Aspiring medics mentor scheme.
Why the scheme matters to us and you
ACMA Cardiff is aware of the barriers many young Black students face during the medical school application process. According to UCAS, Black students are 50% less likely to be successful in their medical school application than White students. Government statistics show that the 7% of the UK population educated at independent fee-paying schools, make up 22% of medicine and dentistry undergraduates and 51% of the most influential doctors in the profession.
Black students are more likely to be from low socio-economic areas and to receive state school education. With lower funding and fewer opportunities for medical work experience, they might find it more difficult to prepare for the application process. Many young Black students lack mentors and role models, particularly those with a medical background, which can make the medical application process even more tricky. This mentor scheme was created to provide you with the support you need to have a successful medical school application!
Why the scheme matters to everyone
Healthcare inequalities still exist in the UK; there is a lack of doctors who understand the diverse needs of the black population which could be one reason why Black people are more likely to die from certain conditions than Caucasian people are. ACMA Cardiff wants to see a change, and this change starts with you! We have a passion to ensure that there are more black medical students and more black doctors because the black community needs them. We want to provide you with a mentor to help you have a successful medical school application.
Why participate in the scheme as a mentee
✓ It is completely free!
✓ Interview preparation support
✓ Personal statement writing preparation
✓ 7 months of mentoring support
✓ Contact with your mentor at least once a month
✓ Discounted services from NovaTuition
✓ Access to free eBooks recommended for your medical school application
✓ Get contacts of doctors working in Wales
Who is the scheme for?
ACMA Cardiff wants to help more black students in Wales enter medical school! In this program, you will receive mentorship from a black medical student from Cardiff University.
You are eligible for this scheme if:
-
You are of an African or Caribbean background
-
You live in Wales
-
You have made the decision to apply to medical school
-
You can show evidence you will be dedicated to the program
-
You are over the age of 16
Why participate in the scheme as a mentor
-
It can be your way of making a positive impact on the black community (looks great on your CV!)
-
You receive a certificate at the end of it signed by a medical school faculty member
-
You also receive a mentor as part of the Achieve Mentor Scheme
-
Work on your communication and leadership skills!
Medical student mentor scheme.
Who is the scheme for?
ACMA Cardiff is committed to seeing the success of black medical students, and then eventually their success as black doctors. Currently, an attainment gap exists in medical schools where Caucasian medical students are more likely to excel in their exams than Black medical students. It does not stop there. Black doctors are under-represented in senior positions of the NHS, an organisation under which many of you will be working; this may be a reason as to why black doctors are more likely to face discrimination in the workplace than Caucasian doctors.
You are eligible for this scheme if:
-
You are a member of ACMA Cardiff
-
You are a mentor in the Aspire Mentor Scheme
Why participate in the scheme as a mentee
-
Networking opportunities
-
Get tailor-made career advice
-
Advice on ISCEs
-
Expand your speciality interests
Why participate in the scheme as a mentor
-
Meet other African-Caribbean doctors from around the UK
-
We may invite you to speak at ACMA Conferences
-
Gain mentoring skills
-
Inspire the next generation of doctors