freshers' booklet
2020-2021
WHAT IS MMSA? ESTABLISHED IN 1951, THE MALTA MEDICAL STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION REPRESENTS ALL MEDICAL STUDENTS STUDYING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MALTA https://www.facebook.com/mmsa.malta
https://mmsa.org.mt/
THIS YEAR, MMSA IS CELEBRATING ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY!
https://www.instagram.com/mmsa_malta/
https://www.youtube.com/user/mmsamalta
WHAT IS MMSA? Being one of the most active student organisations on campus we continuously aim to safeguard our medical students, and help them have a memorable holistic university experience through organising workshops and seminars, organising international exchanges, and implementing training in the various fields of the public health sector
WHAT IS MMSA? WE AIM TO empower the Maltese society including its marginalised communities, through several of our advocacy AND OUTREACHING CAMPAIGNS. MMSA HAS ALSO TAKEN ON THE RELEVANT TOPIC OF MENTAL HEALTH AS A YEAR LONG THEME
TABLE OF CONTENTS MESSAGES FROM... MMSA'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE BOARD SUPCO + TEAM OF OFFICIALS MEDICAL SCHOOL FROM A GOZITAN STUDENT'S POV MEDICAL SCHOOL FROM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT'S POV BUCKET LIST MODULE LIST
1 10 13 19 44 46 48 49
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Hey Freshers!
We are living in extraordinary times, and gave us a talk about delivering sessions, going abroad, talking to the Dean and hence I am sure that I have organising workshops. extraordinary freshers! I soon understood that these students formed part of the Malta Medical Students’ Organisation (MMSA) as I recognised a blonde girl who had given us a session about STDs at my sixth form. A couple of days later I attended a workshop in preparation for an annual event held by MMSA, World Diabetes Day, where I also conducted my first I remember my first days as a medical health checks to the general public student... I had taken a back-row seat and listened to a group of older medical in Valletta! students, wearing a red polo shirt, who Welcome to Medical School! Your Alevel journey is a unique one and thanks to your resilience and perseverance, now you’re here and you’ve made it!! I hope that you are proud of your achievements and excited to kick start your medical school journey!
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As you will soon experience, our course is a hectic one. You will have lectures, tutorials, dissections and quite some study work to do at home. At University, we ‘‘read’’ for a course and so we are expected to carry out independent learning from different resources. It is easy to get carried away with academical duties, however, although books and notes can make you a good doctor, they can’t make you a great doctor. Skills such as teamwork, planning and effective communication are only learnt through new experiences and in environments such as our organisation, MMSA. You will work with your colleagues or externals where you will share experiences, challenges, successes, laughs and memories. This year we are tackling
Mental Health as a yearlong priority so that we can offer tangible support that will make a difference to each of our members. As an active MMSA member myself, I am grateful for the uncountable opportunities that I have been granted. To say the least, I have travelled to Slovenia, Taiwan and Rwanda where our delegations carried the Maltese flag with pride in IFMSA conferences along 1000 medical students worldwide. Last year I organised over 12 practical workshops, as part of my duty as a SCOME officer, and also published an original MMSA Publication, Minima Medica. Such memories will be carried in my heart for many years to come.
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I encourage all of you freshers to try your best to find the right balance between studying and also student activism, both of which are very important for your holistic development as tomorrow’s doctors. Within MMSA, ‘good’ is not good enough and we work together to be ‘great’! This year MMSA will be celebrating its 70th Year Anniversary! Indeed, a celebration of a legacy which saw hundreds of students succeed, opportunities flourish, and positive attitudes being shared – now it is your turn to join our family and be part of this legacy! Should you need to contact me, feel free to message me on FB or send me an email on president@mmsa.org.mt Looking forward!
