FRESHERS’ BOOKLET 2019
Edited by: Jade Borg 2
Wh at i s MMS A ? Established in 1951, the Malta Medical Students’ Association represents all medical students studying at the University of Malta. 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 to enhance their education, organising international exchanges and implementing training in the various fields of the public health sector. We also aim to empower the Maltese society including its marginalised communities, through several of our advocacy and outreaching campaigns.
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TA B LE O F CO N T E NTS Message from President........................................................................ Message from Head of Anatomy........................................................ Message from Head of Physiology and Biochemistry................ Understanding MMSA........................................................................... Meet the Board......................................................................................... Medical school from a Gozitan point of view............................... Module list................................................................................................ Mark your calendar................................................................................
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M e ssa g e f ro m t h e Presi dent Dear Freshers, We are so excited to welcome you to this 5 year long journey. I assure you that these 5 years will pass by so fast! I still remember my self sitting in NALR and hearing the MMSA talks and today I’m in 4th year and MMSA’s president, who would have thought? I love MMSA and its members! For me MMSA has fulfilled my university experience and gave me so many unforgetable opportunities. It has given me a second family and although I have worked tirelessly over the past years within MMSA it has given me back so much more. One of my favourite things about it is that whether you like public health or love organizing leisure parties there is something for everyone! Being president has also given me the opportunity to be closer to the board of directors and to the students, it has given me a clear vision of how I would like MMSA to be inclusive, open to change and enjoyable.
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MMSA is a platform to advocate for change where it is necessary. It is there to safeguard your rights as students and improve your medical education. We therefore invite you to join us in this 5 year longish journey. Together it could be much easier and far more enjoyable!
Omar Chircop MMSA President
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M e ssa g e fro m t h e Hea d o f An ato my Dear Medical Students...Tomorrow’s Doctors, Welcome to a brave new world! At the moment you may still be basking in your glory for managing to get into the MD course! And I congratulate you over and over again, because it is truly a great achievement! Mark my words - your life will take a different twist 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 ever have to endure. 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 8
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 MMSA parties! MMSA is one of the most active student organizations which, even in my time, was very ‘avant garde’. 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! Prof Jean Calleja-Agius MD, PhD (London), MSc Clinical Embryology (Leeds), FRCOG, FRCPI 9
M e ssa g e fro m t h e Hea d o f Physi o l o gy and Bio c hem i s t r y Well done in obtaining the required pre-requisites for the entry into the medical course of the University of Malta. Also, a warm welcome to the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, your second home for the next five years and also to the Department of Physiology and Biochemistry and the Department of Anatomy, who will host you for your first two pre- clinical years here on University Campus. The Campus based part of your five year course, will in essence provide you with the know- how on the path of becoming of what is now referred to as a professional doctor. A professional in all sense of the word implies that you are at least competent. The process that needs to be undertaken to achieve such begins right here in which you start off as one not knowing what skills are required and therefore you are not proficient to one in which you master the skills without having to be consciously aware of doing so. The study of medicine also requires you acquire as what may be termed a scientific way of questioning the facts, as now the practice of medicine is one that is evidence based but not that of a gut feeling. The evidence base refers to our current understanding of the scientific principles that govern the way in which our body performsits marvellous functions to enable us to do all of those wonderful things in a daily fashion.
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From day dreaming to eating and drinking and to learning the ways in which our physiology performs these multitude of functions in a frame referred to as our body. Hence, your first foray with us during these two years, into the realms of physiology and anatomy, will provide you with the long term foundations on which to build your clinical knowledge base. This is to be achieved through both your lecture and tutorial sessions combined with your practical and dissection sessions that have been put together in an integrated manner to enable you to study the body from a systematic perspective both in health and disease. Finally, I implore you to enjoy your time here with us and also that you do find the time to read and be inspired by the wealth of books currently available by top medical practitioners that truly reflect what it is to do good to others.
Prof Richard Muscat PhD (London)
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Un d e r st an d in g M MS A’s Stru c tu re
Executive Board - deals with administrative matters and MMSA coordination of the association Team President, Vice President for Internal Affairs, Vice President for of External Affairs, Secretary General, Treasurer
Officials
Officials - together with the Executive Board form the Board of Directors Public Relation Officer, Peer Education and Training Officer, Sexual and Reproductive Health Officer, Medical Education Officer, Public Health Officer, Human Rights and Peace Officer, Exchanges Officer for Incomings, Exchanges officer for Outgoings, Electives Officer, Leisure Officer Supervising Council - 3 members that promote transparency and fairness and safeguard equality Members can approach SupCo if they notice any member from the Team of Officials is not adhering to the Bylaws or not being fair. 13
Pre s ident Omar Chircop
The President’s role is to safeguard the statute and policy of the MMSA whilst being the main organ of prosperity in professionalism, representation and efficacy. The president is the front person and main representative of the MMSA and must ensure good relationship and collaboration with entities outside the MMSA. Why I love it: • Being close to the board of directors and student body gives me an insight of what MMSA should work on • supporting all the different offices in such diverse events and campaigns • Leading the organisation in a way that keeps its focus on the students Fun Fact: I love Brazilian funk!
