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!

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

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 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 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

Sign up to be a participant or mentor on the Envision Med Programme! Programmes, Opportunities APPLICATIONS OPEN: Join the Envision Med Programme 05/01/26, 16:00 Sign up to be a participant or mentor on the Envision Med Programme! Applications for aspiring medical students now open! 🩺 Calling all aspiring medical students! Our Envision Med programme 2026-2027 is starting with a new cohort, a program that supports Year 12 students or equivalent through their medical application process and aims to enrich students personally and professionally. Find out more: https://www.melaninmedics.com/programmes-1/the-envision-med-programme 🚨 Application deadline: 16th January 2026 Sign up to become a Participant Become a Mentor Previous Next

An interactive event for medical students to explore careers in innovation, medtech and health policy while collaborating on solutions to real-world health challenges Events Innovate for Impact 25/03/25, 12:00 An interactive event for medical students to explore careers in innovation, medtech and health policy while collaborating on solutions to real-world health challenges Join us for Innovate for Impact, an interactive event designed for medical students eager to explore career opportunities in innovation, medtech, and health policy. This dynamic day blends a career exploration workshop with a sickle cell-themed hackathon, offering insights from industry professionals and hands-on experience in tackling real-world healthcare challenges. Gain valuable knowledge from experts across diverse fields, network with like-minded peers, and put your problem-solving skills to the test in a collaborative hackathon focused on health policy in sickle cell disease, with the chance to win a prize! Whether you're curious about alternative career pathways or passionate about driving change in healthcare, this event is your opportunity to expand your horizons. Venue: Birmingham Regional Centre, The Walker Building, 58 Oxford Street, Birmingham, B5 5NR Date: Saturday 12th April Time: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Don't miss this exciting chance to connect, innovate, and make an impact! Register Now Previous Next