IMPACT REPORT 2019

www.melaninmedics.com melaninmedics@gmail.com

Founder's Message Wow! It's the end of another year! What a great year this has been for Melanin Medics. We've experienced a number of changes, challenges, opportunities, successes and growth. Since our establishment, Melanin Medics has been committed to supporting both current and future African and Caribbean medics by creating a community where individuals are able to share their experiences and opportunities with one another in order to develop both professionally and personally.

CONTENTS 06 Our Mission, Vision & Values 07 The Issue 08 2019: The Year of Impact 10 Our Programmes 12 Our Network 13 Our Events 17 Our Wider Work 19 Impact Stories 25 What's Ahead?

Having started as a blog, we're proud that after 2 and a half years we have stayed true to our mission and have been fortunate to witness the impact of our growing organisation. Although the scope of the problems we aim to address is vast, we believe that the power of our organisation comes from the passionate people who believe in our mission and similarly desire to make a difference to those around them. Positive change is truly on the horizon. We're very pleased to produce our first Impact Report to showcase our endeavours and progress thus far. It is our goal to annually share this information about our work and continue to increase our impact. Thank you for your support. We look forward to many more years of sharing the Melanin Medics vision.

26 Thank You 28 Support Us

OLAMIDE DADA FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

A non-profit organisation for the present and future African and Caribbean doctor

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

MISSION Our mission is to promote diversity in Medicine, widen aspirations and aid career progression through educational programmes, social empowerment and valuable resources.

VISION 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.

VALUES

INTEGRITY

COMMUNITY

COMMITMENT

CHARITY

EXCELLENCE

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

THE ISSUE African and Caribbean individuals face a number of challenges throughout their journeys into Medicine, through Medical Training and even while practising. Despite increasing efforts to

4 5 6 7

promote Equality and Diversity in Medicine within the NHS, 2019 has proven to be a pivotal year for bringing to light the depth of the problems that currently exist.

1 2 3

We have identified 7 key problems:

ABSENCE OF GUIDANCE FOR MEDICINE

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR STUDENTS

FROM AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN DESCENT AND LOWER SOCIO-ECONOMIC BACKGROUNDS

RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE

BME staff are still twice as likely to be affected by discrimination at work and are at increased risk of experiencing bullying and harassment from both colleagues and patients

Between 2009 and 2011, 50% of UK schools did not produce a single applicant for Medicine

LACK OF REPRESENTATION AND VISIBILITY

OF AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN’S IN MEDICINE According to the GMC Medical School Annual Return Data in 2017/2018, only 3.8% of all medical students in the UK were African and/or Caribbean. The GMC List of Medical Practitioners showed that only 3.2% of UK Registered Medical Practitioners were identified as African and/or Caribbean in 2017.

ATTAINMENT GAP OF AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

While 78% of white students who graduated last year ended up qualifying with a first or a 2:1, 66% of Asian students achieved the same, and just 53% of black students.

DISPROPORTIONATE NUMBERS OF ETHNIC

MINORITY DOCTORS THAT APPEAR BEFORE THEIR REGULATOR

BME doctors are more likely to be referred to the General Medical Council, have their cases investigated, and face tougher sanctions than their white colleague

ETHNICITY PAY GAP AMONGST DOCTORS

Analysis of NHS pay data by Professor John Appleby published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that white consultants earn on average 4.9% more than their BAME counterparts (amounting to an extra £4644 a year)

SCARCITY OF CAREER GUIDANCE FOR AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN MEDICS

Ethnic differences and stereotyping can hinder good educational relationships which in turn can affect the level of career guidance and support recieved.

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

2019: A YEAR OF IMPACT

91

150 225

young people in our Aspiring Medics Network

African and Caribbean Doctors in our Network

African and Caribbean Medical Students in our Network

90%

174

of applicants we assisted in the 2018/19 cohort received offers for Medical School

mentees and mentors in the 2019/20 of our Mentorship Programme

24 events and outreach sessions held this year

2547 308 young people reached through our School Outreach Programme

event attendees

148

5724

volunteers

combined followers on our social media platforms

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

OUR PROGRAMMES Melanin Medics is dedicated to equipping aspiring medics with the knowledge and support needed to successfully apply to study Medicine. Since our establishment as an organisation in 2017, we have seen an increase in the number of African and Caribbean medical students in the UK! Despite this, we are aware that African and Caribbeans are still underrepresented in Medicine and we are dedicated to ensuring that this increase continues.

