Contents Editor: Leonard Callus
Editorial................................................................................4 Message from President....................................................... 5 Dr. Jean Calleja Agius.............................................................6 Prof.Christian Scerri...............................................................7 Meet the Board of Directors.....................................................8 Kristina Bartolo......................................................10 Thomas Gatt……....................................................11 Mubarak Al-Ghuroba…...........................................12 Rebecca Stoner…..........................................……….13 Abigail Mula…............................................………..14 Martina Bugelli……............................................….15 Sarah Catania……...................................................16 Victoria Camilleri….................................................17 We Are MMSA!....................................................................18 Martina Gerada……................................................20 Gerd Xuereb…........................................................21 Fran Curmi…….......................................................22 Dylan Attard….....................................................…23 Matthew Pizzuto….................................................24 Supervising Council.............................................................25 Training and Resource Development - TRD...........................26 English-To-Maltese Medical Terms.......................................27 The MMSA App................................................................... 28 The Matching Game ...........................................................30 Surviving the First Year!......................................................32 Student Activism - The Pursuit of a Fulfilling University Life..33 The 1st Year Booklist............................................................34
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Cover Editor: David Borg Editors: Joseph Azzopardi David Borg Leonard Callus Martha Zammit Writers: Board of Directors and Supervising Council Gary Bonnici Jordy Borg Leonard Callus Kyle Cilia Nicole Sciberras Daniela Tonna Matthew Valentino Proofreaders: Joseph Azzopardi David Borg Chiara Buhagiar Maria Croucher Vanessa Mercieca Julia Shaaban Yimeng Zhang Martha Zammit
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Editorial Leonard Callus Public Relations Officer
Hi Freshers! First of all, I wish to congratulate all of you for joining Medical School - Congratulations! As time passes, you will start to realise the beauty of this course – learning new medical material, have the opportunity to conduct research and many other opportunities that will help you not only to pass your exams but also train yourself so that in the future you can help the vulnerable with different medical needs. The aim of this booklet is designed for you to get to know what MMSA is and how it works. The major role of MMSA is represent all medical students so as safeguard their rights and
Study tip 1: Everyone has different study methods. Do not lose heart if you are still inthe first reading of your anatomy chapter and your friend has finished histhird reading. Do what works for you best.
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also help them with their studies. The other important aspect of MMSA is to promote health and do voluntary work both on Campus and around Malta. Through the different campaigns organised by the different standing committees, we raise public awareness on different aspects of health, for example, the damage done by excessive sun exposure, tobacco smoking, obesity, diabetes and sexual health problems. This year’s motto adopted by MMSA is “Because Life is Worth Living!” and this motto will be the aim of each and every campaign. Through their articles, the members of the Board of Directors will give you a brief insight of their campaigns and their roles in MMSA. I started helping MMSA soon after I entered Medical School. I used to help in different events organised by the different standing committees and also started to give my services in public relations by giving talks on the importance of technology in a workshop and also helping in the making of MMSA’s publications by writing articles and editing. In my 2nd year, I took the post of IT Officer and was responsible for the creation of the new MMSA website, which was launched during TRD and has) has been appreciated not only by medical students studying here in Malta but also the general public and elective students) Now that I have been) elected as Public Relations Officer (PRO), I will make sure to improve MMSA’s media to help our organisation stand out more on Campus, in the general public and as an organisation in the IFMSA. I have started my work as PRO by launching the new MMSA app which is available on both Google Play and App Store. I invite you to read the article on the app in this booklet to know more about it and be sure to download it on your smartphone! A new concept which I managed to introduce as PRO was that of a Corporate Training course - a course organised between MMSA and Computer Domain to train 21 students in graphics design and even video editing for free to help create more professional media for MMSA. If this course is repeated next year, you may have the opportunity to take this course and even get a certificate for attending the course! I wish to close off this editorial by encouraging you to start helping MMSA from now by joining the different events and giving your contribution by outreaching or helping in the organisation of events. Also, those who are interested in writing papers and articles or have skills in media, such as photography or photo and video editing, I encourage you to join the Public Relations Team. We have great projects ahead of us – let’s work as a team to make sure that each and every project is successful!
Dear Fresher, Well done for making it this far! Getting into medical school is a daunting task and you should be proud of your recent achievement. I promise that the coming five years will turn your life upside down! Being a medical student carries an important responsibility. Unlike other tertiary students, your admission into medical school has changed your reputation with most of the Maltese population: from now on, they will start confiding in you more than ever before. You have been gifted with a precious position of trust which will endear with you for a lifetime. Take care of this trust! Cultivate it and you will be rewarded with countless opportunities, with the privilege to change hundreds of lives for the better. And to help you along this road of personal discovery, I am offering you an exceptional opportunity: get involved in the MMSA! Our association offers you the chance to practise medical skills, to teach and train the public on vital health issues, to make new friends, to go abroad on medical exchanges, and so much more. We’re committed to make these five years the best years of your life! I understand that in the first few days at medical school, you will be bombarded with information, acronyms and details which will confuse you. The MMSA is here to help you orient yourself. Feel free to contact me or any other member of the MMSA Board of Directors. We will be willing to help you and introduce you to our association. The coming year promises countless new opportunities to our members. To get started in the MMSA, make sure you attend the Training and Resources Development Seminar, a weekend which offers you the opportunity to make new friends, understand the MMSA and choose where you want to work in the coming years. The MMSA relies on its students to achieve the results we have achieved throughout the years. As a medical student body, we are tasked with promoting health and health awareness throughout the country. And you, as a fresher, have a lot of ideas and energy to give. I urge you to help us make this year another formidable one! This year, we are also gearing up to host an international conference here in Malta, a conference which will see over a thousand medical students from all over the world visit our islands in 2016. Although we are still in the bidding phase of this process, with everything depending on an international vote come next March, we are optimistic about our initiative and we look for-
Message from President Gabriel J. Ellul
ward to your help and support in making this prestigious event happen! If we succeed, it would be a great honour to the MMSA ans our country. This apart from the many other initiatives which we are trying to set up and which have the ultimate aim of helping us grow as budding doctors and key players in the local healthcare scene. Read through the pages in these booklet and you’ll see the work being done by each member of the Board of Directors, each one of them focused on a different aspect of our association. For their dedication, I owe them my thanks and gratitude. I also extend their invitiation to you as a fresher: helping out in the MMSA will teach you so many new things, and we want you to get involved! I truly wish you all the best in your studies. May the coming years bring you joy and self-fulfillment as a budding and pro-active student. If you have any questions, suggestions or remarks, please feel free to contact me. I hope I get to meet you in person very soon! Until then, best of luck!
