Impact Report 2020

IMPACT REPORT 2020

A YEAR IN COLOUR

"THE COVID PANDEMIC ILLUMINATED THAT HARDWORKING AND SELFLESS HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS ARE REALLY THE BACKBONE OF THE NHS AND ALTHOUGH WORKING UNDER SUCH PRESSURED CONDITIONS WAS TERRIFYING, I TAKE PRIDE IN MY CONTRIBUTORY ROLE IN PROVIDING MEDICAL CARE TO NATION WHEN IT COUNTED THE MOST." ~ Frontline Doctor We are honoured to dedicate this years impact report to the frontline workers.

2

3

CHIEF EXECUTIVE STATEMENT

SEEING OUR WORLD IN COLOUR

Traditionally the end of the year

The unendurable manifestations

serves as a time to reflect, to

of racial inequality in our society.

celebrate successes and to be

Now, more than ever before, we

intentional about the year that is

have recognised the need for

to come. However I recognise

both change and togetherness.

that these acts might not come with such ease this year. It goes

This year I have learned that our

without saying that 2020 has

work is imperative. We must

been

many.

continue to redefine what it

Despite loss and disappointment,

means to be a Black African or

I have been encouraged by the

Caribbean doctor and medical

determination of so many to

student in the United Kingdom.

keep

demonstrate

We must push to continually

kindness at every opportunity

support individuals who have

and

been negatively impacted by

challenging

going; to

cling

to

for

onto

goodness

wherever it might present itself.

racial inequality in medicine. We must advocate for the medical

This year, we have been fully

profession to be a place where

exposed to the state of the world

the black doctor and medical

we live in. For the first time, we

student can thrive without fear

have seen our world in colour.

of

The intense pressures in which

Through it all, I remain hopeful.

discriminatory

treatment.

our healthcare system has been forced to endure. The damning

This has been a pivotal year for

reality of the pandemic and the

Melanin

tragedies that have followed.

disruptions, changes and

4

Medics.

With

many

"From a year ago today, you have come a long way. Every step you have taken matters more than you know." Morgan Harper Nichols

sacrifices,

this

birthed

We end this year stronger than

innovation. As we celebrated 3

we started. We are grateful to

years of our organisation, this

know that our position places us

year Melanin Medics garnered

to impact many more people than

more support than ever before.

we could have hoped. We have

With a world spotlight on racial

not done this alone and we know

inequality, we stood firmly in our

that we cannot continue to do it

mission to promote diversity in

alone. We extend our heartfelt

medicine, widen aspirations and

thanks

aid

support.

career

Africans

year

progression

and

Caribbeans

for

to

you

all

for

in

medicine.

In 2020, we transitioned to virtual events and increase

in

our

saw an reach.

We

obtained our charity status and expanded our team. We formally launched

our

With gratitude,

equality

Olamide Dada Founder & Chief Executive

and

diversity workshops and have delivered a number of sessions to students

in

medical

schools

across the UK. Our social media reach more than doubled, we saw great growth in our Network members annual

and

Black

launched History

our

Month

essay competition.

5

your

Supporting the individual.

Influencing their environment.

6

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Chief Executive statement

4

About us

8

Our values

9

Our why

10

Our strategy

12

THE YEAR AT A GLANCE Our 2020 highlights

14

Our year in numbers

15

Our COVID-19 response

16

IMPACT AREAS Our events

20

Our programmes: Envision Med

22

Programme Our programmes: Enrichment

24

Programme Our research network

26

IMPACT INSIGHTS Our advocacy

28

Our wider works

30

Impact stories

32

Fundraising

42

LOOKING AHEAD The future

44

7

ABOUT US

We are Melanin Medics.

A supportive network for Africans and Caribbeans in medicine.

A leading voice in the national conversation on promoting diversity in medicine and widening participation.

An advocate for racial equality in medicine.

OUR MISSION IS TO

Melanin Medics is a registered

PROMOTE DIVERSITY IN

charity and home to the UK's

MEDICINE, WIDEN

largest intergenerational network for current and future African and

ASPIRATIONS AND AID

Caribbean doctors. As a registered

CAREER PROGRESSION

charity,

THROUGH EDUCATIONAL

we

are

focused

on

implementing positive solutions to overcome

racial

and

socio-

PROGRAMMES, SOCIAL

economic barriers in Medicine by

EMPOWERMENT AND

promoting diversity in Medicine,

VALUABLE RESOURCES Melanin Medic's vision is to create a future where diversity in Medicine thrives and every person is able to fulfil their maximum potential irrespective of their race and socioeconomic background.

widening

aspirations

&

aiding

career progression.

By promoting an environment in which diversity in medicine thrives, our current and future medical workforce are able to be their authentic selves in an environment that

truly

values

supports their

them

and

contributions,

positively impacting patient care and medicine as a profession.

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OUR VALUES

We are accountable to the people

INTEGRITY

and partners we humbly serve, transparently sharing our activities, results, and developments.

Community is at the very core of what we do. Our work is made

COMMUNITY

possible through the contributions of several volunteers, partners and supporters.

