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

IMG…International Medical Graduate. ‘A physician who has received their medical degree from a location outside of their current country of practice.’ This is not a term that I had ever identified with in my medical career until this point. Not a term that I gave a second thought to until now, where it has basically defined my identity as a part of the NHS. My name is Aisha and I am a proud Saint Lucian, A fact that you would most certainly gather within 5 minutes of meeting me, as I never miss an opportunity to brag about my beautiful Saint Lucia. I would also consider myself to have a second home on Jamaican soil as I had the privilege of living there for 5 years while attending medical school. Earning a medical degree from the University of the West indies (UWI), Mona Campus and practicing medicine in my early career, in my beautiful island home of Saint Lucia meant that I never really felt out of place. I was always Home. The term IMG was far from my mind indeed…until of course moving to the United Kingdom to pursue my medical career further. I went through the requisite processes (examinations and professional registration) and was able to finally secure a post in a busy Orthopaedic department in London. ‘This is it!’, I thought. ‘This is the beginning of fulfilling my dreams!’, ‘the first rung in the ladder to becoming a Trauma & Orthopaedic consultant’. The excitement and butterflies continued as I realised that all I had to do was put my best foot forward, work hard and be a team player. Essentially what I have been doing in my career thus far. The anticipation continued to build when I imagined receiving one of those NHS lanyards that I had seen being donned by some of my fellow UWI grads who had made the trek. Maybe even a ‘Hello my Name is’ badge. I was all set to present myself in the best way possible, shine my metaphorical shoes, re-braid my hair, get my edges just right ( you know…the vital stuff!). It honestly felt like the first day of school all over again. What could stop me with my ‘can do’ attitude? This was going to be amazing!!! Soon, those first day butterflies turned into jitters which then extended to first week and first month worries of not ‘getting it’. The trauma meeting dress-down I received in my second week regarding NHS specific guidelines, which I was just learning has stuck with me and still makes me cringe…three years later. I sometimes felt like another language was being spoken. There were ‘simple’ abbreviations and terms casually thrown around that went over my head, yet everyone else seemed to understand (P.O.C, Edan, MOF’d). The fear of not knowing or looking ‘less than ‘or silly or like I did not have it all together or deserve to have the role that I had worked so hard for, kept me from asking for clarification. It was at this time that ‘IMG’ gained a whole new meaning for me.  The term ‘IMG’, although a simple identifier, somehow made me feel ‘othered‘ initially. It felt like three letters pointing to my inadequacies. However, is different inherently a bad thing? This paradigm shifted completely after a much needed catch- up with some fellow Lucians, who I was lucky to have known since childhood and had made the move to work in the NHS before me. These Ladies have now become my sounding board, my support system and my home away from home. I realized that I was not alone in what I was feeling, not by a long shot as many of their struggles when starting in the NHS closely mirrored my own. A wave of relief washed over me as I heard the words ‘you are not alone’ and surprised when I was encouraged to ask those ‘silly’ questions because on a whole, people want to help you to succeed. During these catch-ups, I was also reminded that my perspective and my experiences in health care were not something to hide or anything that would hold me back, but actually my superpower! My background allowed me to better interact with patients and colleagues who looked just like me, like my Mother, my Father, my Sister, or Aunty Flora who lives down the road. Working in healthcare in the Caribbean also made me resourceful and forced me to manage my precious time. Surely these are critical qualities and skills needed to grow and thrive in the NHS. Everyone’s journey through their medical career looks different. A medical career, specifically one in a surgical field, is most definitely not a ‘one size fits all,’ as I have come to see more and more during my time in the U.K. Many have forged their own paths and carved out their niche in different areas of surgery. The roadmap I see myself following is obtaining a national training number and pursuing specialty training in Trauma and Orthopedics. Unlike many of my U.K.-trained peers, I have not had the same early exposure to the portfolio-based competencies that underpin progression within the NHS. These frameworks, embedded into medical school curricula and early postgraduate training, often mean that U.K. graduates begin their specialty applications with a more structured understanding of expectations. At times, this has made me feel as though I am playing catch-up, constantly working to bridge a gap I did not initially know existed. A gap that may very well  be further widened by proposed impending changes in the higher specialty training recruitment process, further moving the goalpost for myself and other IMG’s alike. However, I approach this challenge with that same ‘first day of school’ energy. I have made it a priority to actively seek out the many resources available to support IMGs like myself. Programs such as SurgIn  by Melanin Medics, which I am privileged to be a part of, have provided invaluable guidance in navigating the complexities of surgical training. I am also grateful to be surrounded by senior colleagues, who I have been introduced to, through hospital placements as well as community networking events, who are not only experienced but are also genuinely willing to offer mentorship and support. Being an International Medical Graduate in the U.K. is not without its challenges, but it is also a journey full of growth, and remarkable opportunity. Along the way, remember this: you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Seek out community - it exists, and it is stronger than you think.  You belong here. Not in spite of your story, but because of it. As you settle in, grow, and find your place, I encourage you to look back and extend a hand to those coming after you. Just as others may have helped you, be the support and reassurance for someone else starting their own journey. We rise by lifting others and in doing so, we create a stronger, more inclusive future for all IMGs.

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 !