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Vice Presi dent fo r E x ter n a l Af f a i rs Jake Alex Gauci
The Vice-President for External Affairs is responsible for liaising with external entities with the aim of improving the organisation’s professional relations and also bring forward new opportunities for the associations members. Together with the policy team, he also oversees the creation and adherence to MMSA’s policy. He is the main point of contact for international organisations that MMSA forms part of including IFMSA (the International Federation of Medical Student Associations) and EMSA (the European Medical Student Association) and is also responsible for a number of events including Freshers’ Week and Science in the City. Why I love it: The role enables me to meet so many different people from other organisations, both locally and internationally. Through this, I have managed to learn a lot about different cultures, the medical course in other countries and made international friendships for a lifetime!
Fun Fact: I’m a walking jukebox! Always singing!
Upcoming events: Fresher’s Week, IFMSA March Meeting 2020- Rwanda
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Vice Presi dent fo r I nter n a l Af f a i rs Jake Scicluna
As the VPi my main role is to coordinate the administration of the Board from the inside, and ensure that we are functioning well, both as individuals and more so as MMSA. I’m also in charge of taking care of the office, overseeing the Standing Committee heads and their events, planning out the MMSA Calendar, and compiling the RAR - a report which, due to MMSA being such a big organisation, always exceeds two and a half thousand pages; Yay me! Upcoming events: Healthfest
Fun Fact: Le. No.
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Tre as u rer Courtney Jaggers
Many of the duties and responsibilities of the treasurer’s office occur behind the scenes, but as those who write out the cheques, it’s always helpful to be in our good books ;) We are responsible for overseeing all of MMSA’s finances, sponsorships, grants, and merchandise distribution, as well as carrying out the financial planning and budgeting for the term. Like all other offices and standing committees, the treasurer’s office has its own opportunities and benefits, such as arranging discounts and special offers for medical students and handing out grants for international opportunities and conferences, so make sure to stay tuned and take full advantage! Why I love it: As treasurer, I feel quite lucky to have the opportunity to learn a number of skills I probably wouldn’t learn anywhere else, such as the (not so) wonderful world of VAT and taxes, cash handling, and proper book keeping.
Fun Fact: I can’t walk past a dog without falling in love
Upcoming events: We are also in charge of MMSA’s annual student’s grant – the Academic and Personal Development fund (APDF), which will be taking off for its 3rd consecutive year in the beginning of second semester.
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S e creta r y G en era l Glenn Briffa
The secretary general is the person who keeps the wheels of the organisation turning and oils the engine of MMSA. My role is to organise the board meetings, act as legal representative, take official minutes and that of executive matters. However, this job is even more interesting and enjoyable as I also get to organise one of MMSA’s most important events; the infamous TRD which if you haven’t already, you will get to hear so much about in the following days. TRD is happening from the 9th to the 11th of November this year, and we are proud to announce that this time round, it is new and improved with an absolute guarantee that it will be the best one yet! TRD is quite simply where it all starts for you guys - there’s good food, engaging speakers, intriguing sessions and last but not least: the best parties on the island - just like us medical students like them. Hope to see as many of you there as possible, its worth it, just you wait and see! Fun Fact: I love music and I can play the drums and the guitar! 18
The event of the year is just around the corner and you simply cannot miss it! We’re proud to introduce you to TRD 2019 – Circus Edition, so get ready for one of the best weekends of your year. For Freshers, TRD is where it all starts and, like any circus, we’ll be taking you under our wings and teaching you all the tricks of the trade in the very best of atmospheres. You’re starting a crazy new journey and there’s no better way to initiate it than by taking this leap of faith and becoming part of this vibrant family. It’s bound to be a festive weekend to amaze and wonder all. We’ve got a lot up our sleeve, with an Opening Ceremony to showcase the talents amongst us; the Greatest Showdown to give you an engaging introduction to our community; a variety of sessions to introduce you to the marvellous world of Medicine; and -for the first time ever- the Carnival Crawl, a contest that will take you around the local pubs and reward the most daring (and tipsy) amongst you. Of course, the reputation of the TRD Themed Parties precedes them, guaranteeing you a night of rebellious indulgence that you’ll (never) forget! It’s all happening between the 8th to the 10th of November and applications are open all throughout Freshers’ Week. See you there!