GLORIA MONTEBELLO 3
MMSA PRESIDENT 2020-2021
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF ANATOMY
Dear Medical Students,
Welcome to a brave new world, which currently is battling against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic! At the moment you may still be basking in your glory for managing to get into the MD course at the University of Malta! And I congratulate you over and over again, because it is truly a great achievement! Now, more than ever, it is crystal clear that doctors, as other front-liners, are heroes! 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 amazing. When I was a student myself, one of our tutors told us that ‘we, as medical students, are the crème de la crème’. However, inspite of the stereotype that society may impose on you, being a medical student and eventually a doctor, does not give you any glorious powers, but actually 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 will never dare think of.
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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
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MMSA parties! MMSA is one of the most active student organizations which, even in my time, was very ‘avant garde’. I myself was editor of ‘MURMUR’ and Officer in charge of Medical Education, and was the founder of the Standing Committee on Reproductive Health. So, I do encourage you to get involved and make the most of it! It is vital to take care of your own wellbeing, particularly in this important, and memorable, time of your life.
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! And remember, now that you are a medical student, you represent not just yourself as an individual, but the whole medical student body locally and abroad, and the entire medical profession. So your actions (or lack of) will have consequences (good or bad) on how society regards the medical community. Be responsible and lead by example: stay safe!!!
PROF JEAN-CALLEJA AGIUS MD, PhD (London), MSc Clinical Embryology (Leeds), MRCOG, FRCPI 6
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF
PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
First and foremost, congratulations on your achievement in fulfilling the stringent requirements for entry into the Degree of Medicine and Surgery run by the Faculty here at the University. On behalf of all my colleagues here at the Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, I wish you a warm welcome and hope that your two pre-clinical years here with us will be challenging but at the
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same time rewarding and beneficial. We live in a time of a pandemic with all that it brings and hence it requires that we all step up to the mark to ensure that we look after one another and yet still provide the education that is required to facilitate your path from the transition of a novice to one of a competent professional.
This is a two-way process that requires both of us, academics and students, to adapt our ways of interaction to ensure that the different ways of instruction and reflection are made most of in such circumstances. It is our intention to enable your presence here at University as much as possible under the safety provisions in place to engender small group teaching while at the same time providing the classical lectures with the added feature that these will also be available live via online facilities.
This is the first time that a whole year of tuition is probably going to be
provided in this manner and thus again would emphasise that we need to do this together to ensure you receive the education that is due to you and to fulfill our obligations to do so. In regard to the subject material you are to cover over the next two years, it is one of getting to grips with the structure of the body that enables it to carry out its diverse functions from producing enough energy to enable all cells and systems to conduct their daily requirements to the more abstract of that of understanding concepts and the joy of having done so.
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The structure and function theme and that of systems is the integral framework for all of your modules throughout the two pre-clinical years together with the underlying scientific knowledge that gives rise to such. We think it imperative that we introduce you to the latest physiological and biochemical mechanisms that provide for the function of the systems in question that in turn will facilitate your practice of evidence-based medicine in the future.
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PROF RICHARD MUSCAT PhD (London)
MMSA'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020-2021
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UNDERSTANDING MMSA'S STRUCTURE being such a large organisation, mmsa's structures can seem complex at first, but they really aren't!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE BOARD
president vice president for internal affairs vice president for external affairs secgen treasurer
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SUPCO
TEAM OF OFFICIALS PRO leisure officer electives officer standing committee heads
EXECUTIVE BOARD
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PRESIDENT
GLORIA MONTEBELLO
WHAT DO I DO?
Determining the goals of the MMSA at the beginning of the year, together with my colleagues on the Board of Directors Leading the MMSA Executive Board, and making sure our administrative work is up-to-date Making sure that our work is in line with our Strategic Plan (a long-term plan that is updated every 3 years) Making sure that our students’ concerns are listened to and tackled, and doing my best to improve medical student life on campus Supporting the BD in their work, issues and difficulties throughout the year
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WHY I LOVE DOING IT
MMSA work is addicting! Working with the Board to carry out tangible changes in our students’ lives and having impact in our communities is an honour.
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO Our MMSA Calendar is jam packed! Don’t forget to register through our website www.mmsa.org.mt to become a member
FUN FACT
I am the youngest beekeeper in Malta
VICE-PRESIDENT FOR INTERNAL AFFAIRS
ANTHEA FERRIGGI
WHAT DO I DO?
