Leading the Way on Skin Diversity

Natasha is the Project Lead for Melanin Matters, which aims to create new educational resources to raise awareness that skin conditions can look different, according to skin tone, which is something often missing in medical textbooks.

Natasha Syed said: "We're currently developing a website which strives to improve awareness and understanding of healthcare inequalities experienced by minority ethnic groups.

"We hope this will be an insightful educational resource which broadens discussion beyond just dermatology in skin of colour, but advocates for inclusive medical education and equitable healthcare access for all."

Since launching as a small student-led education project, Natasha and her fellow trainee medics have since successfully bid for funding from the University of Exeter to develop a website. They are now planning to hold a conference on equality, diversity and inclusion in medicine and medical education.

Natasha adds: “It was such a privilege to have the work of Melanin Matters featured on BBC News Spotlight. It was incredible to have this platform to share our passion for curriculum diversification and we cannot wait to continue driving for positive change in medical education nationally!”