We focus on serving those around us who are in need, and utilising our

CHARITY

resources to support individuals on their career development and personal development journeys.

Since our establishment, we have been committed to fulfilling our aim

COMMITMENT

of promoting diversity in medicine and working towards the actualisation of our vision.

We focus on implementing innovative and practical solutions

EXCELLENCE

to a high standard to maximise our impact and bring about necessary change.

9

OUR WHY

For

black

Africans

Caribbeans, journey

their

can

significantly

to

and

career in Medicine, we have

medicine

identified barriers that Black

differ

quite

Africans and Caribbeans face in

their

white

the form of insight and exposure,

counterparts. The challenges can

access

manifest themselves from an

identity

early

negative

undergraduate and postgraduate

experiences of the education

training, environmental support,

system, through medical training

career development and access

and even while practising as

to opportunities.

age

in

their

to and

higher

education,

performance

in

doctors. When considering a

Ethnic minority students Aspiring medics have been

are more likely to

Black Caribbean children

found to face barriers such

experience feelings of

are three and a half times

as access to work

impostor syndrome.

more likely to be excluded

experience, lack of social

than all other children at

support and lack of school

Differential attainment in

primary and secondary

support.

undergraduate

school.

examination outcomes

PRIMARY SCHOOL

SECONDARY/ SIXTH FORM

MEDICAL SCHOOL

Insight and exposure

Access

Identity and performance

10

Less representation of

A higher percentage of junior doctors are from Black groups compared with senior doctors."

Black doctors experience slower career progression and are less likely to benefit from social

Differential attainment in

Black Africans and

postgraduate examination

Caribbeans within senior

outcomes.

leadership in the NHS and within senior faculty in

Black NHS staff report the

medical education.

highest incidence of bullying & harassment from their colleagues and leaders.

support.

FOUNDATION YEARS

SPECIALTY TRAINING

LEADERSHIP

Supportive environment

Development

Opportunity

11

OUR VISION OUR MISSION WHAT WE DELIVER AT MELANIN MEDICS

We envision a future where diversity in Medicine thrives and every person is able to fulfil their maximum potential irrespective of their race and socioeconomic background.

Promoting diversity in Medicine

Widening aspirations

Allyship & Advocacy 'EDI' Workshops

Envision Med Programme

Supportive environment

Access

Development

Research Network

Aspiring Medic Support Services

Enrichment Programme

Opportunity

Access

Identity and Performance

Public Engagements & Advocacy

School Outreach

Wider Networks

Supportive environment

Insight and Exposure

Supportive environment

12

Aiding career progression

Educational Events and Workshops

13

OUR 2020 HIGHLIGHTS Increase in funding

6

7

1

through donations and grants

Launched our essay competition

Obtained registered charity status Developed the

8 2

4

5

Programme

Growth of our networks

9

3

Envision Med

Expansion of our leadership team

Developed our EDI workshops

Increased our social media reach 14

Launched the Mind Us Project

OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS

270

267

560

408

aspiring medics supported

doctors in our network

workshop attendees

medical students in our network

171

664

volunteers supported our activities

event attendees

19450 12030 unique site visitors

combined social media following

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OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE

Caring for our black current and future medical workforce.

The impact of COVID-19 on the mental wellbeing of Black African and Caribbean medical students and doctors is of great concern.

The year 2020 was a pivotal year.

of systemic racism on health

The

pandemic

inequalities, we believe there is

transformed life as we know it

great need for BAME medical

and

of

students

in

supported during this time.

COVID-19 triggered

adaptation

a

and

period

innovation

and

doctors

to

be

order to meet the growing needs of those we serve.

For many, the Black Lives Matter movement, which coincided with

The unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on medical education, Black

African

and

Caribbean

community groups and mental wellbeing

of

both

medical

the

COVID-19

pandemic,

triggered a flurry of negative emotions

and

previous

experiences of racism that they had

encountered

on

their

students and doctors is of great

medical journeys resurfaced. As

concern.

the

an organisation committed to

of

promoting diversity in Medicine,

COVID-19 on ethnic minority

taking a clear stand against racial

communities and the recognition

inequality during this time was

disproportionate

With impact

16

paramount. Whilst this had been

To support the mental wellbeing

a

core

element

organisational our

of

our

of Black African and Caribbean

activities

since

medical students and doctors

were

who

establishment,

committed

to

we

extended

this

have

been

adversely

affected by COVID-19.

message to as wide an audience

To provide access to supportive

as possible.

therapy services to those who have been personally affected

We also developed the Mind Us

by COVID-19.

Project, a series of initiatives

To

focused on supporting the mental

COVID-19

wellbeing of Black African and

progression by increasing the

Caribbean medical students and

awareness of opportunities and

doctors. We were pleased to gain

activities for academic success.

the

To

support

Medical

of

the

Association

British for

this

project. The project aims to:

decrease

develop

professional

the

impact

on

of

career

long-lasting relations

and

increase social support.

