MedRACE Conference 2025

All events will take place in the George Davies Centre (GDC), Leicester Medical School, University of Leicester. Throughout the week, there will be stalls in the exhibition hall in the GDC Atrium and the IV available for all to view.

Monday 3 February, 5.30pm - 8.00pm, GDC Atrium

• Launch of exhibition: 'What does inclusion in healthcare look like to you?'

Tuesday 4 February, 1.00pm - 2.00pm, GDC 0.32

• Interactive workshop for students and staff: Being an active bystander.

Wednesday 5 February, 5.00pm - 6.00pm, GDC 0.32

• Interactive workshop for students and staff: The inclusion of ethnically diverse family carers in the care package.

Thursday 6 February, 5.30pm -7.00pm, GDC Boardroom/hybrid

• MedRACE open meeting: Come and meet and members and learn about current projects. If not already a member, contact us for details.

Friday 7 February, details available soon

• Inclusive healthcare book club open session: Divided by Annabel Sowemimo. 

Saturday 8 February, 9.30am - 4.30pm, GDC LT1

• MedRACE Conference 2025: Inclusion in Healthcare.

Conference aims

1. Foster sustainable partnerships for equity: To build lasting relationships and create a sustainable framework for advancing equality, diversity and inclusion in healthcare
2. Inspire and empower through representation and education: To motivate and equip delegates with the tools, knowledge and visible role models needed to improve health outcomes and drive systemic change.
3. Develop the leaders of today and tomorrow: To nurture and support future leaders committed to accelerating progress in inclusion and healthcare equity.
4. Celebrate and reflect on inclusion in medicine: To reflect on 5 years of MedRACE and explore ‘inclusion in healthcare: the past, present and future’, whilst envisioning the path forward through the lenses of reflection, action and vision.

Intended audience

Anyone with an interest in the field of equality, diversity and inclusion within healthcare; including medical education, clinical practice, and research. Our primary audience is students and staff from medical and healthcare disciplines, but we welcome anyone who would like to join the event and take inspiration from our speakers and workshops.

Conference format

In order to get the most from the conference and to participate in workshops and networking opportunities, we recommend in person attendance. However, for those who are unable to join in person on the day, the Keynote Speakers and Panel sessions will be available to join online via Microsoft Teams. Please select 'Package C - Online attendance' from our registration link and joining information will be sent to you ahead of the event.

During the morning session, we will welcome our three keynote speakers; each will each talk on one of our conference themes (1-3). After each keynote, our speakers will be joined by panel members to explore the theme further. After lunch, there will be the opportunity to participate in two workshop sessions. This will be followed by a final Panel Session to reflect on conference theme 4. There will be opportunities for networking and to view the exhibition and stalls. A dedicated room for prayer and quiet reflection will be provided.

Full details will be sent to registered attendees ahead of the event.

Our sponsors

We thank the College of Life Sciences (University of Leicester), the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Medical Defence Union (MDU) for their support of this event.

Keynote speakers

Professor Ivan Browne

Professor Ivan Browne OBE, is a leading public health expert with over 35 years in both local authority and NHS settings. Formerly Director of Public Health for Leicester, he played a key role in guiding the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, and was awarded an OBE for services to public health in the Kings New Year Honours list in 2025. He is now a Professor at De Montfort University and is dedicated to tackling health inequalities, particularly in diverse urban communities. Professor Browne has received multiple awards, including the CMO’s National Impact Award and the President’s Medal for his outstanding contributions to Public Health. He is passionate about innovation in healthcare and continues to advocate for social and educational equity to improve population health.

Professor Scarlett McNally

Professor Scarlett McNally BSc MB BChir FRCS (Tr&Orth) MA MBA FAcadMEd Hon MFPH MRSPH, is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Eastbourne and President of the Medical Women’s Federation – the largest organisation of women doctors in the UK. She is an Honorary Clinical Professor at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. She was the ninth woman ever elected to the Council member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (2011-2021), oversaw ‘Women in Surgery’, created the resources about bias and has published on unnecessary barriers in careers and health. She likes simplifying concepts and fixing things. Her regular BMJ column about health, life and how to fix the NHS has all 42 articles free.

She got an MA in Clinical Education and an MBA in Health Service Management but is keen that others don’t feel they have to prove themselves to get respect. She is keen on succession planning and using the whole team better. Professor McNally is Deputy Director of the Centre for Perioperative Care, improving pathways and preparation for patients having surgery, which halves complications. She speaks regularly about how we (and society) should change how we view health. She was lead author for the 2015 report Exercise: The miracle cure and the role of the doctor in promoting it, and wrote a report on what we should call ‘Junior Doctors’, also won awards for a new role of “Doctors’ Assistant”.