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Dr. Jean Calleja Agius Head of Anatomy Department
on you. Being a medical student entails that both you and those who really care for you will have to do sacrifices more that what your friends in other courses and/or jobs can ever dream of. So far I may have sounded rather sombre, however not all is doom and gloom! Actually being a medical student is real fun! It is during this course that most of you will grow from adolescents to young adults (at least physically), and that long lasting relationships will be forged, including finding your soul mate or better half (it happened to me at least!). Make the most of the opportunities that are available during student life, such as going on electives abroad, taking part in extracurricular activities, and why not, the famous parties! However, do not forget to study hard…. I mean, really hard. What is also different from your previous student days is that as a medical student, and a future doctor, you really never stop learning. Although you will end up spending sleepless nights studying for numerous exams from now onwards, the real exam is whenever you have an actual patient in front of you, asking your opinion and entrusting his/her life in your hands.
Dear Students, Welcome to a brave new world! That is what I define as being enrolled in the MD course, at the end of which you will become a doctor! At the moment you may still be basking in your glory for managing to get into the course, and I congratulate you over and over again upon that, because it is truly an achievement! Mark my words - your life will never be the same from now on! The experience of both being a medical student, but above all, being a doctor, is truly the most amazing out of all professions. You are too young in your careers at this stage to appreciate this, but a time will come where you will understand! When I was a student myself, one of our tutors told us that ‘we, as medical students, are the crème de la crème’. However, in my opinion and experience, it is not a matter of being the most ambitious or the most famous or the most intelligent for all that matter, inspite of the stereotype that society may impose
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Indeed this course lasts (only) 5 years, and you will be very relieved at the end of it to receive your medical degree. However, that is really only the beginning. A good professional doctor is one who continues studying and keeping abreast with current evidence. So, you really should be open for learning all your life, and your tutors are not just your medical seniors, but indeed even your paramedical colleagues and patients. Although you will hopefully eventually have more knowledge than your average patients in terms of academia, it is your patients who are really your best tutors in terms of dealing with true life issues. If you have the humility to accept that you are always ready to listen and learn, then you are on the right track of being a very good doctor. And irrespective of how famous, stressed or tired you may be, when dealing with colleagues and above all to patients , always put yourselves in their shoes, and treat them with due respect, like you would want yourself or someone close to you, to be treated by a doctor. So hail to our new fresh medical students! Welcome aboard! We are here to help you achieve your dreams and nurture your talents, but now it’s up to you to pull up your socks and work for it!
Welcome and congratulations on being here! I would like to welcome you to the Department of Physiology and Biochemistry. Illnesses and diseases are caused when normal physiological and biochemical mechanisms are deranged either due to abnormal anatomical and histological changes or biochemical ones. Thus the study of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry shall form the basis for your future clinical studies.
Prof. Christian Scerri
Head of Physiology and Biochemistry Department
Though traditionally these subjects were studied as standalone topics, the modern approach that has been adopted by the University of Malta, Medical school, is that of integrating these subjects together with pathology and pharmacology, thus introducing an integrated approach to the study of organs and their functions. To reach such an aim, small group teaching with a critical thinking approach has become the fulcrum in this integrated approach. Though this has produced a more interesting course, it has also produced a number of questions and difficulties amongst first year medical students such as “How many hours should I study per day?” and “What topic or area should I emphasise more upon?”. Though difficult to answer, I would like put forward some important points for your consideration: • Studying is a continuous process and not to be crammed in the last 3 to 4 weeks before the exams. Aim to do some studying on a daily basis, even if this constitutes revising notes from the day’s lectures • Use imagery and colours to illustrate and understand complex mechanisms • Use notes and comments in the margins when you highlight text. This reduces the need to re-read the whole text when you revise. • Prepare a timeframe and deadlines so as to reach your expected goals • Talk about what you learn. Your companion might be your pet, your computer but the best would be your friends as debates and discussions can provide you with a different outlook to the problem. • Take regular breaks - watch a film, play a computer game – as long as the break is not longer than your study time!
Finally, one of the secrets of being a good clinician is being a good team player. Interact with your colleagues, assist and help each other and overall you are not competing in a race; all of you can make it to the finish line. Congratulations, to all. It’s truly wonderful to have you here!
Contact the staff members of both Departments:
http://mmsa.org.mt/?p=9603
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Meet the Board of Directors 2014-2015
The Executive Board 8
Contact the Members of the Board:
Team of Officials http://mmsa.org.mt/the-board-of-directors/
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Kristina Bartolo
Vice President for External Affairs
Studying is obviously an essential part of the course but so is going out and having fun. We have a lot of MMSA events that will keep you busy throughout the year and will give you the perfect balance between work and play. I strongly encourage you to participate in them as they are a great chance to make friends with students from different years and to do practical stuff whilst gaining lots of new skills that can’t be learned from any book. Life in medical school can be pretty intense at times so it’s always nice to have a break every now and then. The MMSA has kept me sane throughout the course and it has provided me with skills and experiences where I’ve grown so much and I will treasure them forever. To conclude, I just want to encourage you to enjoy medical school and follow your dreams; try something new, travel, inspire and be inspired, and grab as much opportunities as possible. Make these coming five years the best years of your life! University life has so much to offer, don’t miss out on this great opportunity to be active in MMSA! “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margret Mead
Dear Freshers, I am SO excited to be writing this article! Freshers’ week is my favourite time of the scholastic year because it’s always fun to meet new people and to get lots of free stuff, hehe. But Freshers’ week is also important as it’s the beginning of a wonderful journey. I’m not going to lie, this journey will not be easy, but it will definitely be satisfying and worthwhile. Apart from giving you a warm welcome into medical school, I will try to share some tips and tricks for surviving medical school. On the first few days you will come across people telling you to study all the time, lecturers will bombard you with long lists of books, everything will be new and you might feel confused and doubtful. But don’t worry, everyone is in the same boat. The mixed feelings are normal. Medical school is not as scary as you imagine it to be. What’s important is that you can always turn to your friends or to older students for help as we will be there very willing to assist you.
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Looking forward to meeting you all! Kristina
Congratulations on finally making it into medical school! I can assure you that the fun has only just begun! By now, you’re probably still trying to get your head around the 1,000 or so acronyms that have been thrown at you on your very first day; trust us, it gets easier. In my opinion, the MMSA should act as a safe haven, away from the academic side of university. The MMSA will help you develop skills, forge friendships and generally bring out the best in you. From outreaching to the public in Valletta, to organizing your own events on university campus, to public speaking in front of a class of students; the MMSA is there to offer you opportunities, which the academic side of medical school cannot.