86%

In a survey conducted in June 2020 by Melanin Medics exploring the wellbeing of 152 African and

of respondents

Caribbean medical students facing

experienced a felt that

the COVID-19 pandemic, the

COVID-19 had

findings revealed that:

impacted their mental wellbeing.

60%

86%

of respondents were

of respondents were

concerned that

concerned that

COVID-19

racial bias would

would affect their

affect their career

career progression.

progression.

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The Enrichment Programme is a fully

Through the education component of

funded

programme

the project, we will be delivering a

designed to help final year medical

series of educational webinars and

students succeed. Participants are

wellbeing webinars in order to help

carefully matched with a mentor,

reduce

career-related

anxiety,

receive guided information through

support

wellbeing

provide

educational career webinars and

practical career guidance and support

receive access to supportive therapy

for medical students and doctors.

development

and

through the Wellbeing Fund.

Through the Wellbeing Fund, we will

From our partners, to programme

provide FREE culturally competent

participants, Mind Us mentors, Mind

mental wellbeing support to medical

Us Educators and Wellbeing Fund

students and doctors from a Black

beneficiaries, the Mind Us Community

African or Caribbean background,

emphasises that we all have a part to

including

race

play in actively advocating for the

heritage who have been adversely

betterment of the mental wellbeing of

impacted by COVID-19. This will

our future and current workforce from

consist of a single online supportive

ethnic minority backgrounds.

those

of

mixed

therapy session.

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OUR EVENTS

We delivered 7 online events to more than 600 attendees, including doctors, medical students and aspiring medics.

LINKEDIN

MEDICAL

CAREER

AS A MEDIC

EMERGENCIES

BREAKS SYMPOSIUM

" It was great to refresh my

100% of participants

"So grateful for this invaluable

outlook on how to create

agreed/strongly agreed

resource. Great to hear voices I

and maintain a great

that the event met their

can more closely identify with

LinkedIn profile as a medic.

expectations. 100% of

when navigating the medical

I learnt, also, how to create

participants found the

world as a professional. Feeling

an organisational LinkedIn

session useful. 98% of

more confident to take a career

profile, which will

participants were very

break now after hearing the

definitely be useful in the

satisfied/completely

variety of experiences. "

future."

satisfied with the event

20

MEDICAL

MIND US

PREPARING

THE PSA

SCHOOL

PROJECT

FOR THE SJT

CRASH

INSIGHTS

LAUNCH

"I enjoyed the variety of

We explored the impact of

"Excellent webinar with a

"A Brilliant resource that I

speakers, it was very

COVID-19 on mental

friendly, approachable

will definitely refer back

insightful to hear from

health and wellbeing in

presenter. Great

to! Thank you so much for

Black Medical students

higher education and

interactive polls which

taking the time to put it all

who have all had different

medicine. We were

aided learning. I'm sure

together. Also it really does

pathways into Medicine. I

delighted to be joined by

this event and others alike

make a positive difference

haven't come across any

two highly acclaimed guest

will be extremely beneficial

hearing from people that

other events like this, so

speakers: Joy Warmington

for the students enrolled

look like me talk about

i'm very grateful that I had

MBE and Professor Dinesh

on the Mind Us Enrichment

such content- inspiring!"

the opportunity to attend."

Bhugra CBE.

programme!"

COURSE

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OUR PROGRAMMES: ENVISION MED

We launched a 15-month programme designed for year 12 students of Black African and Caribbean heritage, including students of mixed race heritage who have aspirations to study Medicine in the UK. At Melanin Medics, we have always

institutions. (2) A lack of information

supported our large network of

and resources available about the

over

in

range of options surrounding UK

securing a place at Medical School

Medical Schools (3) A shortage of

since 2018. With our breadth of

opportunities

experience engaging with aspiring

engage with the wider science and

medics along with a success rate of

academic aspects of medicine

300

aspiring

medics

to

interactively

90% of helping students secure a place at medical school, we have decided

that

we

are

well

This pilot programme will start with 25

Year

12

UK

students,

positioned to make an even bigger

incorporating a combination of one-

impact and launch the Envision

to-one mentoring sessions, super-

Med Programme.

curricular academic seminars, softskills training sessions, application

The Envision Med Programme was

guidance

launched as a free pilot programme

events/workshops

to

experience.

specifically

address

the

and

support, and

work

challenges that Black African and Caribbean

students

face

when

We

are

delighted

that

the

applying to Medical School. It has

programme is being supported by

been designed to tackle three main

Lucy

barriers: (1) Low levels of ongoing

University of Cambridge and Medic

support or mentoring for aspiring

Mind.

Cavendish

medical students applying to top

22

College

at

the

In

order

to

better

understand

the

challenges aspiring medics of African and

40% 42%

Caribbean descent face in their journey to Medicine., we conducted a survey issued to our aspiring medics network.

of respondents

of respondents

experienced a lack

experienced a lack

of school support

of social support/ mentorship

31% 42% 84%

of respondents attended state schools

of respondents

of respondents did

experienced a lack

not know any

of parental support/

medical students or

knowledge

doctors

67% 20% 44% of respondents

of respondents

experienced a lack

experienced a lack

of access to work

of exposure to

experience

university insight

opportunities

activities

36% 15% of respondents

of respondents

experienced

experienced a lack

challenges with

of knowledge on the

individual academic

Medicine

performance

application pathway 23

of respondents had considered applying to Oxford or Cambridge to study Medicine

OUR PROGRAMMES: ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME

Helping Black African and Caribbean final year medical students navigate their last year of medical school and thrive in the next phase of their life as doctors through tailored learning activities, wellbeing support and mentorship.

