Khalid Rufai On Sickle Cell Research
Khalid Rufai recently won a science competition in conjunction with “Melanin Medics”, a “national charity promoting racial diversity in Medicine" which took place both over zoom, and in Cambridge university, where students were given a tour of the university, met medical students from the University, and participated in studious presentations. During the course, Khalid learnt how to make judicious appraisals in research, particularly regarding the use of mobile health to help sickle cell. This field became apparent to Khalid, because of its lack of knowledge/awareness, and his personal connection to the cause. The all-black organisation is especially important because it combats the underrepresentation of black people in healthcare, which inspires a multitude of young researchers. Khalid personally, was inspired by Heman Bekele, a fifteen-year-old scientist who made soap that could cure skin cancers. During the competitions’ presentations, Doctor Khadija Owusu became a positively prominent figure, due to her probing questions and inspirational nature, she is a “voice for Black and Ethnic minority young people, medical students and doctors as she works to tackle issues on equality, diversity, and inclusion”, and her website is cited below.
What drew Khalid most to this opportunity, was the ability to become motivated by like-minded individuals, from a similar background and culture. It proved to be a time to dedicate to work, and gain experience from such. As a part of the course, students hosted a presentation regarding their research, and their own products. Khalid’s group of four students created “Sickle Ease”, a pump/injector which delivers appropriate medication in an efficient way. They used Canva to make their 7-minute presentation, which notably improved their communication skills, and developed their ability to self-improve as students. As winners, the group took home a £40 gift card, skills regarding medical school applications including writing effective personal statements, and well-deserved recognition for their accomplishments. More recently, King Edward’s has hosted a bake sale, all profits of which have been given to promoting sickle cell research.
In the future, Khalid wishes to attend medical school, which he is prepared to do now, due to the multitude of skills he obtained, most notably because of his appraisal experience, and research presentation ability which he refined over the competitions’ duration. The most illuminating aspect was the need for more teaching regarding rare diseases and genetic disorders, especially during black history month.
Predominantly, an apparent emphasis on ambitious research in terms of healthcare has emerged from Khalid’s experience, and how effective the black community really is in healthcare, particularly Melanin Medics, which is available for signups next year. Students who wish to involve themselves in scientific research can do so through individual education, and fundraising (children’s hospitals and the British Heart Foundation accept donations) to promote in depth research. Inside of King Edward’s, students can implore their teachers, and careers advisors for opportunities regarding research, and competitions. Outside of college, students can find equally as enriching opportunities through social media, and -for black students- Melanin Medics.
Melanin Medics | For current & future black medical students and doctors in the UK: https://www.melaninmedics.com/
Dr Khadija Owusu: https://www.khadijaowusu.com/
Thank you, Khalid Rufai, for your imperative research and compelling interview!
