Akindolie Medical Scholarship

My father spoke fluent German and was a medical student at Albertus Magnus University, Cologne (the oldest university in Germany) in the 1960s. 

He was a Daad scholar and this scholarship support greatly assisted and supported him in completing his medical studies. Despite the scholarship support, my father faced a unique set of challenges due to the fact that he was one of only a few minority ethnic medical students in his year.  

Because of my father's legacy and the challenges he faced being a minority ethnic medical student, this privately funded scholarship is specifically aimed at supporting UK medical students from a minority ethnic background, a group that is under-represented within UK medical schools. 

Please note that the scholarship is not, therefore, aimed at supporting students studying dentistry, veterinary science or similar degrees nor is it aimed at supporting other medical staff (whether in training or already qualified). 

We are also unable to support qualified doctors or other qualified/unqualified healthcare professionals.

The scholarship comprises one bursary of £1,500 together with a year's leadership mentoring and support (the main award.)  

In exceptional circumstances,  in addition to the main award, one or more secondary bursaries may be awarded to additional applicants, the amount of any secondary bursaries being strictly at the discretion of the judging panel. Please note that there will be no mentoring provided to recipients of secondary bursaries.

The inaugural, 2016 Akindolie Medical Scholarship was awarded to Dr. Folashade Oyewole (who was then a 5th year medical student at Imperial College, London) at the British Medical Association in September 2016 . Picture above shows, from L-R, Dr. Omowunmi Akindolie, myself, Dr. Funke Abimbola MBE, Dr. Folashade Oyewole and Dr. Olufemi Akindolie Junior.

Applications for the scholarship open on 1st April each year. Applications received ahead of this date will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 5 pm on 31st August each year. 

All scholarship applications will be reviewed (including supporting evidence received - see opposite for details of supporting evidence required from shortlisted applicants). 

A final decision will be made after 5 pm on 30th September each year. 

Please note that any supporting evidence received after 5 pm on 30th September will not be considered as part of the application and will mean the application is automatically disqualified from the process.

A key motivation for establishing this scheme is to create a pipeline of aspirational, visible role models through the scholarship awards. 

Please note, therefore that if you are successful in being awarded a scholarship (and in the spirit of the scholarship scheme), your success will be positively publicised and showcased in social and other forms of mainstream media to motivate, inspire and empower others. 

Prospective applicants are advised not to apply if this visibility is an issue for them.

Eligible candidates

1) Full time students studying at a UK medical school as at 31st August (including intercalating medical students)

Please note that:

• Secondary school students who are still considering a career in medicine; and

• Incoming first year UK medical students holding an offer but yet to start their studies at a UK medical school as at 31st August;

are not eligible to apply. 

It is essential that you are already studying at a UK medical school as at 31st August. No exceptions are made to this criteria.

2) From a BAME (Black and Minority Ethnic) background 

3) Must demonstrate both:

- an excellent, consistent academic record; and 

- an exceptional, demonstrable track record of giving back to society outside their medical studies.

To apply, candidates will need to send:

 (i)  their CV ; and 

(ii)  a detailed, 300 word statement explaining why they consider themselves to be the best candidate for the scholarship 

to:

 AkindolieScholarship@gmail.com.

All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their initial application within a week of the 31st August closing date. Please note that due to the high volume of applications received, no additional correspondence will be entered into with candidates who are not shortlisted. Further, please note that those previously awarded a scholarship under this scheme are unable to apply for an additional scholarship award.

Supporting evidence required

Shortlisted applicants will need to provide: 

 (1) A certified true copy of their passport or other official proof of identification (certified as a true copy either by a practising solicitor in the UK or by a UK Post Office official  as part of the Post Office's document certification service);

(2) the names of 2 academic referees; and 

(3) the name  of  1 additional referee related to the applicant's voluntary work;

by 5 pm on 15th September.

All written references from referees must be received by 5 pm on 30th September when a final decision will be made about the awardee.