Ben is a junior doctor currently working in Lancashire. After years of experience in mentoring and tutoring, Ben decided, in his Third-year of medical school, it was time to start his own initiative. With a passion for widening participation, Ben set out with the aim to support young people considering a career in medicine from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Photo property of the University of Manchester.

I am a 2nd year medical student and I’ve been volunteering with MOMs for the last year. I remember how difficult I found the application process, and therefore I am keen to offer my help and advice to other aspiring medical students, with the aim of making this process at little bit easier. I strongly believe that all students should have equal opportunities when applying for medicine and that’s why I’m very passionate about volunteering for this society. My role this year will be project lead, which involves organising society events and delivering presentations.

Ben Ryan
Founder of MOMs
Ellis Critchley
Project Leader of MOMs
I am a fifth year medical student and former MOMs attendee. I have enjoyed volunteering with MOMs over the last 2 years and will be the assistant project lead for this coming year. When applying to medicine, MOMs was some of the only support I received- so I know firsthand that the events we run can be hugely beneficial to aspiring medics. My role this year will largely involve assisting the lead in the running and organising of events and planning for the future.

I am a 5th year medical student and I came onto medicine through the “transfer to medicine” scheme. I started volunteering with MOMs when I was still a Biomedical Science student, so this is my 6th year volunteering. I come from a lower socio-economic background and a special measures school, so I feel it is important to help students who are like me. Everybody deserves equal opportunities, so they are fully equipped to apply for medicine, it is our job to provide those opportunities. I used to run MOMs, and now my job is to help the new lead transition into their role.

James Stoker
Assistant Project Leader
Alisha Staley
Project Advisor
I am a 5th year medical student, and I am the treasurer of MOMs this year. I think that the message of MOMs is very worthwhile, and I’ve loved volunteering with MOMs over the last two years. Coming from a non-medic family and a school that offered limited university application support, when applying for medicine I felt very out of my depth and that I was hearing about opportunities too late. I feel passionately that amazing, aspiring doctors shouldn’t miss out on studying medicine due to a lack of information about the application process. I love how MOMs helps to break down that barrier, to help make sure everyone has an equal chance.

I am a 4th year medical student and have loved volunteering with MOMs for the past few years. I am passionate about widening participation in Medicine and love seeing how much the students get out of the MOMs event. I am excited to continue on the MOMs committee for a second year as the event manager, helping to organise and run events.

Jordi Ford
Treasurer
Charlie Dunkerley
Event manager
I’m a 4th year medical student and I will be one of the Volunteer Managers this year. I have volunteering with MOMs for the past three years and have loved being a part of the society. I felt very overwhelmed by the prospect of applying to Medicine in Sixth Form and ended up doing a degree in Biochemistry first, so I am very passionate about making Medicine accessible to as many students as possible. My role is to help guide the volunteers through our events and I can’t wait to be on committee again this year!

Hi my name is Bimpe. I’m a second year medical student. I won’t ever forget how hard the journey was getting into medical school and I am very grateful for my place here at Manchester. I would like to use my opportunity now to help others achieve their goal of getting into medical school, no matter what their background is. I’m really happy to be part of the committee this year. I will be acting as volunteer manager and cant wait to meet all the new volunteers.

Amy Clarke
Volunteer manager
Bimpe Onikan
Volunteer Manager
I’m a 4th year medic and have been involved in MOMs for two years. Helping remove barriers for people applying to medical school I believe is really important. I enjoy working with the sixth formers and helping them gain a better understanding of medicine and the application process. My role is to lead the simulated sessions, which allow students to gain confidence and experience.

I am a 5th year medical student and I am the simulation session lead this year. I love volunteering for MOMs, making medicine a potential choice for everyone is something I feel strongly about. No one aspiring to be a doctor should feel held back by a lack of information or knowledge; everyone should be on an equal footing during the application process. I look forward to meeting the incredible young people who attend the MOMs events this year.

Rowena Hockley
Simulated Session Lead
Ellie Anderson
Simulated Session Lead
Harriet Richardson
Publicity Manager
I am a 5th year medical student and have been working with MOMs since first year. My role this year is as publicity manager and I’m looking forward to helping organise the Facebook and the new Instagram! The MOMS events are so important as I strongly believe everybody should have an equal chance to attend medical school. I love being able to share my experiences and tips with the sixth formers in order to give them the best chance at success.

Mohana Kumar
Inclusion officer
I’m a 4th year Medical student and I’m the inclusions officer for MOMs this year. I really enjoy volunteering with MOMs and I’m enthusiastic to have an active role in a society that makes studying medicine more accessible. With the role of inclusion officer I hope the society can reach even more prospective medical students from all backgrounds!

Past MOMs Project Leads

Dr Ben Ryan
MOMs Lead 2015-2017

Dr Matthew Maden
MOMs Lead 2019-2020

Dr Charlotte Auty
MOMs Lead 2017-2019

Alisha Staley
MOMs Lead 2020-2022
