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The motivation behind starting this society comes from our own experiences as Black medical students and recognising the lack of a close-knit community among Black students within healthcare courses at the University of Leeds. Despite studying in the same building and sharing many of the same experiences and challenges, there are relatively few opportunities for us to connect with one another across different courses and year groups. We believe that having a community of people who share aspects of our cultural backgrounds and understand the demands of studying healthcare would make a meaningful difference to the university experience.

Although the university already has a general Afro-Caribbean Society and a Medical Society, we feel there is an opportunity to address a gap that neither fully meets. The general ACS provides a valuable cultural community but does not specifically cater to the experiences and demands of healthcare students. Similarly, MedSoc offers opportunities for medical students to connect, but does not necessarily provide the cultural connection and representation we are looking for. A previous Medics ACS was established to address this need, but after organising one event, the society was subsequently dissolved. It also appears that the society has not been submitted for renewal for the current academic year. Having spoken with members of its former committee, we have received useful advice and insight into their experience. Alongside this, we independently recognised that expanding the concept beyond medical students to include Black students across all healthcare disciplines would create a larger, more diverse and sustainable community. As healthcare students share a building and many common experiences, we feel there is considerable potential to build meaningful connections across these disciplines.

Importantly, we want to create something more intimate and community-focused than a society where members simply attend occasional events, often alongside their existing friendship groups, without necessarily forming new connections. Our intention is to actively encourage interaction between members, helping students develop genuine friendships and a support network that extends beyond organised events. We want new students, in particular, to have somewhere they can feel welcomed and find their place within the university community.

We hope to achieve this through regular social events, with at least one opportunity to come together each month. These will include informal socials, team-building activities and cultural celebrations, providing opportunities to meet new people and develop friendships in a relaxed environment. We also intend to organise virtual and in-person networking opportunities at least once per semester, encouraging connections between different courses and year groups. As the society becomes established, we would also like to explore introducing a buddy programme to help newer students settle into university and benefit from the experiences of those in more senior years.

Alongside its social focus, the society will provide opportunities for academic and professional development. Rather than duplicating initiatives already offered elsewhere, we hope to signpost members to established external organisations, networks, mentorship programmes, conferences and opportunities specifically supporting Black medical and healthcare students. We would also welcome occasional educational sessions and opportunities to hear from Black healthcare professionals about their experiences and career journeys.

As students who are still relatively early in our healthcare education, we feel well placed to establish this society. Having experienced the transition into university, including the Gateway to Medicine route, we have developed a good understanding of university life while still having several years ahead of us to build and sustain the society. We are enthusiastic about creating something that future cohorts can inherit and continue to develop.

Ultimately, we want to establish a community in which Black healthcare students feel represented, supported and connected. We hope that members will gain not only valuable social, educational and professional opportunities, but also friendships and a sense of belonging that enriches their university experience.