Mentoring Initiative for Minority Women in Medical and Health Sciences Shows Positive Impact on Career Progression and Inclusivity

Mentoring Initiative for Minority Women in Medical and Health Sciences Shows Positive Impact on Career Progression and Inclusivity

(IN BRIEF) The AIMMS initiative, a mentorship program designed to support minority women in academic medicine and health sciences, has proven to be an effective tool in breaking down barriers and promoting career advancement. Developed by the University of Southampton in collaboration with the University of Exeter, the program has expanded across UK medical schools since 2024, helping women from ethnic minority backgrounds find mentorship and support. The initiative has been praised for its positive impact on participants’ personal and professional development and its contribution to greater diversity in leadership within academic medicine. The programme will soon extend to postgraduate students and additional intersectional groups.

(PRESS RELEASE) EXETER, 1-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A new study highlights the critical role of mentoring minority women in academic medicine and health sciences, showing how it helps dismantle barriers and fosters equal opportunities. The Academic Intersectionality Mentoring in Medical Schools (AIMMS) initiative, spearheaded by the University of Southampton in partnership with the University of Exeter, has been acknowledged for its success in creating a more inclusive academic environment and supporting career development for underrepresented groups.

The evaluation of the AIMMS initiative, recently published in PLOS One, shows that it has proven effective in nurturing mentorship relationships, empowering participants both personally and professionally, and addressing the structural barriers to leadership that minority women often face. The programme has been lauded as a “gold standard” by Southampton’s Faculty of Medicine in its Athena Swan submission.

AIMMS has grown substantially, now operating in 13 UK medical schools and available to all UK medical schools since 2024, following adoption by the Medical Schools Council. Initially developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, AIMMS specifically aimed to support women from ethnic minority backgrounds in the academic fields of medicine and health sciences.

Nisreen Alwan, Professor of Public Health at the University of Southampton and co-author of the study, expressed the significance of the findings: “We are thrilled that AIMMS Mentoring has been recognized for its role in enhancing personal and professional growth for both mentors and mentees. It is crucial to support underrepresented groups in academia, as diversity in leadership is likely to bring broader societal benefits, particularly in addressing health inequalities.”

Mirembe Woodrow, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, emphasized the importance of the scheme’s nationwide reach: “AIMMS Mentoring’s unique ability to connect women across the UK’s medical schools is a strength that enables participants to share advice and support. Our evaluation has already led to improvements in the program, and I foresee AIMMS Mentoring continuing to grow in influence.”

Dr. Musarrat Maisha Reza, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “Being a founding member of AIMMS fills us with pride, as the initiative is fostering more diverse leadership in academia. We are committed to ensuring that women and underrepresented groups feel empowered to advance in their careers. This work is essential for effecting long-term, meaningful change.”

AIMMS has formed partnerships with several UK universities, including Cardiff, Exeter, Leicester, Swansea, Leeds, Birmingham, St Andrews, Hull York Medical School, and the Academy of Medical Sciences, all working together to address career progression inequalities.

Professor Lucy Green, Chair of the Faculty Athena Swan self-assessment committee and Associate Professor at the University of Southampton, praised the programme’s impact: “The nationwide nature of AIMMS Mentoring enables institutions to share their experiences and support each other in a way that is truly effective in promoting career advancement.”

Meena Upadhyaya, emeritus professor at Cardiff University and a founding member of the initiative, remarked: “It has been a privilege to witness AIMMS’ success, as it embodies values such as equality, collaboration, and mentorship — values that are essential for a more inclusive and representative academic environment.”

Looking ahead, AIMMS Mentoring is planning to extend its support to postgraduate students and additional intersectional groups, further expanding its positive impact on academic medicine and health sciences.

The initiative is currently seeking both mentors and mentees. For more details, visit the AIMMS section of the Medical Schools Council website.

The evaluation paper, titled ‘I cannot be what I don’t see’: an evaluation of Academic Intersectionality Mentoring in medical schools (AIMMS Mentoring), is available in PLOS One.

Media Contact:

pressoffice@exeter.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Exeter