Thomas Gatt
Vice President for Internal Affairs
My role as Vice-President for Internal Affairs deals with the internal administration of the MMSA. My prime responsibility is to liaise closely with each individual member of the Board of Directors to ensure that we are a strong team, plus the smooth running of our association when any issues crop up. Other responsibilities include: compiling and archiving MMSA reports, as well as the KSU Room Allocations Report; maintaining the MMSA office’s at MDH and University; along with overseeing the VPi Office. The office consists of 4 posts: the Projects Coordinator and Feedback Coordinator, who together work to improve the quality of our events; the Policy Chair who together with the policy team, work to formulate MMSA policies; and the Alumni Coordinator who takes care of the alumni database. The future of the MMSA looks very hopeful. With your help, I believe that we will continue to grow even stronger as a student organisation. To the freshers: please don’t let the workload overwhelm you. The first couple of weeks are the most challenging, but there are tons of people who are there to guide you along; so feel free to reach out to them. My take home message: get active in MMSA, study smart, and have fun! Make the most out of these five years so that on graduation day, you can look back at this holistic experience with great satisfaction. I look forward to meeting you all! See you at TRD!
Study tip 2: Study tipbig2: Start with the picture. Sift through the assigned chapter or
unit in the beginning of your studies and get a rough idea of what Studyyou everyday. will beAs covering. desperate While as this you might are skimming sound, you through, will thank decide yourself which when material examsmust are round be thoroughly the corner. understood versus the minor details that can be memorized closer to the exam date.
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Mubarak Al-Ghuroba Treasurer
what the MMSA is all about, yes it has fun and games, and if you’re lucky enough your journey will be shared with friends you admire, respect and rely on, and I’m lucky enough to claim that. MMSA will show you another path to Medicine, one full of wonder and adventure. One that will test your limits and will probably end up showing you your fears and the beauty of this journey. That, it will help you face them. I remember when I was sitting where you are right now, with friends, listening to orientation sessions, loving the university life, and thinking if that’s all that there is . I’ll just attend lectures, tutorials, spend many hours in the library and wait for 5 years till I graduate. But I wanted to be a doctor to change the world, to face my fears, to conquer and leave my mark in this world. I thought I needed a degree before doing any of these ... and that’s where MMSA proved me wrong. I can start helping people and leaving a mark as soon as from the first year of my studies through outreaching activities and more organised by MMSA.
Let’s start with a very basic question, what is your biggest fear? Take a few seconds and actually think about it. Do you really know your fears? The monsters underneath the bed that actually terrify you, make you shiver and pause. It’s ok if you don’t know the answer to this simple question, most people don’t … and I’m sadly one of them. Maybe because I’m still young enough to fear nothing or stupid enough not to think of the ending for my journey. That’s
Welcome to our course, future doctors. Welcome my colleagues and friends. I’ll leave you with a quote dear to my heart. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Be brave men and women, and conquer your fears. P.S: Still conquering my fears.. Regards,
Study tip 3: Take good notes during lectures. You will find them handy whilst studying and they may help you to stay focused particularly if it’s a boring lecture.
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Mubarak Alghuroba Treasurer of MMSA
Dear Freshers, All the hard work has paid off - congratulations and welcome to the medical course! The first year of the course can seem daunting. Keeping up with lectures, CTSs, dissections and studying, while trying to find your way around campus is enough to make anyone feel slightly stressed out! In reality, once you get used to the new system and find a way to manage your time, it gets a lot easier and you may find yourself interested in being active in the MMSA.
Rebecca Stoner
Secretary General
I was encouraged to join the MMSA when I first entered the course. I attended various seminars and workshops throughout my first year and was pleased to find that I felt so welcome. The sense of belonging and feeling like we were making a positive change was what motivated me to become part of the executive board in the first place. Being active in the MMSA actually offered some balance between working in the association, my studies and life in general. The skills and experience you gain from working in this association aren’t just the ones which will help you in the future because being a good doctor isn’t just about achieving good exam results, but so much more! During my second year I held the post of Medical Educational Officer on the board, working on student representation and ways of supplementing the curriculum. After this, I considered the post of Secretary General as it seemed like one with a lot of potential. By being on the administrative side of the EB and being in another role which is in very in touch with the student body, it would give me the opportunity to be aware of the changes the students want and play a role in making these happen. The SecGen is also responsible for the Training and Resource Development (TRD) weekend. TRD is one of my favourite MMSA events. From my two years experience attending, I think that we could improve on the great work already done. My aim is to make students feel as welcome as possible and to make it clear for them to know exactly what the MMSA is, what we do, why we do it and how they can get involved. In the coming term I would like to see the MMSA grow stronger and more united, with more members working towards a common goal. I would also like to focus more on feedback and student representation, as it is only through this kind of assessment
that we can discover where these changes can be made. I invite and encourage all students to get involved in the MMSA, contributing to the amazing work being done but also making use of the opportunities we offer and the support we provide. The MMSA represents all medical students! I wish you all the best of luck in the course, and should you have any concerns I am always happy to answer any questions. Do not lose heart for with enough determination and motivation, you will most definitely make it! In the meantime I would like to encourage you all to become part of this big family. The TRD Weekend will take place this October and I would like to invite you all to make the best of this opportunity to get to know each other and to get to know older students too. See you all there!
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Abigail Mula
Exchange and Research Officer - Incomings
Hi Freshers, Congrats for making it into med school! I hope you got the chance to lay back during the past three months. My summer was pretty hectic to say the least. As PREO-Incomings (sorry for burdening you with yet another acronym), my job was to organize and co-ordinate both professional and research exchange programmes for foreign med students. This means meeting up with consultants, taking care of lodging and meals, organising student pick-ups from the airport and obviously organising an incredible social programme. As you can see being an exchange officer entails a lot of work and thus it is no one-person job. This year’s exchanges programme could not have such a success if it weren’t for the help from my diligent exchanges team as well as other BD members! Out of all the events organized, the event which is sought after most is the National Food & Drinks Party (a.k.a NFDP).