My role as a Vice President for Internal Affairs (VPi), revolves around the internal administration of MMSA supporting and guiding all BD in ensuring that MMSA’s projects leave a positive impact on both national and international levels. I am also responsible for managing our busy calendar, collecting feedback from our active members and compiling KSU’s Room Allocation Report (RAR) to ensure the allocation of an office in Student’s House.
WHY I LOVE DOING IT
From my first year at university, the idea of being able to work with and for the student body always intrigued me. This role allows me to maintain an active and effective synergy
between the BD and MMSA members, whilst also continuing to build on the strong foundations of this organisation. I believe that every individual has something to offer, thus I love to encourage all members to participate and take an active role in our student-centred organisation.
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO
Being the overseer of all MMSA events planned throughout the term, I look forward to seeing all the Offices’ hard work and dedication paying off and getting the recognition that they deserve. As VPi, I’m eager to collaborate with all SCs for the biggest campaign of Healthfest, to showcase the work done throughout the year whilst also continuing to promote our agenda on holistic health and well being.
FUN FACT
Won a dancing contest in Kenya!
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VICE-PRESIDENT FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
LAURA DEMICOLI
WHAT DO I DO?
One of my main roles as the VPe is being the main person of contact with our international organisations which are IFMSA and EMSA, and providing students the opportunity to attend international meetings. Furthermore, my team works on forming quality collaborations with other organisations and working closely with KSU. My team and I take care of writing new policy papers on most relevant topics, together with organising our participation at both the KSU Freshers’ week and Science in the City. I work closely with my fellow EB members, and the BD to take important decision which will benefit both the MMSA and our members.
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WHY I LOVE DOING IT
I took on this role because I love meeting new people and forming new relationships with other organisations, both locally and internationally. It encourages teamwork and connection between one another. Furthermore, I love working with my fellow Board members to create new initiatives for our members and the general public.
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO MMSA at Science in the City 2020 IFMSA March Meeting 2021
FUN FACT
I form part of the Malta Paralympic Committee too!
SECRETARY GENERAL
AMY EBEJER
WHAT DO I DO? The Secretary General office encompasses a number of roles ranging from organising Board meetings, to being the legal representative of MMSA, to preparing TRD which will be taking a different format this year due to the pandemic.
WHY I LOVE DOING IT Being SecGen has given me the opportunity to explore various aspects of MMSA, including working with internationals, being part of the MMSA KSU Barts
Taskforce, taking official meeting minutes and relaunching initiatives including the monthly newsletter and Student Spotlight!
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO While TRD cannot be held normally due to covid restrictions, we are hard at work to prepare something special for you!
FUN FACT
I am very clumsy, in fact I injured my hand when playing football and I injured my foot when playing handball.
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TREASURER
MICHELA ATTARD
WHAT DO I DO?
As treasurer, together with my team, my role is to primarily overlook the finances, and actively participate in the day to day administration of the organization. It is my job to secure as many sponsors as possible as well as push and promote our merchandise in order to support MMSA
WHY I LOVE DOING IT
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I love it because it gives me an opportunity to learn and develop different abilities that are traditionally not related to the medical profession however are still valuable life skills. The role grants me the platform to build a strong social network.
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO Since this term MMSA will celebrate its 70th anniversary look out for limited edition commemorative merchandise, as well as our classic MMSA polo and discounts on medical equipment such as stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers.
FUN FACT
I actively take part in event planning and have worked on a number of major productions such as Isle of MTV, X Factor Malta and Malta’s Got Talent.
TEAM OF OFFICIALS + SUPCO
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SUPCO
KRISTINA PULIS, ANDY COLEIRO, GABRIELLA DEBONO
WHAT DO WE DO?
As Supervising Council (SupCo), we have the best interest of each of our active members and student organisation at heart! Our aim is to oversee decisions taken by the BD and ensure that these are taken in the best interest of the student. SupCo also safeguards transparency, impartiality and fairness within MMSA and ensures that communication between members of the Board of Directors and active members is effective.