One of #100WomenInCycling 2024, electric-cycle advocate, mother of four adult children, 4th Dan Karate black belt, living with myeloma and cardiac amyloidosis. Browse Professor McNally's publications. Follow her on X: @scarlettmcnally, or LinkedIn: Scarlett McNally.

Dr Evelyn Mensah

Dr Evelyn (Evie) Mensah, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Central Middlesex Hospital, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH), serves as Clinical Lead for Ophthalmology and Co-Lead for the North West London Ophthalmology Clinical Reference Group. A graduate of Imperial College, Evie specialises in medical retinal disease and complex cataract surgery.

As a former educational supervisor and college tutor, she has trained and accredited a multi-professional workforce, receiving two 'Best Trainer in Ophthalmology' Health Education England awards. Dr Mensah is a trustee of the Moorfields Lions Korle Bu Trust and has developed a diabetic retinopathy management course for West African Ophthalmologists (WACS). She runs a Laser simulation course for WACS and London Ophthalmology Specialist Trainees. Dr Mensah serves as the LNWH Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) Expert. She established the sickle cell retinopathy network, to address the paucity of knowledge on sickle cell retinopathy in the UK, and advocates for antiracism and social justice on social media.

Leveraging her WRES expertise and lived experience, she leads projects and strategies locally, nationally, and internationally, working towards an antiracist NHS and decolonised healthcare to reduce inequities.

Panel members

Dr Vassilli Crispi

Dr Vassili Crispi (he/they) is a neurosurgery trainee and NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow in West Midlands. He is originally from Italy, and as an LGBTQ+ doctor, he is passionate about equality and inclusion within the profession, and especially in surgery. He is also a trade unionist, having achieved significant changes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, enhancing student representation, developing UK MLA policy, reforming the UKFP recruitment, and fighting for better pay, safe rotas, working conditions and industrial action.

Dr Crispi has led and been involved in laboratory-based and clinical research, successfully applying for funding, gaining publications, presenting at multiple national and international conferences, and being awarded various awards for his significant contribution to the student experience, excellence in research, and academic performance. He currently holds several positions, including Member of BMA UK Council and BMA Board of Science, and Networking Lead and Newcastle Cohort Director at the Healthcare Leadership Academy.

Dr Angie Doshani

Dr Angie Doshani is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at University Hospitals of Leicester and Honorary Professor at Loughborough and De Montfort universities. Passionate about empowering women, she leads innovative initiatives to promote culturally sensitive maternity care, reduce inequalities, and support informed decision-making through education, research, and digital health solutions like JanamApp. Committed to educating the future workforce, Dr Doshani has held various senior educator roles, including Head of Year 3 at Leicester Medical School. Her work combines clinical expertise with a dedication to advancing education, improving healthcare access, and addressing the unique needs of diverse communities.

Naabil Khan

Naabil Khan is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Exeter, dedicated to enhancing diversity and representation in healthcare. She founded "Skin For All," an award-winning website that showcases various skin conditions across different skin tones, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy for patients of colour. Naabil also hosts the "Very Junior Doctors" podcast, offering insights into medical student life, and established the "Future Dr" newsletter to encourage student engagement in medical specialities. Her efforts have been recognised with the Racial Justice in Medicine Award from the American Medical Student Association, making her the first British student to receive this honour. Additionally, she was honoured with the Rising Star Award in Healthcare by WeAreTheCity for her work in diversifying medical education. Beyond her academic pursuits, Naabil is a TEDx speaker and author, actively inspiring the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Dr Navin Leanage

Dr Navin Leanage graduated from Newcastle University and Leicester Medical School in 2011 and 2016, respectively. He merged his passion for simulation education and widening participation by creating JEM in 2015. With the help of numerous university students, JEM has helped over 600 college students gain insight into healthcare. Dr Leange graduated with a Master's in Medical Education from University of Nottingham in 2022. Now nearing the end of his Emergency Medicine training at Leicester Royal Infirmary, he continues to work closely with the University of Leicester as an Honorary Lecturer and past Outreach Project Lead for the Medical School. His overarching passion is to help influence future healthcare students and medical educators.

Dr Rumbi Mutenga

Dr Rumbi Mutenga is a Resident Doctor, GP Trainee, and the founder of Glacie Health, a company dedicated to revolutionising women’s healthcare. With a background as a midwife, Dr. Mutenga is passionate about advocating for women’s health, particularly for those who have been historically underserved. She combines her medical expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit to create innovative solutions that empower women and those assigned female at birth to take control of their health. Through Glacie Health, she is committed to making healthcare more accessible, inclusive, and tailored to the unique needs of women.