The

Mind

Us

Programme

is

development

a

Enrichment

on

12

development,

month

programme

identification,

self-

resilience

and

for

maturation leading up to the

Black African and Caribbean final

transition into working life as a

year

doctor.

medical

focuses

students

on

advancement,

which

educational professional

The students are mentored by

development alongside wellbeing

doctors in order to provide social

support.

support. During the course of the Enrichment

Programme,

The activities are designed to

participants will have access to a

help Black African and Caribbean

mandatory teaching programme

final

students

composed

of

year

webinars

and

year

navigate

medical

their

last

of

educational wellbeing

medical school and help them

webinars. We also provide 3 free

thrive in the next phase of their

supportive

life

which are supplemented by a

as

doctors.

The

various

strands of the programme focus

therapy

sessions

range of resources to support their mental wellbeing.

24

RESEARCH NETWORK

Improving research engagement and attainment amongst medical students and doctors of African and Caribbean heritage to increase black representation in medical research and improve patient outcomes

Research

forms

an

essential

and Caribbean heritage. Not only

component of medicine in order

would

to

representation

understand

realities

and

advancements. ensure

that

present enable We

day future

this

increase in

black medical

research, it could also improve

want

to

patient

opportunities

to

those from deprived populations

participate in research are made

outcomes,

including

and ethnic minorities.

available to all, irrespective of their race or background. In

Through the Research Network,

order to combat unequal access

we will endeavour to facilitate

to research opportunities that

collaborative

presently exist, in 2021 we will

research participation for all,

be launching the Melanin Medics

develop

Research Network. The goal of

members through workshops and

this

seminars as well as provide

network

research attainment

is

to

improve

engagement amongst

and medical

students and doctors of African

studies,

research

information

on

enable

skills

for

research

opportunities, prizes and grants for members.

26

OUR ADVOCACY

We held 8 equality, diversity and inclusion workshops to more than 560 attendees, including doctors and medical students from diverse backgrounds.

We

believe

African

and

schools, health organisations and

Caribbean medics are most likely

NHS

to thrive when their colleagues,

functions as a representative body

employers

and

liaising with key stakeholders such

understand

their

educational

institutions

community

The

charity

also

and

as the British Medical Association

know

and General Medical Council in

how to support them to help

order to promote diversity in

them thrive in higher education.

Medicine.

We

By promoting an environment in

tackle

Equality workshops Advocacy'

this

needs,

trusts.

through

and on to

our

Diversity 'Allyship

enable

which

diversity

in

medicine

and

thrives, our current and future

medical

medical workforce are able to be

students and doctors to better

their

understand

environment that truly supports

and

support

authentic and

selves

an

colleagues and patients from

them

diverse backgrounds. We deliver

contributions, positively impacting

our workshops to UK medical

patient care and medicine as a profession.

28

values

in

their

29

OUR WIDER WORK

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.

James Baldwin Throughout the year, we have

release

had a number of engagements

harassment charter for medical

and worked with many different

schools which we contributed to

organisations. As one of our core

as a stakeholder group. We also

missions is to promote diversity

had a series of press engagement

in Medicine, we recognise the

highlighting

importance

and

COVID-19 on black and ethnic

engaging with other groups to

minority healthcare workers and

further our cause and bring to

communities.

light

resurgence of the Black Lives

the

of

working

issues

affecting

our

currently target

demographic.

of

Matter

the

the

BMA

Racial

impact

Following

movement,

of

the we

contributed to a BIMA webinar focused on 'Racism in Medicine'.

The nature of our engagements

We were delighted to hold a HLA

greatly

Live

varied

and

included

discussion

focused

on

delivering a workshop at the

African and Caribbean Influences

2020

on the NHS in partnership with

Forum

BMA

Junior

Members

Conference.

Melanin

the

Healthcare

Medics was also featured in the

Academy.

British Medical Journal 'Racism

participated on a number of

in Medicine' special edition. Our

panel discussions and as event

Director of Programmes, Khadija

speakers for a series of different

Owusu featured on Channel 5

events.

News discussing discrimination in Medical Schools following the

30

Our

Leadership team

also

31

IMPACT STORIES: RUTH'S JOURNEY

"I did not want to live in my later years with regret of ‘what ifs,’ I therefore made the adamant decision to make a career U-turn; to re-pursue medicine. Thus, whilst working I applied again and yet again, I got more rejections. I did not give up, I applied again. This time with a new approach, and that involved Melanin Medics.