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Students are asked to prepare traditional dishes and obviously get signature drinks from their respective countries of origin. As you might expect for Malta, we prepared “galletti”, “bigilla”, stuffed olives and “ħobż biż-żejt”. We also introduced them to our wonderful Kinnie, twistees and wine. All foreign med students reading this should make it a point to try these Maltese specialties. I also indulged in a number of international delicacies ranging from caviar all the way from the Russian federation to Greek stew (yes, the Greeks actually turned up with a huge pot of delicious stew to a party). We all had our fair share of drinks which included Polish and Russian Vodka, freshly prepared Sangria, Greek Ouzo, Swedish blueberry shots, Lithuanian liqueurs and much more. I especially enjoyed this party because all students were eager to share their knowledge of their traditions and also to learn more about the customs of other countries. The NFDP, in my opinion, was the first opportunity for the students and the exchanges team to truly bond. The traditional “fenkata” in Mġarr, the Mdina treasure hunt, the Comino & Gozo trips, the countless afternoons at the beach, the wine & beer festivals and the farewell boat party are just some of the events which enabled the students to really soak in our wonderful culture. Despite the fact I did not have much free time this summer, I do not regret it at all! I would definitely suggest you to get involved in the exchanges team next year even if it’s simply as an exchange student buddy. I know you’ve all heard how hard medicine is, but as long as you manage your time well and study hard you should not be discouraged and try to involve yourselves in activities organized by different MMSA standing committees as much as you can. Best of luck for your upcoming year!! I hope to see you around ^_^ Abigail Mula PREO-In ’14 – ’15
Martina Bugelli
Hi Freshers! A big welcome to the medical course! As many people will tell you (and you will also get fed up of hearing this), this course is not any easy one. I can assure you however that despite the difficulty of it all, it is very rewarding and there are many ways through which you can make these 5 years truly memorable! The MMSA forms part of a much bigger family, that is, the International Federation of Medical Students (IFMSA) and through the IFMSA, exchanges are organised between countries. They are an opportunity for you to meet other medical students, experience life in hospital around the world whilst also becoming familiar with different cultures and lifestyles.
Exchange and Research Officer - Outgoings
The Standing Committee on Professional Exchanges (SCOPE) takes care of the students who opt for a professional exchange and work in any one of the various hospital departments. On the other hand, the standing committee on Research Exchange (SCORE) is responsible for the students who choose to work on a medical research project. Here in Malta, these standing committees are divided into the Outgoing and Incomings sections. It is the Outgoings section that will take care of you, if you decide to apply for an exchange in one of the countries offered. Applications are out in December, but do not hesitate to contact me before should you have any queries or require further information. These exchanges are there for YOU! So work hard, become an active MMSA member and benefit from such great opportunities! :)
Study tip 4:
Do not jeopardise your hobbies in favour of studying. It will only make you feel more stressed. Get out there and participate in something other than medicine occasionally.
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Sarah Catania
Medical Education Officer
ges in the medical education system. During SCOME’s main event called Medical Education Development International Training Kit (MEDIK-T), topics such as Outcome Based Medicine, Research in Medicine, Non-Formal Education, Evaluation and Assessment as well as Feedback and Representation are covered with the aim to give you the skills you need to analyse, advocate and adapt the education system according to the current and future needs of the doctors and the country. SCOME takes care of introducing this medical course to you during Fresher’s Week and organises other fun educational workshops and seminars like ‚Practice Makes Perfect’ that help fill in the gaps in our curriculum and provide you with the essential skills to become the best doctor you could possibly be! SCOME is the only Standing Committee aimed at the needs of the medical student! Becoming part of SCOME has not only made me an active MMSA and IFMSA member, but also an empowered student willing to improve the quality of my education. Feel free to approach the SCOME team whenever you feel lost and become part of this process today! :)
It is an honour, as the Medical Education Officer for this term, to welcome you on board! From my experience, becoming active in the Malta Medical Student Association (MMSA) is the first thing you should do especially if you are interested in becoming a well-rounded doctor.I understand that most of you are concerned about the books, the studying, the timetable, etc. I assure you that everything will fall into place soon enough. If you are experiencing any problems, do not worry! We SCOMEdians will be helping you throughout this journey. The Standing Committee on Medical Education (SCOME) is involved in Student Representation; that is taking any feedback from you and passing it on to the faculty. We make sure that your voice is heard and that a solution is found. We work to make you partners with the faculty and included in the development of your own education system. One of SCOME’s main aims is to create the ideal physicians that are skilled and have a broad view on health, are able to work with other professions and are able to advocate for chan-
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Victoria Camilleri
Dear Freshers, Congratulations and welcome to medical school. The first thing you should know about surviving and doing well in this course, is when to relax and take some time to do the things you enjoy. Of all the studying advice and notes that my fellow second years had given me, I feel that this was the most vital, and unfortunately the one most of us seemed to ignore. The second advice is to realize that different people work at different paces and use different methods of studying, so don’t worry that you are falling behind, or that you’re not working hard enough. Remember first year is all about figuring out what to do with all the new things that are being thrown at you.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Officer
The most beautiful thing about this course is, knowing that you are being given the tools to one day improve or even save someone’s life. This might seem quite farfetched, and it definitely did to me throughout most of my first year. My perception began to change as I started getting more and more involved in the MMSA. The beauty of the MMSA is that it allows us, students and future physicians, to start making a difference from now. Regardless of your skills and passion, this organization will help you reach out and become a better person for it. I remember during my first year, I had asked my friends to sign me up for anything MMSA related. In fact, during the past two years I have participated and coordinated campaigns within multiple standing committees. However, I found my true passion within SCORA, the Standing Committee on Sexual and Reproductive Health including HIV/ AIDS. We all seem to find our different niches within MMSA, depending on what we are most passionate about, even if initially we are unsure of what that is. Mine is, to make a positive impact on people’s lives. And what makes a greater impact than saving someone’s life, someone’s fertility, someone’s wellbeing, helping someone become aware of their rights and helping someone realize that they are beautiful irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation? I have always been amazed at the amount of information that is bottled up and not shared regarding sexual and reproductive health. Medical students are in a position to share such knowledge and make an impact. We as students have the ability to
relate to younger students when tackling such topics. In fact the biggest branch of SCORA is peer education, where we visit sixth forms and tackle such issues in an interactive and fun way. In a world full of the inevitable, I feel that sharing such knowledge will help decrease the avoidable infections and diseases, decrease the avoidable cases of infertility, eliminate the avoidable torture of those that do not fit into what some might refer to as conventional, and eliminate the avoidable violation of someone’s sexual rights. Will you be part of this change?
Study tip 5:
It is not expected of you to understand everything during a lecture. Go home, revise the lecture slides and the textbooks, attend dissections and small group teachings and things will shape up well.
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We Are
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MMSA!
