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!

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

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 !

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 are well into the new year now and whenever I begin a new year or quarter I find it really important to reflect on the previous season I had and see where I did good, and where I could have improved. From these improvements, I make a few goals that I can work towards in the new year. Most of the time, I set these goals, start intensely working on them for the first few weeks of the year, then my passion for meeting these goals starts to dwindle. This is not sustainable! So, one change I am making this year is to make sustainable goals and plan how to take tangible steps towards them. Firstly, I like to split my goals into different aspects of my life. So, for me, my main focus points are my faith, medical school and my future career, my health, my social life. Once I identified my strengths and weaknesses in each of these sectors of my life, I began writing my goals out. A lot of us may be familiar with the SMART acronym for goal setting. Whilst I think it's useful in corporate settings, I find it just as useful to adapt to my own personal goals. First is specific. For me, this means making my goal tangible. So, for example, instead of saying I want to become fitter as a goal, I’ve decided that I want to go to the gym three times a week. This would ultimately make me fitter, but having this specific goal means I have defined what I am working towards.  Next, I have to make each of my goals measurable, so referring back to my fitness goal, I personally have a notion page where I track when I go to the gym and what I did - so I can see how often I am going and which exercises to do each day.    I also like to think about making my goals achievable in this step. As a medical student who also runs a society at uni, I realised that going to the gym every day, or even 5 days a week wasn’t sustainable with my schedule. Therefore, making it 3 days a week is something more realistic for me and well within my capabilities each week.  The last step for having tangible goals is a timeline for completion. For me, this would be scheduling time to review my goal and see if I should change it. For me, that would be at the end of the quarter seeing whether I managed to go to the gym that often on average and see whether I need to adapt my goal. So as we’re at the end of January, I think it's a great time to reflect on any New Year’s resolutions you may have already set and adapt them to make them tangible goals. Comment below the steps you’ll be taking towards your tangible goals!