we feel torn between our personal and professional lives. However, it's important not to let that guilt consume you. When you do get time to spend with your loved ones, it’s important to stay engaged with your friends and loved ones, even when you don’t have much time. Be mentally present as well as physically present. Taking the time to do these things reminds you that there is more to life than work and exams. Stay connected! At the end of the day, your friendships and relationships are what will keep you going during the tough times. They remind you that you're not alone on this journey and that there’s more to life than just the next clinical task or study session. So, even when life gets hectic, make the time. Your friends (and you) will be grateful. And speaking of making time for the people who matter—International Women's Day is just around the corner! If you're looking for a great way to connect with your peers and celebrate the women who support and inspire you, consider joining us for a special International Women's Day Brunch . It’s the perfect opportunity to take a break from the grind, share a meal, and celebrate friendship, empowerment, and the incredible women in our lives. Mark your calendars, and let’s make time for each other! www.melaninmedics.com/events

We're supporting current and future generations of black doctors in the United Kingdom. Our mission is to promote racial diversity in Medicine, widening aspirations and aiding career progression through educational programmes, social empowerment and valuable resources. ABOUT Supporting current and future generations of black doctors in the UK Melanin Medics is a national charity promoting racial diversity in Medicine, widening aspirations and aiding career progression. How we do it We support individuals to Get In to medical school, Get Through medical training and Get Up by progressing in their medical career. Access: Get In Insight & Exposure: Delivering School Outreach activities to help young people realise career ambitions in medicine and see role models. Access: Providing medicine application support and mentoring on the Envision Med Programme to successfully apply to medical school. Attainment: Get Through Identity & Performance: Increasing confidence navigating their medical careers and providing resources to excel in medical education. Supportive Environment: Advocating for a work environment that values diversity and building community through the formation of professional relationships Advancement: Get Up Development: Creating opportunities to support personal and career development through educational events and workshops. Opportunity: Increasing representation across all stages of the medical workforce and building research capacity amongst individuals. Influencing their environment By promoting an environment in which diversity in medicine thrives, current and future black medical students and doctors are able to be their authentic selves in an environment that truly supports them and values their contributions. FIND OUT MORE Our Values Integrity We are accountable to the people and partners we humbly serve, transparently sharing our activities, results, and developments. Community Community is at the very core of what we do. Our work is made possible through the contributions of several volunteers, partners and supporters. Charity We focus on serving those around us who are in need and utilising our resources to support individuals on their career development journeys. Commitment Since our establishment, we have been committed to fulfilling our aim of promoting diversity in medicine and working towards the actualisation of our vision. Excellence We focus on implementing innovative and practical solutions to a high standard to maximise our impact and bring about necessary change. FIND OUT MORE 01. Representation in UK Medical Schools Black students make up 12% of applicants to medical school and only 5% of medical school entrants to standard medical degree courses. 02. Differential attainment in postgraduate exams UK medical graduates of black/black british heritage have lower pass rates in specialty exams (62%) compared to UK white trainees (79%). 03. Disproportionate disciplinary action Doctors from ethnic minority backgrounds were twice as likely to be referred to the GMC by their employer for fitness to practise concerns than white doctors. 04. Ethnicity pay gap Median basic pay for white consultants is 3.5% higher than black/black British consultants, showcasing the ethnicity pay gap. 05. Racism and discrimination 60% of doctors who experienced racism said that the incident had negatively impacted their wellbeing, including causing depression, anxiety, and increased stress levels. 06. Absence of diversity and inclusion in the workplace 55% of BAME doctors said there was respect for diversity and a culture of inclusion in their workplace compared to 75% of white doctors. Why black students & doctors need our support We champion racial equity in medicine , for the benefit of the workforce and patients. Our Mission Our mission is to promote racial diversity in Medicine, widening aspirations and aiding career progression through educational programmes, social empowerment and valuable resources. Our Vision We envision a future where diversity in Medicine thrives and every person is able to fulfil their maximum potential irrespective of their race and socioeconomic background.