FUN FACTS
KRISTINA PULIS
Once during my MMSA exchange in Brazil, I was in hospital working a night shift. This particular medical student kept walking past me with a metal item, which looked like an Italian coffee maker. Since I was dead tired, I asked him to make me a cup of coffee; and he replied that it was an object used for patients to pee in, not a coffee maker.
ANDY COLEIRO
Should you want to contact us, please feel free I'm always up for a good debate or discussion! to do so by sending any one of us a Facebook I also make very yummy hummus. message. Alternatively, you may also send us on email on supco@mmsa.org.mt. Moreover, a complaint form is available on the MMSA website. This can be found in the ‘Contact Us’ section.
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GABRIELLA DEBONO My most embarrassing moment was during an MMSA workshop a couple of years ago. I was looking for the MMSA camera in one of the many bags lying on the floor. Little did I know that the bag I was searching was actually the speaker’s bag!
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
MARIAH BORG
WHAT DO I DO?
Facebook posters Event covers Instagram stories Photos of events Videos of our campaigns Booklets (even the Freshers’ Booklet!) And much more… All of MMSA’s media is designed by my amazing team! I ensure that all of our media is of high quality, aesthetically pleasing and matches our brand.
WHY I LOVE DOING IT
I love art and design. So, creating original media which will help promote our campaigns is a source of great satisfaction.
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO PR Workshop
FUN FACT
My dog has more Instagram followers than myself! 20
LEISURE OFFICER
JEREMY JOHN AZZOPARDI
WHAT DO I DO?
In general MMSA Leisure aims to provide the desired and needed break to university, and especially medical students in the form of parties or other leisure events. Despite the non-ideal situation we find ourselves in, MMSA Leisure has tried its best to maintain its relevance by organising online and car treasure hunts.
WHY I LOVE DOING IT
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My 2nd and 3rd year as a medical student were spent working as a Leisure Coordinator, among other roles. During my time within the leisure team, my passion for the organization of such events grew even more, prompting me to apply for the position of leisure officer. My goal is to continue the great legacy the MMSA has with regards to the organization of its leisure events whilst also bringing
something new to the table which would spark a new flame within the team that would prompt further people to attend such events.
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO
With respect to future events, MMSA Leisure will make its utmost to offer fun events whilst at the same time taking into account the current situation we find ourselves in. We will try our best to organise the signature Ballu if restrictions permit which would occur during the month of March. Also, keep an eye on the MMSA Leisure Facebook and Instagram pages in order to be updated with any other events occurring throughout the year.
FUN FACT
Constantly uses phrases from the movie 'Borat'
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ELECTIVES OFFICER
ANDREA BUGEJA
WHAT DO I DO? At Electives we take it upon ourselves to assist our MMSA members (you!) in participating in an elective - i.e. a placement in a speciality of their choosing - by finding accessible Hospitals and by doing our best to understand the application process, so you don't have to! We also assist foreign students interested in participating in an elective in our Hospitals by organising accommodation and helping them out with their application form, which is MMSA's biggest source of income.
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WHY I LOVE DOING IT
Being part of such an active and dedicated organisation is reason enough, although helping students achieve the amazing experience of an elective, both incomings and outgoings also plays a big part!
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO This year our biggest event will be the Outgoings Webinar, however we look forward to seeing you at the Globetrotters Webinar too! We also hope you'll enjoy our updated Electives Database and that you take part in our revised Buddy system for Electives in.
FUN FACT
My favourite pastime is language learning, Portuguese is up next!
