Mutsa Mutasa- TAMS Scholar 2023/24

Mutsa Mutasa is a TAMS Scholar and first year medical student. We caught up with her to hear some of her reflections on the programme thus far. Here’s what she had to say:

Hi Mutsa, if you don’t mind sharing, why did you apply to the tams scholars programme?

I was drawn to the TAMS Scholar programme because of my deep appreciation for the TAMS Community and its impactful work in bridging the gap for individuals hailing from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, in professions like medicine that face entrenched systemic barriers. What profoundly resonates with me is the program's strong emphasis on their ethos of engage, equip, and erase. This ethos aligns seamlessly with my own values and aspirations. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of engagement with communities, equipping individuals with essential tools and knowledge, and collectively erasing the disparities that hinder progress and success like low self confidence and imposter syndrome. Being part of a mentorship initiative that not only recognizes but actively incorporates intersectionality in its approach is a profoundly compelling prospect. It represents an opportunity not only for personal growth but also to work towards a society where barriers are systematically dismantled, allowing everyone equitable access to opportunities and success. Moreover, through my academic journey in medicine, I've come to recognize that certain elements of my identity got lost. The TAMS Scholar programme offers a chance to reignite my passions, particularly in areas like public speaking, teaching, and tutoring. This is an invaluable opportunity for personal growth within a safe, structured, and highly motivating environment.

If at all, how has the programme helped you so far?

The programme has helped in keeping me motivated and focused on my goals. Speaking to other medical students who come from similar backgrounds as me and motivating eachother to push through first year really keeps me going. My interactions with the actual leaders of TAMS as well as the oppurtunities like speaking at a conference help to affirm the fact that I am in the right profession. I feel a constant renewal of my drive which is something I really struggled with before. Most importantly TAMS is equipping me with knowledge on how to develop myself as an individual and a professional

Would you recommend the programme to incoming first years, if so who would you recommend the programme to?

I would recommend TAMS to anyone who desires to excel beyond being a doctor/medical student and wants to be a leader and a part of future change, in and around the field of medicine.

The TAMS Scholars Programme team are so proud of Mutsa and we are very excited to continue to support her in her various endeavours.