A career development programme designed to support aspiring and current surgeons in training of Black African and Caribbean or mixed race heritage practising in the UK. PROGRAMMES SurgIn: The Lewin Programme A career development programme designed to support aspiring and current surgeons in training of Black African and Caribbean or mixed race heritage practising in the UK. SIGN UP NOW Confidently navigate the pathway needed towards a successful surgical career Community: Expand your network and connect with your peers and seniors Access: Receive the tools and resources to access various roles in surgery Advancement: To support career advancement and leadership development in surgery Retention: To address the challenges pertaining to the black surgical experience About the programme SurgIn: The Lewin Programme is a 10 month career development programme designed to support aspiring and current surgeons in training of Black African and Caribbean or mixed race heritage practising in the UK. The programme takes a unique approach to establish a community of like-minded individuals who share an interest in surgery and support their career development through a series of curated sessions. We aim to provide programme participants with the insight needed to achieve successful careers in surgery. This programme is supported by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED What the programme includes 'SurgIn' stands for Surgical Insights. Our participants will confidently navigate the pathway needed towards a successful surgical career. A 'safe' space will be created for participants while you gain unique insights over the course of the programme. Core session 1: Careers Speed Dating & Portfolio Review Core session 2: Interview Preparation Core session 3: Leadership & Innovation Finale session: The Surgeons' Sit Down Peer-to-peer support groups Session delivery by senior surgical colleagues Receive a certificate at the end of the programme, demonstrating commitment to Surgery Top of page Aims Overview Features Join the programme Testimonials Become a mentor Join the programme WHO SHOULD ENROL? Aspiring surgeons in foundation training, core surgical training, non-training programmes and junior registrar grades up to ST6 of Black African and Caribbean or mixed race heritage. You will be interact with surgical seniors and peers during the in-person sessions. As a SurgIn Programme participant, you will be required to do the following: Commit to attending the 4 in-person core sessions over the course of the year Participate in career development session activities Submit feedback on the programme Applying to the SurgIn Programme does not guarantee you a place as spaces are limited. Applications are assessed based on the quality (not on professional or academic accomplishments). SIGN UP NOW What participants say We pay ode to Monica Lewin who was was the first Jamaican woman to become a a fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of England. She studied Medicine at the Royal Free Hospital in London and after graduating she worked at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital and the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital. Ms Lewin was undoubtedly a trailblazer at a time when there were few black or minority ethnic surgeons in the UK. Her career illustrates the personal determination that often underlies extraordinary achievement by people from under-represented groups. We wish to honour her legacy. Become a mentor on the programme Ambassadors must be a UK-based Surgeons registered with the GMC You will participate in an in-person session to give participants a better understanding of how to succeed in their surgical careers. This is an informal mentoring role. Ambassadors can range from Core surgical trainees to surgical registrars, consultants or retired surgeons ; due to our mixed cohort of participants. Applying to the SurgIn Programme does not guarantee you a place. Applications are assessed based on the quality. As an SurgIn Ambassador, you will be required to do the following: Attend and contribute to a SurgIn session during the programme year Utilise the available training resources Submit feedback on the SurgIn Programme Suggest and share resources with SurgIn participants Receive a certificate supported by the Royal College of Surgeons of England at the end of the programme for your contribution (Education & Leadership). SIGN UP NOW

The Aspiring Doctors Network is a supportive community for black aspiring doctors. We offer a range of programmes, events and services tailored to the unique needs of aspiring doctors. These resources include access to expert mentorship, scholarship opportunities, and networking events that enable aspiring doctors to connect with established professionals in their field. For Aspiring Doctors Join hundreds of black aspiring doctors in our network For UK based GCSE students (Year 10 & 11), A-Level students, university students of black heritage or parents of UK based black aspiring doctors. JOIN NOW Helping you to successfully apply to medical school and fulfil your dream Medicine application support Benefit from our free medicine application resources including personal statement and interview support. Guidance from mentors Receive advice and guidance from mentors and role models with lived experience applying to medical school successfully. Connecting with others Connect with like-minded peers with similar aspirations. Learn from each other and build your support network. FIND OUT MORE What's on offer? We offer a range of programmes, events and services tailored to the unique needs of aspiring doctors. These resources include access to expert mentorship, scholarship opportunities, and networking events that enable aspiring doctors to connect with established professionals in their field. FIND OUT MORE Join the Envision Med Programme Find out more Medical School Mock Interviews Webinar Find out more Envision Med Summer Research Programme Find out more What is the Aspiring Doctors Network? The Aspiring Doctors Network is a digital community that allows black aspiring doctors to stay informed of the resources, programmes and services that Melanin Medics provide to support them in achieving their career aspirations. Who can join the network? UK based GCSE Students (Year 10 & 11), A-Level Students or University Students of black heritage who aspire to become doctors Parents of UK based aspiring doctors of black heritage What are the benefits of joining the network? Access the largest intergenerational network of black medical students and doctors Application building opportunities Discounted access to local, national and online events Access and support to apply for grants and bursaries Exclusive discounts, resources and events What is the cost to join the network? The network is FREE to join. You are more than welcome to make a donation to our charity. What support do Melanin Medics provide to aspiring doctors? Personal Statement Reviews: Receive tailored feedback on your Medical Personal Statement for FREE Mentoring: Be mentored by a medical student or doctor on the Envision Med Programme Interview Preparation: Take part in a FREE Mock Interview to prepare you for your medical school interview Events: Attend our events and workshops to help you build a strong application Advice: Contact our team of volunteers for any advice you require on the application process Guides & Resources: Use our step by step guides to help you with your Medicine Application Join the Aspiring Medics Network JOIN NOW