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MMSA WORKS ON ITS CAMPAIGNS VIA ITS SIX STANDING COMMITTEES, EACH FOCUSING ON MAJOR HEALTH TOPICS AND MEDICAL STUDENT-RELATED INTERESTS:
scome scoph scopet scora scorp scopre 25
these abbreviations are used frequently in the organisation. all start with SCO (Standing committee of), and end with the abbreviation of the Standing committee itself. each standing committee is headed by an officer, who is supported by their assistant and coordinators
SCOPH SCOME SCOPH SCOPET SCOPET MEDICAL PEER PEEREDUCATION EDUCATION PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION
PUBLIC HEALTH
AND ANDTRAINING TRAINING
SCORA SCORP SCOPRE SEXUAL AND PROFESSIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
AND PEACE
AND RESEARCH EXCHANGE
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SCOME OFFICER
MATTHEW BUTTIGIEG
WHAT DO I DO? SCOME is your older sibling who's there to guide you through every step in med school.
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Through my role, I strive to better your medical education by attending to any difficulties you may have, organising educational events to bridge the gaps in the curriculum, and helping you become the best doctor you could possibly be. I also serve to bridge the gap between students and the Faculty, listening to your voice and taking it to where it needs to be heard.
WHY I LOVE DOING IT
SCOME is the standing committee that revolves around the student. I gain satisfaction by being there for the students and helping them in their journey through medical school, listening to their needs and advocating for change when necessary.
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO The buddy system, flashcards, Easy A, suturing & phlebotomy workshops, SCOME weekend, research conference
FUN FACT h
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SCOPH OFFICER
MICHAELA ABELA
WHAT DO I DO?
SCOPH aims to promote healthy living in all aspects of life to the general public and medical students alike. This is done by raising awareness about several health topics such as communicable and noncommunicable diseases, mental health and the effects of climate change on health. SCOPH is full of opportunities and truly has something for everyone from workshops to health checks, outreaching, fitness sessions and so much more.
WHY I LOVE DOING IT
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What’s great about this standing committee is that it offers so much to both the students and the public. It offers the perfect opportunity for
students to step away from their books while still exposing them to so many different aspects of health and equipping them with vital knowledge and skills to educate the general public on their health.
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO Mind - Heart - Body: SCOPH’s biggest campaign this year and your 1st opportunity to get involved! The workshop will prepare you to have a short conversation with people about their health in our main event which will mostly take place online. Boost Your Own Body (BYOB) helping you keep active through a fun fitness activity each month. Lend an Arm - to donate for those who need it. Climate Change & Health Conference to learn about the topic from our professional speakers.
FUN FACT I sleep talk... A LOT!
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SCOPET OFFICER
DANIEL FORMOSA
WHAT DO I DO?
At SCOPET we focus on 2 main activities: peer education and training! Peer education is the exchange of health information, values and behaviour between peer educators (you!) and your peers (members of society who share things in common with yourselves!). We offer you the opportunity to become peer educators by giving you the platform to deliver educational sessions. This is an opportunity to stand in front of an audience and practice your public speaking and presentation skills! We also focus on training or capacity building. We want you to become trainers who can inspire and teach others, thus continuing this constantly running cycle of training. The trainers educate the trainees who then become new trainers who can train the next group of trainees … a bit of a tongue twister!
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WHY I LOVE DOING IT
I truly love training and capacity building! I find the role of providing MMSA members with opportunities to learn new information and practice new skills very rewarding! We are such a large and successful organisation because we are always hungry to learn more and improve, and it is this energy that drives me to keep on developing our local capacity building system!
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO
Our Teddy Bear Hospital sessions and our Health Education sessions, which are delivered mainly to primary school children, are very well-received by first years! You can be MMSA’s new peer educators! Look out for our training initiatives this year, including our Training Tuesdays! And also, I look forward to seeing you at our annual Training New Trainers weekend, which I’m sure promises to not only be a weekend of learning, but also fun, memories and laughter!
FUN FACT I say the phrase ‘x’jgħidulu’ a lot!!!
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SCORA OFFICER
MICK ZAMMIT
WHAT DO I DO? As the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Officer, my role, alongside my team, is to raise awareness on topics related to our sexual and reproductive health such as STIs/STDs including HIV/AIDS, maternal health, sexuality and many more. The standing committee on sexual and reproductive health and rights aims to make a change within our society when it comes to comprehensive sexual education, sexuality, STIs, genderbased violence and maternal health.