This year, we had our 2nd cohort of students taking part in our Mentorship Programme and were also privileged to witness the outcome of

Mentorship Programme

2019 87 2018 38

students in our 1st cohort. Our Mentorship Programme

aims

relationship,

with

to

establish mentees

a

vertical

being

both

prospective applicants and medical students and mentors being medical students and

228% Increase

doctors. Aiming to increase the admission of African- Caribbean students into Medicine and support within Medical School.

We

provide

free

educational

advice

and

assistance to young people of African and Caribbean descent who, through lack of means,

Application Support Programme

2019 162 2018 156

3.8% Increase

would otherwise be unable to obtain such advice. We offer a Bursary sponsored by Medic Mind to African and Caribbean aspiring medics from

low

socioeconomic

backgrounds

by

providing admission test preparation resource. As well as offering a Personal Statement Reviewing Service and One-to-One Interview Support in the form of mock interviews for Medical School applicants, providing tailored advice and feedback to ensure the successful admission

of

Medical School.

prospective

applicants

into

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

OUR PROGRAMMES Over the past year, our outreach sessions for young people have gotten off to a great start. Despite the limited resources we had in place,

School

we managed to maximise what we had and ensured that sessions were delivered to a high

Outreach

standard.

Programme

2019 2547 2018

We held a total of 17 sessions, positively impacting over 2000 young people of varying

570

ages from primary school through to sixth form with the support of a number of volunteers from our Network.

156

aspiring medic applications supported

90%

2,798 young people reached

of applicants assisted in the 2018/19 cohort received offers for Medical School

854

hours of support were provided by volunteers

174

Mentees and mentors in our 2019/20 Mentorship Programme

"Thank you for the help you've given me and for my application support. I have just received an offer from my top choice after 2 cycles. Your interview preparation support definitely helped me in achieving this milestone. Thank you." "I'm a prospective Medicine student and I just received my fourth and final medicine offer! So I just wanted to say thank you for the support you provided through your Personal Statement and Interview practise service. Thanks!" "I'd like to say a big thank you for all the help you have given me. From the 1-to-1 Skype interviews to the mentoring, you guys have been amazing. I have received 3/4 Medical School offers. Thank you! " "Melanin Medics has been a great help to me as it’s provided me with a fantastic mentor who encourages me and gives me motivation when I feel like giving up."

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

OUR NETWORK Melanin Medics currently has 3 Networks: Aspiring Medics, Medical Students and Doctors Network catering to each of our target demographics. Our Networks exist to share experiences and opportunities, enable collaboration and to provide valuable resources. Through our Networks we are able to connect with both current and future African and Caribbean doctors from all across the UK. Our Networks are a pivotal part of our organisation and the work we are able to do. All of our volunteers come from our Networks as do the vast majority of our event speakers. Through our organisation, we give African Caribbean Medics the chance to give back to the younger generation and community. We hope to establish the UK's largest hub for current and future African and Caribbean doctors and to provide greater networking opportunities.

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

OUR EVENTS Medical School & Beyond Conference We held our first ever Medical Students conference in February alongside the University of Birmingham African Caribbean Medical Society. The event was a great success and we welcomed 80 African and Caribbean current and future medical students from across the UK. The day was filled with talks focusing on the various Medicine Career Pathways: Medicine, Surgery, General Practise, Entrepreneurship and Academia. It was the perfect opportunity to learn how to succeed in the coming years ahead and to explore medical training and careers from an insider’s point of view. 

"Thank you for putting together an agenda where every talk was valuable, interesting and relevant. And for bring together such wonderful speakers who kindly shared their wisdom and experiences and were too happy to speak to the students after." "I really valued the diversity in resumes of the speakers. It’s was great to hear from a wide range of specialities."

