Intersectional mentoring 

Academic Intersectionality Mentoring in Medical Schools (AIMMS Mentoring) is an initiative that supports the career development of minority women towards equal and authentic leadership in academic medicine. Run in partnership with the Academy of Medical Sciences, AIMMS offers mentoring to those who identify as women from ethnic minority backgrounds and employed in academic medicine and health sciences.

AIMMS Mentoring was founded by the University of Southampton in collaboration with the Academy of Medical Sciences and partner universities, including Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Hull York Medical School, Leeds, Leicester, St Andrews and Swansea.
AIMMS Mentoring committee members
  • Prof Nisreen Alwan – University of Southampton (Chair)
  • Dr Georgina Barnett – University of Leicester
  • Dr Elizabeth Benedikz – Academy of Medical Sciences
  • Dr Lyndsay Poore – University of Leicester
  • Professor Louise Bryant – University of Leeds
  • Professor Angharad Davies – Swansea University
  • Dr Lucy Green – University of Southampton
  • Dr Jane Illes – University of St Andrews
  • Mrs Parbir Jagpal – University of Birmingham
  • Professor Meena Upadhyaya – Cardiff University
  • Ellie Monks – University of Southampton
  • Dr Vrinda Nayak – University of Exeter
  • Dr Musarrat Maisha Reza – University of Exeter
  • Professor Sikha Saha – University of Leeds
  • Dr Rebecca Jayne Stack – University of Birmingham 
  • Dr Reza Zamani – University of Exeter
  • Dr Hannah Jennings – Hull York Medical School
  • Dr John Winpenny – University of St Andrews
  • Dr Emma Haagensen – Newcastle University

Mentoring

Mentoring fosters learning and personal growth, helping individuals unlock their full potential. A successful mentoring relationship is built on trust, confidentiality and a shared commitment to development.

The AIMMS Mentoring Scheme offers access to relevant training and resources for both mentors and mentees.

Eligibility

There are no formal eligibility criteria to take part in AIMMS as a mentor, mentee or through peer support, other than identifying as a woman from an ethnic minority background working in academic medicine or health, either clinical or non-clinical.

Benefits of the scheme for mentors and mentees

Support for mentees includes:

  • help identifying and achieving career goals
  • gaining a broader perspective on career options and taking proactive steps to address skill and knowledge gaps
  • engaging in candid conversations with a role model who has navigated similar challenges, offering valuable insights and guidance

Benefits for mentors includes:

  • career rejuvenation
  • personal fulfilment and the satisfaction of helping junior colleagues progress
  • develop key mentoring skills while gaining personal and professional growth
Taking part

To facilitate the best possible match, the AIMMS Mentoring Scheme pairs mentees with mentors based on the information provided, as well as the individual circumstances and specific needs of each participant.

If you are interested in taking part in the AIMMS Mentoring initiative, either as a mentor or as a mentee, please get in touch. 

Join the scheme