It

has

been

untraditional

a

very

long,

I

received

4

into

rejections in my first attempt

medicine. I have not always

into medicine. s my A-levels were

wanted to be a medical doctor;

still good for university I went on

throughout my school days I

to complete an undergraduate

switched

degree, then a masters. Despite

career

journey

Consequently,

between

possible

professions

like

the

excelling in my science degrees,

seasons. From initially wanting

medicine was still on my mind

to be an artist at one end of the

throughout

spectrum to a doctor at the other

years, and in the mist of those

end; hashtag the struggle of

years I applied again, and again

being the jack of all trades. It was

got a rejection. decided to get

not until my sixth form years that

into

I was set in my pursuit for

medicine and worked for an

medicine, and it just so happened

American

that I was taking the right pre-

organisation

requisite

by

worked in the NHS. It was during

not

these years, that I came to the

achieve all the A-level grades

full realisation that my passion

required to get into medical

for medical practice superseded

school.

my interest in research.

chance.

A-level However,

subjects I

did

the

32

those

university

research contract and

side

of

research then

later

Ruth Omenyo MEDICAL STUDENT (FORMER ASPIRING MEDIC) It was so encouraging to get support from African-Caribbean medics and doctors, in a field with underrepresentation. It gave me an extra boost of hope and inspiration ‘that I can make it too,’ this is the power that representation holds. With Melanin Medics’ help I was able to reflect, study some more, practice and perform my best on the interview days, gaining me a place at each medical school I interviewed at! I was spoilt for choice.

33

IMPACT STORIES: KORIANNE'S JOURNEY

My journey although 10 years in the making and not how I had initially imagined has shaped me into who I am and confirmed that this was the path for me.

My journey to medicine has been

Nano-medicine, worked in medical

one

bumps.

communications and as a HCA and

Retrospectively I am grateful for

developed an interest for digital

each and every one. I always knew I

marketing. By my fourth round of

wanted to do medicine and as a

application I was weary. Despite

keen 16 year old researched all my

this I decided to change my strategy

options to get in. However, my

and include undergraduate degrees

teacher told me right there and then

and sit the BMAT. I had also decided

that I’d never get into medicine. I

that this was the final time I was

was quite distraught but decided to

applying for medicine. If I didn’t get

just take the longer route and apply

in this time I was going to find

for a science based BSc with the

another career path. As fate would

intention of getting in via graduate

have it this was the year I got my

entry. These dreams were also

first and only interview and it was at

crushed on A-level results day as I

a university I found out about a

didn’t get into my firm or insurance

night before the UCAS deadline. I

choice. After countless calls and

had my mock MMI with Melanin

queries

science

Medics the day before my interview

foundation year at UWE, which was

and 3 weeks after my interview an

a big turning point as I rebuilt my

offer to study at KMMS. I don’t

confidence in my abilities and ended

think words can accurately depict

up studying Medical Science &

how I felt when I received that

Humanities at my original insurance

unconditional offer and how I’ve felt

choice,

since. The ultimate cherry on the

with

I

got

many

onto

Swansea

a

University.

I

applied for medicine during my

top

undergrad

an

scholarship that covers my fees for

interview, this happened two more

the first 4 years of my study and as

times. In between my application

a

cycles I completed an MSc in

changing.

but

didn’t

get

was

graduate

34

being

this

awarded

has

been

a

life

Korianne Muya MEDICAL STUDENT (FORMER ASPIRING MEDIC) I first engaged with Melanin Medics service in 2018, with a personal statement review. The review was very helpful as it helped me to identify areas that I need to be more specific with why I wanted to do medicine and how my experiences make me suitable. It was especially helpful because it was reviewed by people who have successfully made it into medical school. I didn’t personally know any doctors or medical students so it offered an insight I didn’t have. In my most recent cycle of applications, I booked the mock MMI service and that was so helpful in calming my nerves, providing direction and practical tips on how to navigate on the day itself.

35

IMPACT STORIES: GEORGIA'S JOURNEY

Over the three years applying I had so many highs and lows and connecting with an organisation that inspires you to believe in yourself, even on days where you feel like you can’t make the dream a reality was key to me continuing to pursue medicine.

My journey to medicine wasn’t a

health and at a specialist HIV hospital,

traditional one. In fact, it wasn’t until

I also worked as a research assistant

I was doing my masters degree that I

in

discovered graduate entry medicine

minority experience of living with

and decided it was something I

severe mental illness. Two years later

should pursue. After finishing my A-

I found myself with one interview for

levels I went to study Psychology at

Warwick Medical School. I’d applied

Goldsmith’s University of London, I

three years in a row to different

wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with

universities

my degree but I enjoyed the subject

medicine, in that time I received just

and wasn’t motivated to learn more.

one interview and one offer.

research

looking

for

into

ethnic

graduate

entry

Following this I studied Cultural and Global

Mental

I am currently in my first year at the

Healthcare at Bart’s and the London

University of Warwick, I am also

School of Medicine and Dentistry. It

working with Lewisham Council and

was at this time that I was having a

Birmingham

conversation with someone about

research

what I would do if I could start my

inequalities in African and Caribbean

university journey again. I admitted

communities in the UK. As well as this

that

in

I make time to post on Instagram

studying medicine but it was never

(medic_reads) and I have a website

mentioned as a possibility for me, it

where

wasn’t a career I ever learned about

supporting the decolonisation of the

and I had no medics in my family.

medical curriculum, something I am

During

very passionate about.