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Martina Gerada Public Health Officer
Welcome Freshers! As someone who has been through the tough experience of getting into the course myself, I can totally relate to what you’re feeling. I also remember thinking that the all-nighters and the excessive consumption of caffeine were finally over. However, experience taught me otherwise. Medicine is one of the hardest, yet one of the most fulfilling and satisfying courses at university. Brace yourselves - long hours at the library are coming! (Fun Fact: The majority of students flooding the UoM library are in fact Med Students). There will be instances when you will feel that you’re not competent enough and exhaustion will start leaving its effects. All the coffee will give you palpitations, tremors, tachycardia,
Study tip 6: Enjoy what you are doing. If you find yourself getting bored while you study, stop, take a break and think of a way to make what you are studying.
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diplopia, anxiety, IBS, hypertension and other medical terms which I seem to be running out of. Fear not! I can assure you that every single medical student has felt this way at some point. Enough scaremongering now, it is time to introduce myself. I am the Public Health Officer which makes me the head of the Standing Committee on Public Health (SCOPH). The aim of this standing committee is to educate and empower the public on our greatest wealth: health. This standing committee allows us to help out in the community in similar ways to what we will be doing in our future careers. Why should we start when we graduate, when we can start now? This standing committee organizes various health checks, during which we carry out blood pressure, blood glucose and BMI tests on the public. We also give relevant advice to the public on a lot of diseases which are prevalent in our country including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Apart from this, we also tackle other issues such as climate care and the harmful effects of the sun on the skin. This standing committee encourages a healthy lifestyle and prevention of diseases. Should you require any more information and/or want to help out in SCOPH please do not hesitate to contact me on scoph@ mmsa.org.mt. To conclude, I would like to extend an invitation to each and every one of you to involve yourself as much as possible, in the MMSA and particularly in SCOPH. You will find that the more active you are, the more motivated you will become, and this will not only help you in your studies but will also make your university life much more dynamic and colourful. Carpe Diem! Best of luck with your studies.
Dear Freshers, Welcome on board!! Congratulations on your achievement! You have embarked on a new journey that may not always be a bed of roses but you will rise to the challenges and reap the rewards. You are in for an exciting adventure that will shape your behaviour and personality.
Gerd Xuereb
Human Rights and Peace Officer
Being a medical student should not limit your aspirations and although studying is the core activity during this journey, you should grab all the opportunities that will come your way. Here is where MMSA plays a fundamental role. MMSA will provide you with many opportunities that will help you grow and broaden your perspectives. MMSA is YOUR association! I am a second year medical student and I have been an active MMSA member from the very early days of my studies. I was encouraged by my friends and MMSA members to become involved in the organisation and I do not regret this decision. It was a blessing since it allowed me to strike a balance between my studies and my social life. Moreover, MMSA has enriched me with many experiences and in a relatively short time I had the opportunity to meet many people from different walks of life. Medical students seek to be of service to the community and value the wellbeing of the citizens. Voluntary work experiences fulfil our desire to be of service and help us realise the hardship of life. I am the officer in charge of SCORP (Standing Committee on Human Rights and Peace) and our objective is to safeguard human rights, treat all members of the society with dignity and eliminate conflict. We design campaigns and participate in national events that promote human rights and peace. Furthermore, together with a number of students I had the opportunity to participate in a project hosted by the Medical Students of the University of Bucharest, Romania, where we met medical students from other universities. This academic year, SCORP, is launching AMIGO, a project promoting student participation in voluntary work. I encourage you to join this programme since I guarantee that you will be the net beneficiary.
MMSA experience may take you around the globe. Now it’s up to you to either count the days or make the days count!! I look forward to meet you all!! :)
Do not hesitate to join the MMSA family. It will be a decision that opens windows of opportunities that bring to life many dreams that await to be realised. You will know no boundaries as the
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Francesca Curmi
Peer Education and Training Officer
myself, I was active in the MMSA from day one. I’ve always believed that our association has so much to offer, providing us with so many opportunities. Thanks to the MMSA, I have crossed borders and visited places I never thought I would – I have been given the chance to represent the MMSA internationally at the General Assembly (GA) in Chile 2013 and GA in Tunisia 2014. I’ve also just come back from a month in Slovenia! These experiences have definitely helped me grow as a person. The Standing Committee on Peer Education and Training is divided into two main sectors - Peer Education and Training. The Peer Education sector involves medical students educating young children and adolescents in a non-formal manner on crucial topics for their future, such as substance abuse, fitness and nutrition, sexual health and much more! We provide our peers with friendly sessions, where they are enabled to comfortably ask questions to individuals whom they can relate to. As medical students and young adults ourselves, it is our duty to help our peers in such matters. Through our peer education programme, we play an important role in providing them with the relevant information they need in order to make an informed decision.
Dear Freshers, Congratulations and welcome to medical school! You’ve all worked hard to get here and now it’s time for you to enjoy the University experience. These next 5 years will undoubtedly be difficult, but the Malta Medical Students’ Association (MMSA) is here to help you get through it all! Medical school is not just about studying – remember this. Things will only get harder each year, but it’s important to keep yourselves sane by maintaining a balanced lifestyle to aid your coping mechanisms. As a third year medical student
Study tip 7:
Participate in MMSA activities. Your studies should always be a priority but with MMSA, you’ll get the opportunity to work in a team, manage and follow rules, as well as meeting and helping people – things that will definitely help you in your career.
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The concept of training involves personal growth through learning new skills such as public speaking, how to give a presentation, working with your team-mates, leadership, coping with stress, managing time properly, and more. The sector of training offers so much to medical students, as you will learn new skills and polish old ones, that you will use in your personal life, medical school and most importantly, in your future as doctors. SCOPET has two main annual live-ins – the Training New Trainers (TNT) Workshop (October) and the Peer Education Weekend (December). During these weekends, you will learn these skills. I really encourage you all to become active in the MMSA, especially in SCOPET, as I know we have loads to offer to you all this year! I look forward to meeting you all and hopefully working with you this year! :) Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on scopet@mmsa.org.mt. Good luck and see you all at TRD! :)
Hello Freshers! Welcome to MMSA! You have just enrolled into one of the most difficult and challenging courses that exist and this says a lot about you already. Young ambitious, intelligent and independent students – that’s what most of you are if one had to describe you. This is where MMSA comes in. This beloved association of ours is going to help each and every one of you to continue developing such important characteristics whilst helping you mature and grow up into the perfect adults, acting as role models to society. MMSA is going to be there for you in these next 5 years and it is up to each and every one of you to reach out and make the most out of it.
