Midlands Racial Equality in Medicine Conference 2023

Saturday 11 March 2023

George Davies Centre, University of Leicester

The MREM Network were excited to host the second Midlands Racial Equality in Medicine Conference. This free conference was held at the University of Leicester on Saturday 11 March 2023, with some elements accessible online for individuals who were unable to travel to Leicester.

This conference aimed to build connections between medical schools and provide both staff and students with the ability to learn about upcoming initiatives, present research and attend panels and workshops. This is with the overall aim of increasing attainment and overall graduate outcomes amongst ethnic minority medical students.

The event provided opportunities to increase academic exposure and portfolio development for ethnic minority students. Students were invited to apply to partake in poster presentations to increase visibility of their research and win prizes.

The Elevate Grant was announced, which is awarded to an ethnic minority student or student group in support of a research project relating to the goals of the MREM network. This grant is up to £1000 and will be awarded after a peer-reviewed selection process with winners announced after the conference.

Speakers

We were delighted to welcome our keynote speakers, Dr Evelyn Mensah, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Central Middlesex Hospital, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, and Dr Annabelle Sowemimo, Sexual & Reproductive Health Registrar and co-director and founder of charity the Reproductive Justice Initiative (RJI).

We also heard from a student panel, with representatives from across the Midlands, and from last year's Elevate Grant winners.