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WHY I LOVE DOING IT
I love my role as it gives me the platform to make a change within our community when it comes to such stigmas, as well as allowing me to play a role in breaking the taboo.
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO SCORA has a lot of things coming up this year! Make sure to look out for our LGBTIQ+ Lockdown event, the Sexual Health Campaign, Peer Education Sessions throughout the year and many more!
FUN FACT
I have lots of pets at home, including dogs and guinea pigs (I love animals). I also try to be very eco-friendly in my day to day life!
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SCORP OFFICER
KATRYNA VASSALLO
WHAT DO I DO? My role along with the help of my amazing team is to actively promote human rights and peace through advocacy, capacity building, awareness and education, with the aim of empowering others to advocate for justice and equity in our health system and society.
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We organise a number of educational, inclusive and volunteering events with people from all types of different backgrounds with the aim of building a more inclusive society where human rights, especially the right to health, apply to all humans and not just the majority.
WHY I LOVE DOING IT
I love my role as it as it has given me a platform to meet and work with like minded people to advocate for those most vulnerable and combat current inequities both on a local and international level.
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO SCORP has multiple campaigns and events happening monthly! Make sure to sign up for our different peer ed session through out the year! Tune into our Peace of Mind podcast each month and join all our breaking barriers and volunteering events!
FUN FACT
I love being outside, by the sea and experiencing the beauty of our world so when my bank account permits I’m travelling!
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SCOPRE-IN OFFICER
MATTHEW PACE
WHAT DO I DO? I am in charge of delegating and organising every aspect of foreign students' exchange in Malta, as well as securing exchanges spots for MMSA members in collaboration with the Exchanges-Out officer.
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WHY I LOVE DOING IT
I love it as I've made many friends from all over the world and learnt to appreciate many unique, diverse cultures <3
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO Globetrotters workshop, 18th November - where you can learn all about exchanges and other international opportunities!
FUN FACT
I play keyboards in a local indie band called roĹźa, check us out: https://www.facebook.com/rozamalta
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SCOPRE-OUT OFFICER
MIGUEL VELLA
WHAT DO I DO?
As Exchanges Officer for Outgoings, I work alongside the Exchanges Officer for Incomings to prepare all exchange opportunities for Maltese Medical students- be them research, clinical or public health exchanges. I select different countries and opportunities, making sure that they are all up to standard for our students.
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I also monitor the MMSA Points system, making sure that all points that are submitted are given fairly so as to ensure a level playing field when it comes to allocating exchanges in November. I am also responsible for preparing all Maltese students for their exchanges abroad.
WHY I LOVE DOING IT
My love for exchanges really began when I got to spend a month in Canada carrying out a research exchange. The friends and family I made there continue to inspire me today and I learned and experienced so much. It was without a doubt the best month of my life and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to bring such experiences to other students in our course.
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO Make sure to keep an eye out for our Globetrotters event on November 18th where you can learn everything there is to know about the international opportunities offered for medical students!
FUN FACT
Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never said no to a spontaneous lastminute trip!
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A SMALL TASTER OF WHAT'S IN STORE...
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REGISTER NOW!
REGISTERING TO OUR WEBSITE WILL ALLOW YOU ACCESS TO SEVERAL MEMBER-RESTRICTED RESOURCES, INCLUDING OUR RECENTLY-UPDATED FIRST YEAR SURVIVAL KIT! AN ACCOUNT WILL ALLOW YOU TO START BEING ASSIGNED AND KEEP TRACK OF YOUR POINTS, WHICH CAN EVENTUALLY BE REDEEMED FOR AN EXCHANGE!
WWW.MMSA.ORG.MT
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MEDICAL SCHOOL
FROM A GOZITAN STUDENT'S POINT OF VIEW
Going onto first year of Medical School I definitely had mixed feelings. While I was excited and determined, the rather discouraging comments I heard about the course surely dispirited me. Besides, the prospect of being a Gozitan offered the additional challenge. It made me wonder whether I would be able to integrate with my new colleagues, who for sure had their own established circle of friends; or whether I would cope with living on my own while studying.