Finding Your Feet in the NHS This year we also introduced Melanin Medics Extra Events, which are small, intimate events that may consist of Fireside chats, teaching sessions or group mentorship. We held an intimate fireside chat in Hull with 3 doctors as they shared their experiences navigating the NHS as black individuals. Each at different levels of their training, our 3 speakers provided a unique perspective on what they had experienced in clinical settings and challenges they may have faced.

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

OUR EVENTS Building Your Medical Portfolio In Summer we held our Building your Medical Portfolio event. This was an incredibly informative event with the aim of providing practical implementable tips for enhancing the medical portfolio during medical school and whilst practising as a doctor. The speakers were from a range of medical specialities with various specialist interests. They emphasised both their mistakes and successes and how attendees could learn from their journeys. The day focused on various aspects of the Medical Portfolio e.g. Constructing your CV, FPAS & AFP , Intercalation & Additional Degrees, Audits and Publications.

"It was honestly a great event very insightful I can’t complain!! Can’t wait for more." "It just gave me a good overview of what I need to know for future." "The speakers were incredible."

Medical Emergencies Teaching Led by Dr Chidera Ota, this session aimed to equip incoming

Foundation

Year

1

Doctors

with

the

knowledge needed to confidently deal with common medical emergencies. This small group teaching session was targeted at final year medical students in preparation for their roles as newly-qualified doctors. The session consisted of rotating around different scenarios, role-playing in small groups followed by feedback from the facilitator.

"Amazing advice, lots of information to take home and improve, everyone was very supportive and encouraging!"

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

OUR EVENTS Doctors & Dentists Q&A Panel The Doctors & Dentists Q&A Panel held alongside ACMM was certainly one to remember. It was lovely seeing so many new & returning faces. A true sight of black excellence. Each doctor and dentist spoke candidly about their own unique journeys and encouraged our audience of aspiring and current medics. Key topics included: race and gender intersectionality as a black female medic, decline of black male medics, pursuing entrepreneurship within medicine, maintaining a work

life

balance

and

the

manifestation

of

lack

of

representation in surgery e.g. scrub caps.

"I really enjoyed the variety of experiences shared and hearing about memorable patient experiences" "The panellists were very insightful and from a broad range of specialities." "I enjoyed the networking and being able to ask the panelists questions one to one."

Medical Students Networking Event At the end of the year, we held our first Medical Students only Networking Event, giving members of our Network the chance to interact with other students from Medical Schools across the country. The evening consisted of activities, discussions and the perfect opportunity to meet new people. build relationships and share opportunities.

24 events and outreach sessions held this year

98% 308 of 2019 event attendees were satisfied or very satisfied with the event they attended

total event attendees

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

OUR WIDER WORK

"Diversity is about all of us, and about us having to figure out how to walk through this world together."

Throughout the year, we have had a number of engagements and worked with many different organisations. As one of our core missions is to promote diversity in Medicine, we recognise the importance of working and engaging with other groups to further our cause and bring to light the issues currently affecting our target demographic. The nature of our engagements greatly varied

such

as:

joining

pivotal

discussions

regarding

discrimination in Medical Schools, running workshops for doctors on the topic of Widening Participation and Diversity in Medicine, influencing policy, hosting stalls and interacting with event attendees and conference delegates, giving talks about the work of our organisation and writing an article on the topic of the experiences of a BAME doctor. British Medical Association Junior Members Forum Conference Workshop St Georges University of London Athena Swan - Diversity in the NHS Discussion Equality & Human Rights Commission & BMA Round Table Discussion: Racial Harassment in Medical School Doctors Association UK - BAME Blog Article Kings College London Widening Participation Year 12 Medical Conference Workshop Cardiff University - Medicine Taster Day British Medical Association Annual Representatives Meeting Med Connect Europe Study Medicine in Europe Open Day Reach Society Careers Conference

Jacqueline Woodson

Healthcare Leadership Academy x Lords Panel Discussion United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural organisation Bioethics Conference Panel Discussion Ghana Doctors & Dentists Association Annual Conference Workshop & Presentation St Georges University of London African Caribbean Society Being Black in the NHS – Panel Discussion University of Nottingham - BECOME: BME Leaders in Healthcare Conference Workshop