Rufayda Sahal

Rufayda Sahal is a 3rd year graduate medical student with a degree in Global Health & Social Medicine. As a student, she hopes to provide a unique perspective on the importance of education and representation within the healthcare system. She looks forward to engaging in meaningful discussions, exploring important topics & providing insight into the necessities of addressing inequities through empowerment and inclusion of marginalised communities.

Professor Shameq Sayeed

Professor Shameq Sayeed started his medical studies at the University of Oxford in 2001. After clinical training, he earned an MSc in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He then completed an Academic Clinical Fellowship in General Practice, focusing on global health, primary care, and family medicine. He continues to collaborate with colleagues in Palestine on integrating family practice into the Ministry of Health's universal health coverage strategy. For over a decade, he has been a clinical tutor to medical students in Oxford, earning a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. In 2020, he joined the University of Leicester Medical School, where he is now a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the International Partnership with CQMU, working on curriculum development and fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Professor Olanrewaju Sorinola

Professor Olanrewaju Sorinola PhD, FRCOG, FRANZCOG is a Professor of Medical Education at University of Warwick Medical School and Consultant Urogynaecologist. He has a renowned reputation for improving outcomes for learners, reducing inequalities and a passion for equality, diversity and inclusivity with international recognition/awards including the International Education Conference, Malaysia 2022 and distinguished Professorship from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia 2022. Professor Sorinola is Co-Chair of the International Association for Medical Education (AMEE) Faculty Development committee, Chair of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine EDI committee, Chair of WMS Awarding Gap committee, Co-Chair of Warwick International Higher Education Academy Anti-Racism Pedagogy and Process and recently completed his term as Board member UK Medical Schools Council EDI.

Conference attendees will be able to select one option for each session, on the day, subject to available spaces.

Session 1

Session 1a, Project LIGHT: Homelessness within the Medical Curriculum / Supporters of Project LIGHT

• Assist in demystifying common myths around health in the homeless population
• Explore active ways to support homeless patients through case-based discussions
• Discuss how to manage a patient who discloses that they are homeless and compare lived experiences of homelessness.

Session 1b, Cultural Competency / Global Ethnic Majority Health Care Professionals Network (GEM-HP) and MidSoc (School of Healthcare, University of Leicester)

• To connect students from a diverse range of healthcare backgrounds
• To increase cultural awareness through open discussions of five key topics
• To enhance reflective practice.

Session 1c, Racial Contract and the Scientific Construct of Race / Dr Angela Martinez Dy (University of Loughborough)

• To introduce participants to Mills’ (1997) concept of the Racial Contract
• To introduce participants to a critical race theory perspective on the social construction of race
• To critically examine how both concepts could apply in the medical field and make a difference to experiences of health, medical treatment, and outcomes

Session 2

Session 2a, Neurodiversity and Reasonable Adjustments in Medicine / MedDIaLeCt (University of Leicester)

• To understand and define reasonable adjustments and neurodiversity
• To identify potential challenges faced by medical students/doctors with disabilities and/or neurodiversity
• To apply insights from case studies to real-world situations.

Session 2b, Decolonising Personal and Student Mental Health and Wellbeing in Higher Education / Fatmata Daramay (University of Leicester)

• Decolonisation and mental health: Understand how colonial histories shape mental health, including racial and intergenerational trauma
• Systemic barriers: Recognise how structural racism affects access to mental health support for marginalized students
• Challenging narratives: Explore how decolonisation can reshape mental health discussions by reclaiming identity and promoting inclusivity.

Session 2c, The inter-relationship of socioeconomic status and health / Leicester University Medics Afro-Caribbean Society (LUMACS)

• To understand Health problems specific to people in lower socioeconomic backgrounds
• To understand how health problems act as a barrier to social mobility
• To understand practical methods to reduce these inequalities through our work as healthcare providers

MedRACE (Medicine: Raising Awareness, Celebrating Excellence) is a student and staff-led initiative at Leicester Medical School, working to foster belonging and inclusivity within medical education and across the broader medical community.

This exhibition showcases a range of works submitted by students and staff of Leicester Medical School, exploring the theme of inclusion in medicine and healthcare. It was organised as part of a week-long programme of events in February 2025, marking the fifth anniversary of MedRACE - five years of progress and advocacy.

The collection is diverse, featuring visual art, photography, written pieces and multimedia, each offering a personal reflection on the question, ‘What does inclusion in healthcare look like to me?’. Many of the works are inspired by personal experiences, inviting us all to reflect on both on an inclusion level and in the broader context of healthcare.

Exhibition launch

The exhibition will launch on Monday 3 February 2025, in the George Davies Centre Atrium. Join us for the launch from 5.30pm (booking not required). 

Digital viewing

After the launch of the Exhibition, pieces will be able to view online.