Dylan Attard Leisure Officer
What’s MMSA LEISURE? Probably, even after the first couple of meetings and boring PowerPoint presentations that you’ll have to endure during Fresher’s Week, most of you still don’t know how MMSA is divided, and the different Standing Committees that exist. Well, do not worry. By TRD, you will all get to know what each Standing Committee is all about and get to meet the different heads of each and every Standing Committee. For MMSA Leisure, we won’t be doing any sessions during the day, but in order for you to get to know MMSA LEISURE in the best way possible, we will be hosting a themed parties each night during the TRD and I will guarantee you that there is no better way to get introduced to MMSA LEISURE than to attend these parties. Make sure to prepare the best costumes you can come up with in order to get in the chance of winning the prize for the best costume of the night. I can guarantee you that after you win this prize, you won’t remember anything from the party the following morning. This is what MMSA LEISURE is all about. MMSA Leisure is responsible to provide the best activities for all medical students with the aim of reducing stress, having fun and maximising the beautiful aspect of life on campus. We’re fully devoted in hosting the best events so as to enrich the social life on campus and as a result of the past leisure officers’ work, we can proudly say that our events are sought after by almost every student on campus and not just medical students, thus making us medical students proud of our own organisation. We have many plans and projects planned for this upcoming year, starting with The Fresher’s Rave, a unique rave experience
in order to start off the year in the craziest way possible, then there are the TRD Themed Parties, Christmas Party etc. This year we are also going to try and reintroduce The MMSA Car Treasure Hunt which will surely be one hell of a ride around Malta. Whilst I’m at it, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole leisure team, which spend numerous hours planning and preparing for the event itself and which also need to stay on call during the events themselves to make sure that everything is running smoothly. Thank you guys!! Students are seen as just sponges, ready to absorb and learn anything that is thrown at us. We’re expected to learn a huge amount of detail and thus putting unnecessary burden on our social life, which even though you might think that it should not be one of our priorities in life, I firmly believe that it is as equally important as other things and that it too can have an impact on our life and the way we face any obstacles. What’s key here is whether or not we believe that we are able to balance between curricular and extra-curricular activities. If you believe you can, you will!
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Matthew Pizzuto Electives Officer
‘Discover University’ event way back at the beginning of the scholastic term, and I can honestly say I’ve never looked back. For me, MMSA was a way of relaxing away from studying and giving something to the public. I’m sure many of you entering medicine have no idea what the difference between electives and exchanges is, so I’m going to try and explain the difference in as little words as I can. Basically an exchange means you’ll be going to another country (without paying for the exchange itself), one which has an agreement with Malta and although not solely, the chances of going depend on how active you are in MMSA. Electives on the other hand, depend on your financial situation since one needs to pay their own elective, but in this case, you can choose to go to any of the top universities/hospitals around the world. I was encouraged to enter into MMSA by my friends and they also encouraged me to run for the elections. Being an Electives Officer gives me the satisfaction of helping foreign students out in their application processes, accommodation and other such related issues. Being in such a team gives me a responsibility and awareness as well as a sense of working in a group, something which I’m sure I’ll find useful in the future years.
Hi! First of all, congratulations for making it into medicine! Every year a lot of students try to get in but don’t make it whilst you have, so it really is an achievement. Amidst all the studying, the MMSA will provide you with an excellent opportunity to make new friends with your future colleagues, as well as provide you with a platform on which you can use your skills; some of which will be enhanced in the MMSA itself; to teach and educate the public. I got my first involvement in MMSA when we were doing health checks in the
Study tip 8: Prepare yourself prior to CTS’s. They may be time consuming, but you can easily split the work up with a trusted friend. Going there unprepared will only make you feel uncomfortable and you will not get the most out of it.
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I strongly encourage you all to start to take part in MMSA from the very beginning as it is a very fun and rewarding experience. Be proud that you form part of such a prestigious organisation in which you have the chance to make a difference in people’s lives. Medicine is not the easiest of subjects but if you dedicate and manage your time correctly, you’ll manage to do well as well as enjoy your years. Finally, I wish to conclude by sharing with you all, one of my favourite quotes: “If you want something you never had, you have to do something you never did.” Matthew Pizzuto MMSA Electives Officer 2014-2015
Hi all! So you’ve made it on board – congratulations! Now that you are a medical student, you must be warned. You have to wave your social life goodbye. Anatomy and physiology will now take the place of wild Paceville nights. Books will become your new best friends. Dissections will replace any romantic involvements… …And here we are trying to reach a new level of sarcasm. We beg you – avoid silly thoughts like that. Steer away from such destructive attitudes. It is true that medical exams can and will be tough. Yes, you will have to study. Yes, you will have to work hard. Yet it does not mean that your life has to solely revolve around studying. On the contrary, we believe that it is important to tackle university life holistically rather than being trapped in a world of books.
Supervising Council
Kurt Apap, James Mario Gauci and Giulia Magro
The creation of a holistic educational environment is what the Malta Medical Students Association (MMSA) strives to achieve. As a medical student you automatically form part of this association. The MMSA is a tool that can be exploited to participate in a myriad of events such as campaigns and seminars which will broaden your horizons. We are James, Giulia and Kurt and we are members of the Supervising Council (SupCo). Our role is to proactively and objectively ensure that the members of our association are doing what they’re meant to be doing. It is our role to see that bylaws are adhered to in an effective manner. We want to guarantee that decisions are taken in the best interest of the medical student. We seek out faults in our team so as to promptly work on them assertively. After all, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us by sending an e-mail to supco@mmsa.org.mt. Good luck and remember – he who says he can and he who says he can’t are both usually right! Kurt Apap (MD IV) James Mario Gauci (MD V) Giulia Magro (MD IV)
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Training & Resource Development - TRD Nicole Sciberras
anything, and doing my utmost to not look sleepy(to say the least) the morning after the parties. The sessions are interactive and interesting, the parties are nothing short of amazing, and the setting is a great trigger for new friendships and involvement in the MMSA. Training Resources and Development is an unforgettable part of medical students’ life, and I must warn you time will fly quickly! I enjoyed my first TRD to the extent of being in the Organising Committee for two successive years and I want to attend every TRD possible. Apply as soon as possible for an experience you won’t regret, and do it soon since places are limited. TRD is an experience you will never forget!