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

IMPACT STORIES At Melanin Medics, every achievement is a team effort. Over the past 2 and a half years, we have had the opportunity to help a number of people both directly and indirectly and have been fortunate to see the impact. For a number of those we help, a lack of direction was present initially. However, through their personal determination, our support and positive representation provided, they were able to achieve their goals. We are grateful to them for entrusting us with their dreams and thankful to our volunteers for creating a powerful community. The following stories provide a glimpse into some of the journeys of those we have helped and capture the true effect of community.

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

Isata FORMER ASPIRING MEDIC, NOW MEDICAL STUDENT We first met Isata at our Aspiring Medics Workshop held in Manchester in 2018. Having faced a number of rejections in the previous year, Isata was unsure about whether she would be successful in applying to study Medicine again. Despite this,

Isata

demonstrated

a

true

determination to study Medicine and happily received the support we were able to

provide.

She

later

joined

our

Mentorship Programme as well as had her Personal Statement and CV reviewed and had a One-to-One Mock Interview Session. Isata received an offer to study Medicine from Brighton & Sussex Medical School.

"I wanted to dedicate this message to thank you again for your help with my Medical school application. You helped me a few months ago countless times with my Cv and Personal Statement. This was a very crucial part of my application because both of these were scored at one the Medical school I applied to. With your help I have managed to obtained a MMI interview invitation from that medical school (Leicester). I find it really fascinating as I received 4 pre interview rejections  last year and this year I have received two interviews so far and waiting to hear from the rest. I am sincerely grateful for your help and wanted to thank the person who commented on my personal statement who was very encouraging , extend my gratitude to them and lastly everyone who had a hand on my CV. Thank you guys very much."

MELANIN MEDICS

"Melanin Medics has always been such a huge help to me in terms of advice and personal statement help then interview help! The list actually goes on! what you’re doing for aspiring medics like myself is nothing short of amazing! I got an offer to study Medicine at Cardiff! I can't even begin to think of how I could properly thank you. "

YEAR 2019

Amanda FORMER ASPIRING MEDIC NOW MEDICAL STUDENT When we initially met Amanda, she was an undergraduate student studying Medical Pharmacology. Amanda had always desired to study Medicine and knew that she intended to apply for the Graduate Entry Medicine course at her university. Amanda also attended our Aspiring Medics Workshop in 2018. We helped Amanda to arrange work experience through our Doctors Network and also provided further application support in the form of Personal Statement reviews and a

One-to-One

Amanda

now

Mock studies

Interview

Session.

Graduate

Medicine at Cardiff University.

Entry

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

Andre MEDICAL STUDENT & MSB CONFERENCE ATTENDEE We met Andre at our Medical School & Beyond Conference held in Birmingham in February 2019. Andre, a 2nd year medical student studying

at

the

University

of

Nottingham particularly enjoyed the opportunity to visualise and have a greater understanding of what to expect in the years ahead.

"This event went above & beyond my expectations for a medic conference. It was great to see other black medics from across the UK with similar experiences to mine in terms of teaching and background. The vibe was great & the panelists present were able to relate well to the audience present. They each gave some valuable pieces of advice and information that I’ll definitely take forward in planning my future medical career - I am much more informed about the nature of my medical degree and career now. They reminded us that our background is no limit to our ability and we will always work to achieve what we want in our lives. It was truly a fantastic session and I’m excited to go to more. I saw pure black excellence today and I’m really looking forward to seeing and being part of it in the future."