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At first you might feel that the new challenges youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re facing as a Gozitan are hindering your studies, my friends and I have been in your shoes and know how you feel. But rest assured that if you manage your time and plan ahead, you will find time for everything: studying, housework and, more importantly, for social interactions. As time goes by, you will realise that each challenge you had faced has moulded you into a more responsible and independent individual.
MMSA greatly helped in the integrating process. Through their various events, I was offered a platform where I could meet new faces and feel more comfortable in a new environment, rather than entering a lecture room surrounded by strangers. I highly suggest involving yourselves within MMSA as, apart from creating new friendships, you will expose yourself to clinical skill practice, in the pre-clinical years!
First year of Medical school may seem intimidating and unsettling at first, but, once you get the hang of it, it is a unique and exciting experience. Do not hesitate to ask an MMSA member about any queries you might have â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is normal to feel confused and they are here to help in the best of their abilities.
ANGELICA GALEA 2nd Year Medical Student
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MEDICAL SCHOOL
FROM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT'S POINT OF VIEW As we welcome Fresherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s into Medical School this year, MMSA always makes sure to encourage newcomers to actively participate in educational events held all year long, in addition to events that benefit the medical student community to be closer and stronger together.
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you're asked a question in front of the whole cohort of students not knowing the answer at all. Ultimately, anyone who have passed MD1 agrees that these experiences of anxiousness and selfdoubt, coupled with weird moments with friends in dissection halls actually build your character and plant a seed of raw determination that will last The first year of medical school is always throughout your course of study. challenging for students who have just been introduced to a new environment For the first time ever, MMSA has an in academia. Emotions are usually Inclusion Coordinator under the fluctuating all the time when you, first SecGen. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Me! Our collective year medical students, find yourselves in initiative is to improve social a room facing a cadaver for the first integration in Medical School for time, or awkward circumstances when international students.
The SecGen and I are working together to formulate the blueprint of what the Inclusion Coordinatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roles should be in MMSA in order to pave the way for prospective International students who may be interested in partaking in the International Integration movement.
Inclusion Coordinator with an International background can reflect international and Maltese cultures in their roles throughout the year.
Fellow Med Students who will be seeing nothing but chest X-rays and arm cadaver images for the upcoming As an International Student myself, months, I advise you to embrace every having been in Malta for four years now, high and low note of your journey to Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m always looking for ways to immerse come. myself in the Maltese culture and social life. Be it with simple gestures I learned MMSA is here for you, to aid you, and to along the way, or life changing evolve with you. experiences in this Island, I believe any Good Luck,
Essa 46
MMSA FRESHERS' BUCKET LIST
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Perform your first health check
attend a suturing workshop
go all out in your trd costumes (both days!)
finish your first event report (on time!)
have a blast at your first mmsa ballu! give your first peer education session to young children
vote in mmsa annual general meeting and elections go on your first international medical exchange
dance at world aids' day flash mob
enjoy a boat day to comino with our incoming international students
MMSA FRESHERS' MODULE LIST
SEMESTER 1
MDS 1004 MDS 1005 MDS 1011 MDS 1012
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM RESPIRATORY SYSTEM MEDICAL LEADERSHIP MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
MDS 1015
ORGANISATION OF THE BODY ANATOMY PRACTICAL SKILLS 1
MDS 1021
CELL BIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
MDS 1013
MDS 1023 INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM
PROFESSIONALISM
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MMSA FRESHERS' MODULE LIST
SEMESTER 2
MDS 1004
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
MDS 1010
BLOOD AND BODY DEFENCE MECHANISMS
MDS 1011
MEDICAL LEADERSHIP MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM RENAL SYSTEM ANATOMY PRACTICAL SKILLS 2 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS REPRODUCTION
MDS 1012 MDS 1014 MDS 1015 MDS 1026 MDS 1029
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MMSA IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY...
50
DESIGN BY
MARTINA FORMOSA