SurgIn:
The Lewin Programme
SurgIn: The Lewin Programme is a 10 month career development programme designed to support aspiring and current surgeons in training of Black African and Caribbean or mixed race heritage practising in the UK. The programme takes a unique approach to establish a community of like-minded individuals who share an interest in surgery and support their career development through a series of curated sessions. We aim to provide programme participants with the insight needed to achieve successful careers in surgery. This programme is supported by the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
At Melanin Medics, we are passionate about not just increasing access to a career in medicine but also creating spaces for doctors to thrive as they journey through their career. We aim not just to promote diversity in medicine and widen aspirations but to also ensure that individuals are able to achieve those dreams in spaces where they feel fully supported. We believe that by fostering mentoring and peer to peer relationships, it will establish a solid foundation for productive, impactful and fruitful careers.
What the Programme involves
'SurgIn' stands for Surgical Insights. Our participants will confidently navigate the pathway needed towards a successful surgical career. A 'safe' space will be created for participants while you gain unique insights over the course of the programme.
The programme will last 10 months and will consist of 4 core sessions and 1 finale session, held every two months. The sessions will be delivered in-person (London) utilising a variety of formats including 1-1 discussion, panel sessions, small group sessions and more. The sessions aim to get clinicians interested in surgery, help you optimise their surgical applications and give clinicians/juniors the tools needed to deal with the pressures of the role throughout their careers.
Core session 1: Portfolio Review
Core session 2: Interview Preparation
Core session 3: Careers Speed Dating
Core session 4: Leadership & Innovation
Finale session: The Surgeons' Sit Down
Peer-to-peer support groups
Session delivery by senior surgical colleagues
Receive a certificate supported by the Royal College of Surgeons at the end of the programme, demonstrating commitment to Surgery
Paying Ode to Ms Monica Lewin
We pay ode to Monica Lewin who was was the first Jamaican woman to become a a fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of England. She studied Medicine at the Royal Free Hospital in London and after graduating she worked at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital and the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital. Ms Lewin was undoubtedly a trailblazer at a time when there were few black or minority ethnic surgeons in the UK. Her career illustrates the personal determination that often underlies extraordinary achievement by people from under-represented groups. We wish to honour her legacy.
Become an
SurgIn Participant
WHO SHOULD ENROL?
Aspiring surgeons in foundation training, core surgical training, non-training programmes and junior registrar grades up to ST6 of Black African and Caribbean or mixed race heritage.
You will be interact with surgical seniors and peers during the in-person sessions.
As a SurgIn Programme participant, you will be required to do the following:
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Commit to attending the 4 in-person core sessions over the course of the year
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Participate in career development session activities
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Submit feedback on the programme
Applying to the SurgIn Programme does not guarantee you a place as spaces are limited. Applications are assessed based on the quality (not on professional or academic accomplishments).
Deadline for Participant Applications:
30th of September 2022
Application Process
Applications open:
4th September 2022
Applications close:
30th September 2022
Applicants selected:
14th October 2022
Programme commencement:
November 2022
Become a SurgIn Ambassador
Ambassadors must be a UK-based Surgeons registered with the GMC
You will participate in an in-person session to give participants a better understanding of how to succeed in their surgical careers. This is an informal mentoring role.
Ambassadors can range from Core surgical trainees to surgical registrars, consultants or retired surgeons; due to our mixed cohort of participants.
Applying to the SurgIn Programme does not guarantee you a place. Applications are assessed based on the quality.
Deadline for Ambassador Applications:
There is no fixed deadline. Ambassadors are recruited on a rolling basis.
As an SurgIn Ambassador, you will be required to do the following:
Attend and contribute to a SurgIn session during the programme year
Utilise the available training resources
Submit feedback on the SurgIn Programme
Suggest and share resources with SurgIn participants
Receive a certificate supported by the Royal College of Surgeons of England at the end of the programme for your contribution (Education & Leadership).
The SurgIn Programme Team
If you have any questions or queries, please contact the team via programmes@melaninmedics.org
Dr Teniola Adeboye
SurgIn Programme Lead
Ms Michaella Cameron Taylor
SurgIn Programme Coordinator
Ms Christine Mitoko
SurgIn Programme Coordinator
Dr Khadija Owusu
Director of Programmes
The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical care. The College supports approximately 30,000 members in the UK and internationally, at all stages of their careers, by improving skills, facilitating research and developing policy and guidance.
As well as enabling surgeons, dental professionals and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams to achieve and maintain the highest standards of practice and patient care, we’re driving change by putting Diversity and Inclusion at the heart of the College. Together we’re changing the face of surgery. Join us.