MELANIN MEDICS

"For sixth form I was given a place at a Grammar school to study for my A levels however, at the time chemistry had been oversubscribed. I wanted to do Medicine so I thought that not having Chemistry as an A level would limit me. I ended up studying Maths, French, Biology and AS Physics. Teachers were telling me to consider other university degrees and I was planning to take a gap year to do an intensive chemistry course before applying to medicine. However, through research I discovered that they were a few universities that would offer me a place without chemistry. Through extensive personal statement advice with Melanin Medics, upon submitting my application and sitting my UKCat I recieved all 4 interview invitations by December 2018. The interview practice with Melanin Medics was very useful during the interview process. As a result of this, today I can proudly say that even though my peers and teachers  thought it was impossible  and I even doubted myself, I recieved ALL 4 UNIVERSITY OFFERS (from Manchester, Keele, Anglia Ruskin and Barts and the London) for MEDICINE without Chemistry!!! The support of melanin medics was so useful for me, thank you so much."

YEAR 2019

Lydie FORMER ASPIRING MEDIC NOW MEDICAL STUDENT Lydie first signed up to our Mentorship Programme where she was advised by her mentor to choose which Medical Schools she applied to carefully. We also helped

review

her

Personal

Statement and ran Mock Interview sessions with her. She worked incredibly hard and was very committed.

We

are

extremely

happy for her & glad to have been able to help her on her journey. Lydie now encourages and helps other aspiring medics through her Youtube Channel: Journeys2Med with her friend (pictured above).

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

WHAT'S AHEAD

"Melanin Medics is committed to being a representative voice for both the current and future African and Caribbean doctor in the UK." In the past 2 years, Melanin Medics has grown at an exponential rate. We began as a blog, producing weekly blog posts by mainly one writer. Now our blog has reached 110 countries and has been viewed over 40000 times with over 20 writers and contributors. We hope to expand our reach by providing more networking opportunities, outreach and events across the UK. We will continue to refine our current programmes to enable maximum positive outcomes, whilst developing newer programmes to cater to our other target demographics. We are already working with other organisations to further our cause and implement positive solutions to the problems we have identified. We are focused on strengthening our community relations and understanding how we can better support African and Caribbean current and future doctors. In 2020, we look to develop a 5-year Strategic Plan to ensure the sustainability and continued work of our organisation.

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

THANK YOU Our heartfelt thanks to our volunteers. We couldn't do it without you! MENTORS

MENTORS

MENTORS

Theresa Awolesi

Iyare Nehikhare

Mobola Odulake

Iheukwumere Duru

Sakina Kuna

Shona Manning

Chioma Elewa-Ikpakwu

Ronke Akinmade

Rachel Eigbefoh

Helena Usuanlele

Ibby Oni

Joanne Adeluola

Safiya Rose-Hartwell

Lucrece Wasolua-Kibeti

Temitayo Eniola

Isaac Akinduro

Hazel Fofie

Victoria Sajowa

Robyn Anderson

Georgette oni

Catherine

Tai Oladimeji

Emmanuella Adu-peprah

Yvonne Abimbola

Kem Ekpo

Kelechi Charles Azuh

Yvonne Asiedu

Sonia Mason

Lamin King

Feyisayo Ajayi

Abrar Elniel

Anne Oshodi

Irene

Desola Awokoya

Lisa Dhege

Jade Scott-Blagrove

Zara Murdock

Ebun Kadeba

Ife Williams

Anjolaoluwa Odulaja

Toni Robinson

Hannah Okechuwku

Hannah Ajayi

Nasirdeen Yusoof

Melissa O'Conner-Smith (PG)

Moses Osibanjo

Mary Biyi

Kimberley DuBois (PG)

Michael Adeleye

Ivie Itua

Aramide Adenaike (PG)

Rumbi Chandauka

Beverley Okuneye

Abigail Amonoo-Neizer

Fola David Ajekigbe

Miriam Mumbua

Somi Idowu

Abigail Amonoo-Neizer

OUTREACH

Kwaku Duah

Ayomide Ayorinde

Khadija Owusu

Katy Chisenga

Makeda Kingue Sousseing

Lizkerry Odeh

Renee

Jessica Quimpo

Jessica Ologbon

Chukwuemeka Abazie

Theodora Okechukwu

Dr Ronx

Imani Looby

Antonia Ashaye

Zenni Enechi

Cynthia Akpobi

Jessica Olo

Dr Natalie Ansuh-

Lizkerry Odeh

Zainab Ganiyu-Dada

Amponsah

Abigail Agbabiaka

Nyasha Zvobgo

Kwaku Duah-Asante

Tosin Sotubo

Omolayo Soruna

Joyce Elomber

Makeda Kingue Sousseing

Abisoye Akintimehin

Olamide Dada

Sharice Henry

Dominique Al-Hindawi

Dr Hazel Fofie

Dolu Falowo

Perside

David Faluyi

Layla

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

THANK YOU Our heartfelt thanks to our volunteers. We couldn't do it without you! OUTREACH