The first time i heard of TRD was during Freshers’ Week and I signed up for it without even knowing what TRD stands for. Looking back, I should have read the Freshers’ letter more carefully. Maybe next time. Oh wait, there won’t be a next time! And this is exactly why you first years should sign up for TRD as soon as possible. Training Resources and Development is an annual live-in organised by the MMSA, which is aimed especially at first years for them to get oriented. It is through TRD that you will get an idea of the MMSA, its standing committees and the work it does. Furthermore, it is the place to be if you would like to make new friends, learn useful things and have fun! I remember my first TRD very vividly: the hype in the weeks running up to it, the flurry of new faces and preparing costumes for the themed parties, amongst other things. And there was I, trying to remember the names of people I had just met, running from one session to another to make sure I don’t miss
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Understanding our Maltese language can be quite challenging at first! Here are some key words which can help you get on the right track…
People in hospital Doctor – Tabib Nurse – Infermiera Surgeon – Kirurgu Patient - Pazjent
English-to -Maltese Medical Terms Kyle Cilia and Daniela Tonna
Body Parts and organs Head – Ras Brain – Moħħ Eyes – Għajnejn Nose – Imnieħer Mouth – Ħalq Teeth - Snien Neck – Għonq Shoulder – Spalla Arm + Hand – Idejn Elbow – Minkeb Chest – Sider Lungs – Pulmun Heart - Qalb Stomach – Stonku Pancreas – Frixa Liver – Fwied Intestines – Imsaren Kidney - Kilwa Waist – Qadd Leg + feet - Saqajn Knee – Irkoppa Artery – Arterja Vein – Vina Muscle – Muskolu Bone – Għadma Skin - Ġilda
Want to know more? If you’d like to learn more medical terms in Maltese, make sure you grab a copy of „Medical Language Translator – Traduttur tal-Lingwaġġ Mediku” written by Dr Robert Cachia, available for sale from MMSA.
Common Phrases Maltese use to describe pain
Għandi ħruq ta’ stonku – I’m suffering from heartburn Qiegħed nħoss sidri maqbud ġo morsa – I feel like my chest is caught in a vice – a common phrase for chest pain
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The MMSA App Created and Designed by Leonard Callus Article written by Leonard Callus and Gary Bonnici
Getting updated about the upcoming events organized by MMSA has never been so easy thanks to the new MMSA App. The latter was the first project launched by the MMSA Public Relations Office and has been praised by many student organisations including KSU and also from TheSynapse. The app was first launched on Google Play on the 1st of July with the launch of the MMSA Board of Directors for this term and later launched on App Store about three weeks later. This very user friendly app is uniquely designed and suited for our medical students to keep themselves updated with what is going on within the MMSA such as events and publications. The app can also help to gather information on the medical world thanks to news from TheSynapse and also can be used during MMSA
Study tip 9: When learning long lists and sequences, mnemonics will make the job much easier!
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events thanks to the BMI calculator included with the app. Last but not least, the MMSA App brings together most of MMSA’s media together so that the user can access them all in a click of a button. Features that the app incorporates are: •MMSA News section which is linked to the MMSA official website and keeps the user up to date with upcoming events and what is going on within the association. •MMSA Calendar which lists the events being organised in a calendar orientation. •MMSA Publications which allows the user to read official publications written and released by the MMSA. •MMSA Forum which gives the user the opportunity to write their queries, suggestions and feedback on the association’s work. •MMSA on the Waves section that enables the user to tune in and listen to MMSA’s radio program episodes. •MMSA YouTube section that provides a direct link to the association’s videos found on MMSA YouTube channel and allows the user to watch these directly from the app. •The Synapse News section which is also linked to The Synapse website, a Maltese Medical news portal, bringing the latest news both locally and internationally from within the medical field. •MMSA Merchandise section that allows the user to buy easily official MMSA merchandise just by filling up a form on the app itself. •BMI calculator which is a very useful tool for students participating in MMSA public events. It is very easy to use. Just feed in the height and weight! •Event Photos feature which is connected to Instagram and allows the user to display any event photos taken and uploaded on MMSA’s Instagram account by the students. •The app also includes links to MMSA’s social network pages on Facebook and Twitter where the users can access these very easily from the app. •Push notifications sent from MMSA can help users to update themselves with upcoming events that week or important press releases issued by MMSA. The new MMSA app is available for both Android and Apple devices and can be found for download on Play Store and Apple’s App Store. So this year be the first medical class to benefit from this app and download it now.
MATCHING GAME
The aim of the game is to match the list of illnesses with the correct description of the illness.
DESCRIPTIONS 1. IT IS CLASSIFIED AS EITHER PRIMARY OR SECONDARY AND CAN LEAD TO CARDIAC FAILURE. 2. THIS IS THE MOST COMMON INFECTIOUS DISEASE IN THE WORLD, IT IS TRANSMITTED THROUGH EXPOSURE OF INFECTIOUS BLOOD OR BODY FLUIDS. 3. IT IS CAUSED BY A REDUCTION IN THE PRODUCTION OF INSULIN OR BECAUSE OF A REDUCED RESPONSE TO THE INSULIN THAT IS PRODUCED. ITS SYMPTOMS INCLUDE POLYURIA, POLYDIPSIA AND POLYPHAGIA. 4. IT IS A DIGESTION PROBLEM IN WHICH THE LARGE INTESTINE DOES NOT FUNCTION EFFICIENTLY, CAUSING ABDOMINAL PAIN. 5. THIS DISEASE AFFECTS THE JOINTS OF THE BODY AND CAN TAKE FORM IN A 100 DIFFERENT WAYS. IN INDIVIDUALS SUFFERING FROM THIS DISEASE, THE MAJOR COMPLAINT IS JOINT PAIN. 6. IT IS A PAIN WHICH IS EITHER FELT BY STRUCTURES WITHIN THE CRANIUM (BLOOD VESSELS, MENINGES AND THE CRANIAL NERVES) OR BY STRUCTURES OUTSIDE THE CRANIUM. 7. THIS IS CHARACTERISED BY A REDUCED FLOW OF BLOOD TO THE HEART AND IS USUALLY CAUSED BY ATHEROSCLEROSIS. 8. IT IS A TYPE OF HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTION WHERE THERE IS EXCESSIVE ACTIVATION OF CERTAIN WHITE BLOOD CELLS BY IMMUNOGLOBULIN E ANTIBODIES. 9. IT IS A VIRAL INFECTIOUS DISEASE OF THE UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT AND ITS COMMON SYMPTOMS INCLUDE RUNNY NOSE, SORE THROAT, COUGH AND FEVER. 10. AN EXAMPLE OF THIS IS GINGIVITIS (INFLAMMATION OF THE GUMS) AND CARIES.