The goal of the Melanin Medics Research Network is to improve research engagement and attainment amongst medical students and doctors of African and Caribbean heritage. The Network is open to all medical students and doctors regardless of their ethnicity or race. RESEARCH The Melanin Medics Research Network Join the Melanin Medics Research Network to receive tailored information regularly on research opportunities, prizes, and grants (including those from external organisations) and more. JOIN NOW Improving research engagement and attainment amongst underrepresented groups The goal of this network is to improve research engagement and attainment amongst medical students and doctors of African and Caribbean heritage. Not only would this increase black representation in medical research, it could also improve patient outcomes, including those from deprived populations and ethnic minorities. The Melanin Medics Research Network is open to all medical students and doctors regardless of their ethnicity or race. Our Aims To organise national/international collaborative studies that would give medical students and doctors the opportunity to experience high-quality research in action, develop new skills, and gain publications as either collaborators and/or authors. To create a platform for research mentorship where experienced researchers would provide one-to-one support and/or research projects (remotely or face to face) to medical students or doctors of African and Caribbean heritage. To organise workshops/ seminars that will develop its members’ research skills and knowledge, and educate them on research careers, including the academic clinician pathway. To provide information regularly on research opportunities, prizes, and grants (including those from external organisations) to the network members. Top of page Aims Overview Previous research projects Achievements Publications Our Past Research Project REMED-UK study was a prospective, national, multi-centre study that will utilise an online questionnaire. The aims of the study were: 1. To investigate factors that may affect medical students’ participation and attainment in research in the UK 2. To understand perceptions of research, motivation for, and the barriers to research engagement and attainment amongst medical students in the UK. 3. To produce evidence-based reports that will guide UK medical schools and relevant organisations in developing resources and programmes that will increase the number of future academic clinicians and resolve inequalities in research opportunities and attainments amongst future clinicians. Our Success So Far We have obtained: 9 Academic Prizes and awards 23 presentations nationally and internationally 4 Publications Publications Inyang D, Madume R, Corriero AC, Sofela A, Osunronbi T. Trends in research grant applications and outcomes among medical students in the United Kingdom: a national self-reported cross-sectional survey. Postgrad Med J. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1093/postmj/qgad113 (Online First) Adeboye W, Osunronbi T, Faluyi D, et al. Predictors of self-reported research engagement and academic- career interest amongst medical students in the United Kingdom: a national cross-sectional survey. Postgrad Med J. 2023; 99(1177):1189-1196. https://doi.org/10.1093/postmj/qgad067 Osunronbi T, Adeboye W, Faluyi D, et al. Predictors of self-reported research productivity amongst medical students in the United Kingdom: a national cross-sectional survey. BMC Med Educ 2023; 23(1):412. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04412-z Osunronbi T, Adeboye W, Faluyi D, et al. Predictors of self-reported research self-efficacy and perception of research amongst medical students in the United Kingdom: a national cross-sectional survey. Postgrad Med J. 2023;99(1168):69-76. https://doi.org/10.1093/postmj/qgad010 FIND OUT MORE Opportunities 8 Years of Melanin Medics Find out more Join the Melanin Medics Team Find out more

Join us for night of connection, table tennis and conversations about men's health. Events Table Talk: Men’s Health in Motion 03/11/25, 11:00 Join us for night of connection, table tennis and conversations about men's health. TableTalk: Men’s Health in Motion is a relaxed and engaging evening designed to bring Black men in medicine together for connection, conversation, and community. Centred around table tennis, this event combines fun and reflection - creating space for open, stigma-free discussions on men’s health and wellbeing. As part of the Movember campaign, TableTalk aims to spark honest conversations around mental, physical, and emotional health in a culturally resonant and relatable way. Attendees will enjoy table tennis, good vibes, and pizza, all while connecting with peers in a light-hearted, low-pressure environment. Join us for an evening that celebrates brotherhood, prioritises wellbeing, and showcases Melanin Medics’ continued commitment to empowering Black men in medicine; both on and off the table. Previous Next

The Medical Students Network is a supportive community that allows black medical students to connect with peers, stay informed of the resources, events and programmes that Melanin Medics provide to equip them with the knowledge and support needed to succeed in their medical career For Medical Students Join hundreds of black medical students across the UK in our network A supportive community for UK based medical students of black heritage studying at a UK or European medical school. JOIN NOW Equipping you with the knowledge and support needed to succeed in your medical career Join the community Connect with other black medical students from across the country at our networking events. Stay up-to-date with the latest opportunities. Grow profesionally Receive career support from professionals through our educational events, workshops, webinars and conferences. Meet mentors and role-models. Give back Pay it forward to the next generation of black medical students by mentoring and volunteering on our programmes and at our outreach events. FIND OUT MORE What's going on? We offer a range of programmes, events and services tailored to the unique needs of medical students. These resources include access to expert mentorship, scholarship opportunities, and networking events that enable medical students to connect with established professionals in their field. FIND OUT MORE Table Talk: Men’s Health in Motion Find out more Applications Open: MedSteps Programme Find out more New Melanin Medics Merchandise - SHOP NOW! Find out more What is the Medical Students Network? The Medical Students Network is a supportive community that allows black medical students to connect with peers, stay informed of the resources, events and programmes that Melanin Medics provide to equip them with the knowledge and support needed to succeed in their medical career Who can join the Medical Students Network? UK based medical students of black heritage studying at a UK medical school. UK based medical students of black heritage studying at a European medical school. What are the benefits of joining the network? Access the largest intergenerational network of black medical students and doctors Volunteering opportunities and leadership development Discounted access to local, national and online events Participate in research opportunities Portfolio building opportunities 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. Join the Medical Students Network JOIN NOW