Kanyin Arikawe

Hi everyone, my name is Kanyin Arikawe, a fourth-year medical student, and I’m running for Chair of Imperial College Black Medics because I care deeply about building a community that feels supportive, ambitious, and genuinely connected.

Through my role as Personnel Officer for Imperial College Medical Women’s Federation, I’ve organised events, built relationships with clinicians, and helped create spaces where students can access real opportunities. As Vice President of Imperial College Gospel Choir, I’ve learned how to lead diverse teams, manage large projects, and most importantly, bring people together with intention.

As Chair, I want to focus on connection and exposure.

I want to create stronger links between older and younger years so that no one feels like they’re figuring Imperial out alone. I want to demystify research — breaking down how to get involved, who to speak to, and how to build your CV early. I want us to build meaningful relationships with doctors, from FY1s to consultants, so we can see clear pathways ahead of us.

I also want to widen our horizons — exploring international residency options (including the US), and careers beyond traditional medicine, such as med tech, health consulting, and health law.

Beyond Imperial, I’m passionate about outreach to Year 11 and Sixth Form students, and collaborating with Afro-Caribbean medical communities across London.

Black Medics should feel like a network that stretches beyond six years — and I’m ready to help build that.