The committee

We are the student committee of the National Medical Schools Widening Participation Forum. We work with the support of the Medical Schools Council to promote medical student involvement in widening participation efforts.

Jo Lai, President

I’m a final year student at Birmingham and have loved being involved in widening participation (WP) work over the past five years. I am so excited to support the NMS WP Student Committee again this year to further advance all the amazing work previous students have achieved and to learn from everyone as we continue to strive towards equal opportunities for all. As a WP student myself, I am incredibly thankful for the initiatives that have got me to where I am today and so cannot wait to help the next generation of aspiring doctors to realise their potential!

Kirsty Morrison, Vice President

Hi, I’m Kirsty and I’m a final year medical student at Birmingham. I founded We Are Medics (an online widening participation initiative) during COVID lockdown and have also been president of my university WAMS. Outside of medicine, I’m a Girlguiding volunteer (I’ve attended the 23rd + 24th World Scout Jamborees) and a huge Taylor Swift fan.

Amina Abib, Secretary

Hi, I’m Amina; the secretary of this committee. I’m a fourth year medical student from a widening participation background at Aston Medical School. Outside of medicine I enjoy swimming and learning new skills; I’m currently taking a pottery class. I’m most exited for this years conference.

Celina Akhtar, Conference Lead

Hi, I’m Celina, this years Conference Lead on the NMS WP Students Group. I look forward to working with the rest of the team to ensure everyone thoroughly enjoys the conference taking place in November and enhances their skills

Mahin Chowdhury, Research Co-ordinator

Hi I’m Mahin and I’m a final year medic at the University of Liverpool. I am passionate about WP as I faced many barriers in applying for medical school, and believe more can be done to increase access to medicine for WP students. When I am not busy, you can find me on eating or watching the best team in the world – Liverpool FC!

Pratyusha Saha, Medical Schools Liaison Officer

Hi, I’m Pratyusha, I’ve just finished my intercalation in Cancer Frontiers and I am a founding board member with We Are Medics. I have also been heavily involved in my university WAMS, currently serving as Conference Chair. I am really enjoying my role as Medical Schools Liaison Officer so far!

Monisha Gupta, Partnerships Manager

Hi I’m Monisha, and I’m a medical student at the University of Nottingham. Some of my hobbies include hula hooping, reading and gardening! I’m really excited to help make Medicine even more accessible and build on relationships with other organisations!

Halimah Khalil, Media Manger

Hi, I’m Halimah, and I’ve just finished my intercalation in Public Health. Since starting medical school, I’ve been volunteering regularly for WP initiatives. I’ve also been President of my WAMS society. I’m really excited to help showcase the work of our committee and encourage the medical student community to get involved!