I

Perspectives

had

my

been

in

interested

masters,

I

began

volunteering in community mental 36

I

City

Council

project

into

publish

a

on

a

health

reading

list

Georgia Webster MEDICAL STUDENT (FORMER ASPIRING MEDIC) Melanin Medics was instrumental in my journey, I made use of their personal statement reviewing and also attended an event at the University of Birmingham. I am still in touch now with people I met at the event and found the whole day to be incredibly motivating and inspiring as an applicant at the time. Having an organisation available to me that provided so much advice and support as an aspiring medic was vital to getting me through the application process. Over the three years applying I had so many highs and lows and connecting with an organisation that inspires you to believe in yourself, even on days where you feel like you can’t make the dream a reality was key to me continuing to pursue medicine.

37

IMPACT STORIES: JOSEPHINE'S JOURNEY

I have continued to engage with Melanin Medics as I have found the tutorials, webinars, and all sessions invaluable.

They often provide further assistance, and in other circumstances provide salient information not routinely covered within the curriculum.

My involvement with Melanin

With

Medics has provided noteworthy

aspirations, I hope to be an

information

Obstetrician

with

each

regards

to

future

Gynaecologist

in

engagement. I had previously

the future. I would very much

attended some webinars and

love to work outside the United

talks, most notably the talk this

Kingdom

summer

Breaks

knowledge and management of

years,

Women's Health, especially in

on

Symposium

Career e,g,

F3

placements abroad (which was

to

improve

the

developing countries.

eye opening and has gone a long way to inform future practice,

I

would

broadening my horizons).

towards

also

love

(with

the

to

work

help

of

organisations such as Melanin I signed up for the Enrichment

Medics) and see a diversified

programme which was aimed at

workforce

final

students.

African and Carribean doctors,

Unbeknownst to me, it is proving

continuing to support the health

to be one of the best support

needs of our equally diverse

systems thus far in my final year..

population.

year

medical

38

with

more

Black

Josephine Acheampong FINAL YEAR MEDICAL STUDENT I signed up for the Enrichment programme which was aimed at final year medical students. Melanin Medics were looking to support the wellbeing of Black African and Carribean medical students and doctors especially considering the impact of COVID 19. I applied to the programme on the last day, relatively close to the deadline.

Unbeknownst to me, it is proving to be one of the best support systems thus far in my final year. The mentorship scheme is fantastic. The match with my mentor was almost identical. They are a current working professional within my chosen area of interest, hence provide relevant advice pertaining to my current stage, but also beyond, in the future when looking to apply.

39

IMPACT STORIES: MARILYN'S JOURNEY

I hope that my involvement in Melanin Medics can help change that for the future generations and help equip them for the obstacles they may face but encourage them to never give up chasing their dreams.

I

have

been

with

I hope to continue to grow as

melanin medics since 2018 I

anaesthetist and hopefully an

began

intensivist

with

involved the

mentorship

whilst

developing

programme mentoring an A-level

myself as a medical educator. I

student who is now studying

hope

medicine at UCL. I have also

health will only grow stronger

participated

and that I will continue to devote

in

events

as

a

my

portion

passion

of

global

speaker at the Doctors and

a

Dentists Q&A event in August

charitable work in Africa . I hope

2019 and our Career Breaks

to

Symposium in June 2020. In

Melanin Medics and investing in

addition I have also written a

a future of black excellence.

continue

blog article detailing my career journey and experiences as a trainee anaesthetist.

40

my

for

time

working

to with

Dr Marilyn Boampomaa ANAESTHETIC DOCTOR I got involved in melanin medics as I wanted to reach aspiring medics and those beginning their medical careers. Offering mentorship, advice, encouragement and a platform to share my story in the hope it would inspire others. During my journey in medical school remember looking up to the the black students I. The years above me and often going to them for advice, but I still felt lost navigating the world of medicine as a black student and later on as a black doctor.

41

FUNDRAISING

Giving is not just about making a donation, it's about making a difference.

We received £4,203 in charitable donations!

We would like to thank our

target) over 2 weeks with 97

individual donors as well as

participants and 147 supporters

groups who chose to fundraise

and raised an incredible £2277

for our charity over the course of

for our charity through their

the year.

fundraiser!