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Pu b l i c R el ati o n s O f f i cer Jade Borg
The Public Relations Officer is responsible for putting together the standing committee on Public relations. This standing committee is to see to the compilation and publishing of the MMSA annual report and other annual publication, marketing of the MMSA, ensuring the Corporate Identity Protocols of the MMSA are adhered to, and the inclusion of an IT officer. Why I love it: I love being PRO for this amazing organisation as I get to use my creative side while helping portray MMSA as the fun yet professional organisation that it truly is! Upcoming Events: PR workshop Fun Fact: I have watched the Twilight saga movies a gazillion times
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Pe e r Edu cati o n a n d Tra i n i n g O f f i cer Kristina Pulis
SCOPET organise diverse sessions in school and extracurricular groups, which give medical students the opportunity to educate children about their health. They also organise Teddy Bear Hospital sessions help the children formulate their life-long perspective of visiting the doctor in a fun and appropriate manner. Thay give the opportunity for capacity building through Training New Trainers (TNT) weekend.
Fun Fact: I have an unhealthy dependency on coffee
Why I love it: I love SCOPET, as this standing committee gives us students the chance to be in direct contact with the paediatric community. It helps us students enhance certain skills such as improvisation, public speaking and teamwork. Upcoming Events: World Children’s Day, Training New Trainers Workshop
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S ex u a l a n d R epro du c ti ve Hea l th O f f i cer Andrea Coleiro
“SCORA is aimed at making a change within our society when it comes to comprehensive sexual education, sexuality, gender identity, maternal health, gender based violence and STIs. Through our campaigns, events and outreaching we hope to educate the public, eliminate any misconceptions and start changing the mentality of our community with regards to sexual and reproductive health. “ Why I love it: Through SCORA, I am able to have an active role in breaking stigmas and taboos. Nothing beats the thrill of having made a difference, even if it’s a small one!
Fun Fact: I am an avid ring collector - I buy one from every country I visit!
Upcoming events: The LGBTIQ+ Lockdown , The World AIDS Day campaign
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M e d i ca l Edu cati o n O f f i cer Gloria Montebello
The Standing Committee of Medical education, or SCOME, is the link between faculty and the student body, filling in any gaps in the curriculum and helping the students directly by dealing with any problems. SCOME gives students a voice, empowering students to take charge and make a change. “ Why I love it: SCOME is the standing committee that works with the students for the students. From the first day of medicine, SCOME members became my friends as they helped me figure out how and what to study through workshops and academical aids. From colleagues, to friends and now as family we help other students to succeed through one of the most rewarding courses on campus! Upcoming events: The Buddy System, Easy A Quiz, Breaking the Silence Sign Language Course, SCOME Weekend, Research Week Fun Fact: Tall boys‌ hello!
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Pu b l i c Hea l th O f f i cer Jessica Bonnici
“The Standing Committee on Public Health (SCOPH) aims to promote a healthy living in all aspects of life to the general public and medical students alike. This is done through the organization of various public events where MMSA members outreach and talk with the public about a variety of topics such as diabetes and heart problems. “ Why I love it: What’s great about this standing committee is that it offers so much to both the students and the public. It exposes students to so many different aspects of health and equips them with vital knowledge and skills to educate the general public on their health. Upcoming Events: Health checks, Boost Your Own Body,Watch your Head! World Diabetes Day, Lend an Arm Fun Fact: I love all things adventure! 24
H u ma n R i ghts a n d Pea ce O f f i cer
Laura Demicoli SCORP focuses on advocating for the defense of human rights, peace and and strength in inclusion. The SCORP team organizes activities related to mental health, human rights and their violation, refugee health and and voluntary work with vulnerable groups. These topics form an important part of the medical field as they will inform our medical students on how to interact with different patients in the future as medical doctors and give them the opportunity to help the most vulnerable. After volunteering with disabled athletic swimmers and being SCORP assistant in the past year, my love for this standing committee grew even more. I love this office as it gives us the opportunity to be better people and bring a smile on the faces of the people that we help. Upcoming events: Mental health peer-education sessions, Defending Your Rights Campaign, Local volunteering opportunities Fun Fact: I form part of the Malta Paralympic Committee 25
E xch a n ge O f f i cer – I n co mi n gs Mattea Gouder
The role of the Professional and Research Exchange Officer for Incomings (PREO-In) encompasses many different jobs. The bulk of the workload is concentrated during the summer months, since that is when the great majority of the students choose to come to Malta for their exchange. A lot of preparation goes into organising all of the activities, but it is ultimately a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. Why I love it: I love meeting people from all across the globe and learning about their cultures! Upcoming Events: Globetrotters (stay tuned)
Fun Fact: I can fall asleep anywhere! 26
E xch a n ge O f f i cer – O u tgo i n gs Rebecca Bugeja
The main aim for my office is to allocate exchanges to medical students. The way that we do that is through the points system. Our job as an office is to: Update the points protocol where need be, Ensure that the points protocol is transparent and fair,Ensure that points are allocated in a fair way and abiding by the points protocol, Make a list of the possible countries for exchanges with my Exchanges-In Officer after having signed the contracts for the upcoming exchanges season, Answer any questions that you might have before/during your exchange Why I love it: Because it gives students the opportunity to spend a month abroad on an exchange. Having been on an exchange myself, I can say that through this experience, you get to make lifelong friendships as well as immerse yourself in a brand new culture.