PERSONAL STATEMENT REVIEWERS

EVENT SPEAKERS

Dr Eniola Hassan

Rachel Eigbefoh

Dr Tosin Sotubo

Ife Williams

Katy Chisenga

Dr Emeka Okorocha

Nadia Ibrahim

Dr Stacey Bryan

Dr Chinekwu Ofong-Ezechukwu

Dr Natalie Mills

Lydia Akinola

Professor Femi Oyebode

Tania Roberts

Ned Nwamadi

MOCK INTERVIEWERS

Dr Tobi Obisanya

Dr Chidera Ota

Dr Sandra Bonsu

Ife Williams

Dr Onebieni Ana

Olamide Dada

Dr Wayne Mitchell

REPRESENTATIVES

Sarah O'Connell

Dr Yaa Danso

Malone Mukwende

Rachael Osei

Dr Stacey Bryan

Omolayo Soruna

Michelle Chirimuuta

Dr Hadyn Kankam

Joyce Elombe

Dr Lola Meghoma

Mr Jonathan Makanjuola

Simisola Fynn-Famodun

Imelda Vitenu

Mr Kavin Andi

Shima Diab

Anthonia Adefolaju

Dr Ewoma Ukelghe

Modupeoluwa Kuti

Miriam Kanya

Dr Marilyn Boampomaa

Mercy Olawuni

Dr Safiya Rose-Hartwell

Dr James Ojidu

Kwaku Duah-Asante

Dr Victor Oji

Emmanuel Onyango

EVENT SPEAKERS

Dr Kevin Dapaah

Anthonia Adefolaju

Ms Georgette Oni

Ms Fontaine Dr Ruth Baidoo

Our Leadership Team OLAMIDE DADA

NADIA IBRAHIM

JADE OKENE

Founder & Director

Events Coordinator

PR & Engagement Officer

KHADIJA OWUSU

MICHELLE CHIRIMUUTA

ALLAN NATHANS

School Outreach Coordinator

Community Outreach Lead

Mentorship Coordinator

IFE WILLIAMS

RACHAEL OSEI

Secretary

Publicity Officer

SHONA MANNING Medicine Abroad Lead

SARAH O'CONNELL

DR JEROME MCINTOSH

Medicine Applications Lead

Doctors Network Coordinator

MELANIN MEDICS

YEAR 2019

YOUR SUPPORT LEADS TO IMPACT

“People working together in a strong community with a shared goal and a common purpose can make the impossible possible.” — Tom Vilsack JOIN our Network. Stay up to date with our

SPONSOR our events, programmes or

endeavours and be the first to hear about

provide in-kind products or services to help

great opportunities and upcoming events.

support and expand the work that we do.

DONATE We receive no state funding and

PARTNER We look to work closely with

wish

experience

healthcare trusts, educational providers,

possible for those we support and reach

companies and organisations who share

out to and to do this we need your support.

our mission and vision.

VOLUNTEER We're

for

LIKE us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter,

enthusiastic medics to volunteer with us

Instagram and LinkedIn: @MelaninMedics

through our programmes and events to

to stay up to date with our latest activities,

positivley impact someone's journey.

news and photos.

to

provide

the

best

always

looking

A non-profit organisation for the present and future African and Caribbean doctor

MELANIN MEDICS For the Present and Future African and Caribbean Doctor Motivate ~ Educate ~ Influence TO FIND OUT MORE, PLEASE VISIT OUR: Website: www.melaninmedics.com Email: melaninmedics@gmail.com Instagram: @MelaninMedics Twitter: @MelaninMedics Facebook: @MelaninMedics LinkedIn: Melanin Medics