Biomedical Science alumna shortlisted for the Women of the Future Awards 2022
Published: 28 November 2022
Class of 2019 Biomedical Science alumna, Ramat Ayoola, was recently shortlisted for the Women of the Future Awards in the Community Spirits category. These awards recognise the inspirational stars of tomorrow across a range of sectors.
Ramat, now in her final year of Graduate Entry Medicine at the University of Warwick, was an active member of the Students’ Union during much of her time at St George's - helping represent the student voice through her roles as Campaign Officer and Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Officer.
During her third year at Warwick, Ramat was the Student Chair of the attainment gap working group, which was established to address the inequalities in attainment between White and Black, Asian and minority ethnic students.
Ramat says that it was her work as part of this group that was the catalyst for being shortlisted for the award:
‘I knew that there was a need for greater visibility of role models for students. As someone who has volunteered as a mentor in the past, I understand the value of networking and gaining insight from role models who are relatable.
‘Initially, I was keen to set up an event that would create opportunities for students to network and connect with mentors, and collaborated with Athena SWAN to exchange ideas and see how we could make this a reality.
‘Since then, the initial concept of an event has grown into the Midlands Racial Equality in Medicine (MREM) Network.’
MREM helps connect regional medical schools so that they can share best practice on matters relating to racial equality, collaborate and develop long-lasting relationships. It also facilitates student-staff networking and holds an annual conference which provides an opportunity for students from ethnic minority backgrounds to showcase their research.
Ramat says: ‘It has been really empowering for students to have new ways to voice their ideas’.
The network has since gone on to form a partnership with Midlands Innovation Health, which provides funding for students to carry out research into health inequalities within the Midlands.
Speaking about her experience at St George’s and how it has influenced her plans for the future, Ramat says:
‘While I was studying at St George’s, I was invited to join the All-Party parliamentary group for Sickle Cell and Thalassemia which works to ensure that policy-making remains patient-centred.’
‘It was the first time I became aware of the influence I could have on a much larger scale as a student, and the part I could play in helping people’s voices be heard. This has sparked a passion for health policy and a desire to be involved in setting standards in healthcare in the future.’
- Ramat Ayoola -
‘In terms of long-term plans for the Racial Equality in Medicine Network, I would love to see it include London medical schools in the future, particularly as I already have those strong connections to St George’s. It would be great to see the network expand nationally so that it can benefit students across the country.’