We'd like to acknowledge the

Medical

incredible

the

University of Edinburgh Medical

of

School FYC 2022 society also

Edinburgh Medical School FYC

chose to fundraise for Melanin

2025

Medics and raised £232!

students

efforts of

society.

from

University The

students

students

from

the

aimed to walk, cycle, and run 2025km each week for 2 weeks

We would also like to thank

(4050km

a

Scalpel,

the

donation goal of £2025, as the

surgical

society

students will be graduating in

University of Manchester for

2025. As a year group, the

their donation of £500 to our

students managed to cover a

charity.

in

total),

with

massive total of 5606.3km (just over 1500km more than our

42

undergraduate for

the

DONORS Jemima Soladoye

Jasmine Hughes

Rebecca Thom

Wezi Sendama

Jennifer Panatti

Janet Rodriquez

Tara Abdi

Ella Wooding

Katie Bowen

Alexandra Stoian

Brigid Morris Colton

Christine Muhota

Laura Gilbert

Bryony Hopkinshaw

Ahmad Abu-Arafeh

Lauren Savill

Edwin Eshun

Beth Chapman

Sally Brett

Yama Paradis

Yama Paradis

Joseph Petersen-Camp

Ellen Peters

Danielle Osei Boateng

Matt Robertshaw

Steve Kitchen

Freya Donaldson

Rosaleen Baruah

Olusina Olubowale

Ioan Wardhaugh

Hannah Rickman

Aisha Bello

Ellie Walder

Innocent Ogunmwonyi

Filip Gawecki

Kat Tolfree

Alessia Tarantino

43

WHAT'S AHEAD

We leave 2020 with a renewed desire for change and a commitment to positively redefine what it means to be Black Africans and Caribbeans in Medicine.

Although it has been a whirlwind

by our Networks of doctors,

of a year, we are very proud of

medical students and aspiring

our

are

medics to enable us to focus our

determined to strengthen the

efforts where they are needed

programmes that we have in

the most. We are committed to

place.

Med

ensuring that our programmes

Enrichment

and activities are sustainable and

2020

outputs

Our

and

Envision

programme

and

programme

are

centred

on

providing mentorship and social

look forward to strengthening our financial strategy.

support. Our Research Network is

focused

attainment academic

on

improving

Melanin Medics will continue to

and

providing

keep those that we serve at the

opportunities

for

career development.

centre of all we do. We are increasingly driven to find more ways to amplify the work and

Over the next year, we will focus

voices of the incredible people

on our long-term strategic plan

we represent and support and

from 2021. We will use our

give

experiences thus far to inform

distribution of resources. We are

the future we aspire towards for

very grateful for those who

our

organisation.

determined

to

tap

back

to

them

through

We

are

support our work and we are set

into

the

on ensuring that Melanin Medics

wealth of lived-experience held

is around for years to come.

44

OUR TEAM

Olamide Dada Founder & Chief Executive

Dr Ife Akano-Williams Director of Communications

Dr Nadia Ibrahim Director of Events

Khadija Owusu Director of Programmes

Dammie Olubowale Grants & Partnerships Manager

Sope Ashaye Strategy Manager

Ayomide Ayorinde Education & Training Officer

Timothy Adelani Outreach Manager

Oluranti Kuti Secretary

Dr David Faluyi Academia Officer

Dr Katy Chisenga Blog Editor-inChief

William Adeboye Academia Officer

Dr Mobola Odukale Blog Writer

Dr Temidayo Osunrobi Director of Academia

Dr Ntiriwa Sekyi-Djan Education & Training Officer

Limaro Nyam Events Officer

Connor Henry-Blake Advocacy Officer

Sandra Mireku Blog Writer

Ayanfe Adebayo Social Media Manager

Thank you to our former team members: Allan Nathans, Dr Michelle Chirimuuta, Dr Rachael Osei, Dr Jade Okene, Shona Manning, Dr Jerome McIntosh, Sarah O'Connell 45

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Our heartfelt thanks to our volunteers, mentors, event speakers and supporters.

We couldn't do it without you!