ILLNESSES DIABETES, ALLERGIES, HEPATITIS B, PERIODONTAL DISEASE, ISCHAEMIC HEART DISEASE, HEADACHE, IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME, COMMON COLD, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, ARTHRITIS
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Surviving the 1st year! Jordy Borg
Dear Freshers, First of all, Welcome to Medical School! Congratulations, your hard work has finally paid off! Just over a year ago I was in your shoes, excited but equally scared about the challenge that lies ahead. After speaking with several students about the studying and the piles of books, I doubted my ability to cope with the workload that was going to come my way. However, after successfully completing my first year, I can assure you it is completely manageable. Furthermore, I would like to give you a few words of advice which I have either learnt from my experience in the course or which older medical students have given to me: One of the most important pieces of advice is to not leave your studying to the last minute! It may have worked in the past, but it is extremely difficult to cope in this course by applying this study method. One of the main challenges in the first semester of University is to discover the best sources for
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information for each module, and that takes time. By starting early and planning ahead, you save yourselves a lot of stress, all-nighters and panic attacks. Also, should you think you are finding problems, don’t be afraid to speak up! Us second years will be more than happy to help, and I am sure you can also find help from the lecturers. It is a common belief that medical students are so busy with their studies that they have an almost non-existent social life. One thing I learnt in my first year is that with the help of self-discipline and time management skills, it is possible to balance your studies with leisure time, as well as maybe a part-time job or a hobby. Make sure to keep some time for your friends and loved ones, as they will be your pillars of strength in times of need. Which brings me to my next point: Being a medical student is not all about the studying and the books, it is much more than that. You should all strive to achieve a holistic education, looking out for opportunities which empower you to become a better health professional. In my opinion, the MMSA creates the perfect platform for this; it provides a variety of endless opportunities, both locally and internationally. The events it organizes are very widespread as well, from giving free health checks to the public, to voluntary work, to organizing sessions in schools, not to mention our very famous leisure events! After only a year involved in the MMSA, I have already had great experiences and cannot wait for the many more to come, and I encourage you all to be involved as well! It is also a great way to get to know others, including people outside the course. I will conclude with a final piece of advice: the students sitting next to you in the lecture halls are going to be your professional colleagues in the future workplace. So I encourage you all to make friends, and help each other as much as possible. Everybody needs support from people who perfectly know what they’re going through, be it sharing notes, helping out with difficulties, or even a bit of humour to lighten the mood. I wish you luck with your studies! And I look forward to meeting all of you soon!
A new academic year is rolling and you are naturally feeling excited at the new prospects which are waiting for you to unravel. Some of these opportunities will be brought to you by our association and my advice is very simple: ‘Go for it; don’t hold back’. “You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no results.” - This Mahatma Ghandi quote remains true for everything we are trying to accomplish. Whether we are intent on graduating, getting that first salary, passing exams, spending a great night out with friends, we will never have results if we do nothing. As you will be sitting in lecture after lecture, taking endless notes and memorising entire text books you will begin to realise that life is slipping you by. Everyone of us in this course, deep-down knows that there is more to life than just studying, but not many have the courage to do something about it. Our association has been thriving for this reason. It allows us to make new and life-changing experiences, to learn more, to meet new people, and to work together on improving our healthcare and promoting healthy living. As a first year student, I hadn’t realised how much it would shape my life and attitude, but I can say it has opened my eyes to the importance of involving myself more in the community, and as good doctors we need to be confident in working with all sorts of people and being promoters of health, no matter the situation. Student activism grew on me quickly and I have taken on jobs with more and more responsibility. I have reached a point where it is no longer ‘work’ but ‘passion’. It has become an integral part of who I am. This year I have reached an international position, being elected the next SCORP Director for the term 2014/2015. This means I am coordinating a Standing Committee (of Human Rights and Peace) in the International Federation of Medical Students Association (IFMSA), the umbrella organisation that besides MMSA counts over another 110 national associations as members. It is like I am directing 110 MMSA-SCORPs, with thousands of medical students working to promote human rights and peace and dedicating hours of their week to voluntary work with the less fortunate of their community. I glow with happiness just at the thought that student activism has driven me from the local level, to the national and now international level, and it is only because in my heart as a first year I told my-
Student Activism
The Pursuit of a Fulfilling University Life Matthew Valentino - SCORP Director
self ‘Go
for it’.
My final advice to you after all this, echoing in the words of Mother Theresa, is: “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person”. Start with the local opportunities, experiment with the campaigns provided by the MMSA, and find your place as a student activist. Our student body will always welcome you with open arms if you are determined enough to ‘Go for it’. And of course, congratulations for entering the course and good luck for these coming years! :D
Study tip 10:
Anatomy and physiology can be tiring. Try to focus on what is clinically relevant as that is what is more likely to be asked during exams. Besides, knowing that material will give you a good grounding in the clinical years.
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The 1st Year Booklist
Compiled and updated by Sarah Catania
Anatomy Atlas McMinn’s Clinical Atlas of Human Anatomy ISBN: 9780723436973 Rohen’s Colour Atlas of Anatomy ISBN: 9781609137854 Grant’s Atlas of Anatomy ISBN: 9781451110319 Netter’s Atlas of Human Anatomy ISBN: 9781455704187
Physiology Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology ISBN: 9781416045748 Pocket Companion to Guyton & Hall’s Physiology ISBN: 9781416054511
Gross Anatomy
Berne and Levy Physiology ISBN: 9780323045827
Snell’s Clinical Anatomy by Regions ISBN: 9781451110326
Costanzo - Physiology ISBN: 9780781798761
Gray’s Anatomy for Students ISBN: 9780702051319
Renal Pathophysiology - The Essentials ISBN: 9781451173383
Imaging Atlas
Israel’s Mechanisms in Haematology ISBN: 9780443074349
Imaging Atlas of Human Anatomy ISBN: 9780723434573
Purves’ Neuroscience ISBN: 9780878939671
Histology
Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology ISBN: 9780071780032
Wheather’s Functional Histology ISBN: 9780702047473
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Biochemistry
Embryology
Marks’ Basic Medical Biochemistry: A Clinical Approach ISBN: 9781608315727
Langman’s Medical Embryology ISBN: 9781451144611
Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry ISBN: 9781451175622
Larsen’s Human Embryology ISBN: 9780443068119
Pathology
Buy these books online:
Muir’s Textbook of Pathology ISBN: 9781444184976 Robbin’s Textbook of Pathology ISBN: 9781437717815 Pocket Companion to Robbin’s & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease ISBN: 9781416054542
http://mmsa.org.mt/books/md1/
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