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Fope Adedeji

Esther Simisola Sule

REVIEWERS

Chinedu Igwe

Aisha Alatishe

Adeshola Agbeniyi

Vanessa Elewa-Ikpakwu

Sope Ashaye

Toni Oduwole

Connor Henry-Blake

Dammie Olubowale

Destiny Emakpor

Mama Ntiriwa Sekyi-Djan

Katy Chisenga

Asha Gibbs

Miriam Mumbua

Limaro Nyam

Orie Amadi

Nina Sowemimo

Michelle Attzs

Sandra Mireku

Arthur Okonkwo

Stephanie Akpan

Emmanuel Onyango

Didi Aromolaran

Sumaya Jumale

Joana Obire

Sabea Morgan

Chiedu Ufodiama

Juliette Uka

Anna Fatunla

Judwin Ndzo

Tesha- Dawn Brathwaite

Natalie Ansuh-Amponsah

Ore Odubiyi

Iheukwumere Duru

Mercy Olawuni

Olabisi Ogunbiyi

Funmi Morgan

Joyce Elombe

Agnes Okalawon

Serge Omanyondo

Ellis Chika Onwordi

Sumaya Jumale

Ellis Chika Onwordi

Calisha Allen

Mobola Odukale

Daniel Ghosh

Sarah Hudson-Phillips

Zachariah James

Sabea Morgan

Antonia Ashaye

Deji Ajanaku

Jonathan La-Crette

William Adeboye

Rose-Anne Nunoo

Hannah Okechukwu

William Maura

Toju Arenyeka

Marta Mungai

Nicole Minta

Robyn Anderson

Ginika Lazz-Onyenobi

Patrick Tano

46

MOCK INTERVIEWERS

ASPIRING MEDIC

Fola David Ajekigbe

Iyare Nehikhare

MENTORS

Somi Idowu

Sakina Kuna

Kwaku Duah

Ronke Akinmade

Iheukwumere Duru

Katy Chisenga

Ibby Oni

Chioma Elewa-Ikpakwu

Renee

Lucrece Wasolua-Kibeti

Helena Usuanlele

Chukwuemeka Abazie

Hazel Fofie

Safiya Rose-Hartwell

Imani Looby

Georgette oni

Isaac Akinduro

Cynthia Akpobi

Emmanuella Adu-peprah

Robyn Anderson

Lizkerry Odeh

Kelechi Charles Azuh

Tai Oladimeji

Abigail Agbabiaka

Lamin King

Kem Ekpo

Tosin Sotubo

Anne Oshodi

Sonia Mason

Makeda Kingue Sousseing

Lisa Dhege

Abrar Elniel

Sharice Henry

Ebun Kadeba

Desola Awokoya

Dolu Falowo

Toni Robinson

Zara Murdock

David Faluyi

Nasirdeen Yusoof

Anjolaoluwa Odulaja

Iyare Nehikhare

Mary Biyi

Hannah Ajayi

Sakina Kuna

Ivie Itua

Moses Osibanjo

Ronke Akinmade

Beverley Okuneye

Michael Adeleye

Ibby Oni

Miriam Mumbua

Rumbi Chandauka

Lucrece Wasolua-Kibeti

Abigail Amonoo-Neizer

Nyasha Zvobgo

Hazel Fofie

Ayomide Ayorinde

Omolayo Soruna

Georgette oni

Makeda Kingue Sousseing

Abisoye Akintimehin

Emmanuella Adu-peprah

Jessica Quimpo

Dominique Al-Hindawi

Kelechi Charles Azuh

Theodora Okechukwu

Perside Mpisi

Lamin King

Antonia Ashaye

Layla

Anne Oshodi

Jessica Olo

Feyisayo Ajayi

Lisa Dhege

Zainab Ganiyu-Dada

Irene

Ebun Kadeba

Nyasha Zvobgo

Jade Scott-Blagrove

Toni Robinson

Omolayo Soruna

Ife Williams

Nasirdeen Yusoof

Abisoye Akintimehin

Hannah Okechuwku

Mary Biyi

Dominique Al-Hindawi

Melissa O'Conner-Smith

Ivie Itua

Perside

Kimberley DuBois

Beverley Okuneye

Layla

Aramide Adenaike

Miriam Mumbua

Mobola Odulake

Abigail Amonoo-Neizer

Abigail Amonoo-Neizer

Yvonne Asiedu

Shona Manning

Ayomide Ayorinde

Rachel Eigbefoh

Makeda Kingue Sousseing

Joanne Adeluola

Jessica Quimpo

Temitayo Eniola

Theodora Okechukwu

Victoria Sajowa

Antonia Ashaye

Catherine

Jessica Olo

Yvonne Abimbola

Zainab Ganiyu-Dada

47

ENRICHMENT

EVENT

PROGRAMME MENTORS

SPEAKERS

Ella McGowan

Chidera Ota

Tobi Obisanya

Temidayo Osunronbi

Jade Scott-Blagrove

Jude Nzeako

Fola Ajekigbe

Nike Okunade

Layla Guscoth

Stacey Bryan

Sonia Mason

Marilyn Boampomaa

Lydia Baffour-Awuah

Hazel Fofie

Yvonne Asideu

Edwin Eshun

Zainab Ganiyu-Dada

Sharon Amukamara

Natalie Blavo

Nicholas Mbabazi

Sarah Hudson-Phillips

Diana Akpeki

Thelma Tembo

Bakar Lubwama

Lola Meghoma

Davina Isaac

Louise St Aimee

Jonathan Makanjuola

Olayisade Ajibola-Taylor

Dame Elizabeth Anionwu

Kukua Harley

Andrew Alalade

Abisola Adeleye

Frances Day-Stirk

Safiya Rose-Hartwell

Segn Nedd

Aderonke Adeoye

Jacob Oguntimehin

Joana Obire

Rochelle Pierre

Roase-Anne Nunoo

David Faluyi

Jermaine Bamfo

Ayomide Ayorinde

Jasmine Chingono

Khadija Owusu

Bola Owolabi

Jade Okene

Christine Mitoko

Olamide Dada

Titoluwani Ogunbiyi

Professor Dinesh Bhugra

Simon-Peter Hosein

CBE

Mobola Odukale

Joy Warmington MBE

Elizabeth Ayanbadejo Melanie Etti Theresa Awolesi

48

Acknowledgements We are grateful for the contributions of the people who worked on this impact report.

The Report Designer MADE by Midé Supported By: Melanin Medics www.melaninmedics.com info@melaninmedics.com Registered Charity No: 1188982