Fun Fact: I have never taken acting classes but I got the lead role in a play
Upcoming Events: Globetrotters International Opportunities session,Pre-departure training,Presentation of Research Exchange Projects as part of Research Week 2020
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E l e c ti ves O f f i cer Michael Azzopardi The Electives Office provides assistance to all locals and internationals who wish to take up an elective during their studies. The main task of this Office is to process applications of international elective students. Through allocating placements, providing optional accommodation and social activities all year round, the Electives Team strives to make every elective experience a unique and memorable one! Why I love it: My passion has always revolved around international opportunities and hosting the hundreds of students that venture to our tiny island for an experience of a life time. As Exchanges Officer last year, I got the honour of hosting medical students from all over the world. This year, I have decided to pass on my experience and passion to the Electives Committee. Upcoming Events: Globetrotters
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Fun Fact: I have one MAJOR obsession; Cooking (and eating ofc). Most people de-stress by screaming into a pillow...I’ll be whipping up a 3 course meal for no reason.
Le isu re O f f i cer Alessia Vella The Leisure office is responsible for organising MMSA sport and entertainment events, as well as working with MMSA standing committees and other student organisations to organise such events Why I love it: I love being part of the Leisure team as throughout my past 2 years in the course, I realised that it plays a vital role in students’ lives to get to know each other and therefore enhance their experience as a medical student. It’s no secret that the course is stressful in itself, which is why I am proud to be behind the team that allows students to let loose and have fun once every while! Upcoming Events: Freshers’ Rave, Welcome Meds Fun Fact: Me in 3 words: dogs, coffee, & (obviously) parties
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S u per v i si n g Co u n ci l Amy Ebejer, David Agius, Martha Spiteri Supervising Council’s role in MMSA is to make sure that the organisation is running smoothly and the objectives of everyones’ roles are being met. We are also here to help out in any problems which might arise when working within MMSA and this applies to all officers, coordinators and participants. We also anonymise all applications including coordinator posts and External Representation Grant applications for international meetings. Why we love it: Being part of the Supervising Council gives us the opportunity and tools necessary to sort out any problems that may arise in MMSA. This ensures that MMSA is working in the best way possible for the benefit of all its members. Fun Fact: We all adore food. We all find food fun and one of the great means of happiness in life. In fact every meeting we have somehow revolves around it.
Upcoming events: We are working on something new to give our members the opportunity to voice any complaints or problems they are facing in MMSA.
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M e di c a l S ch o o l f ro m a G oz i ta n’s po i nt of v ie w Dear fellow Gozitan Medical Students, You’ve probably already been doused with many ‘Congratulations’ on passing your exams to Medical School, so I’m hoping more congratulatory wish from myself wouldn’t bother you! Leaving the comfort of your home to go through a seemingly endless commute to Malta had never been more thrilling and exhilarating to the enthusiastic First year student, who has been on pins and needles from the day the results arrived. An entirely different life awaits you; one which is characterized by great degrees of independence, even higher degrees of trial and error and bucket-loads of new experiences, as was my case. People may have bombarded you with many unpleasant remarks, such as ‘Medicine not being for the faint-hearted’ or that ‘living in Malta will be difficult’ and similar whatnot. From my experience, I can assure you that University life isn’t as gloomy and exhausting as others may make it sound. I’m not going to sugar-coat it – Medicine is a tough nut to crack! You’d have to chin up and work hard, however, it’s an enjoyable subject to study and with the right doses of passion, good planning and organization, you could pass with flying colours and ace the exams!
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My top tip to First Years is to always plan ahead and to manage your time wisely, keeping a balance between in-depth study and free time. I highly suggest staying attentive, preparing and studying for dissections and the small group classes, as they’re of immense help to understand better the new material introduced. MMSA ensures additional practicality to the theory being learns, through various fun and informative workshops, seminars and events. Additionally, MMSA, University classes and seminars offer ample opportunities to make new friends and acquaintances. Gozitans, from my experience, have a great tendency to shy out of such opportunities, and that’s why I specifically advise them to do the opposite: nothing’s better than integrating and mingling with fellow students, each having his or her own opinions and flamboyant character. Looking back in retrospect, the First Year taught me a lot of lessons, through the various challenges that I personally had to overcome and that most probably you’ll experience yourself. What I suggest is to always ask for help when needed. Older students, MMSA members, Lecturers and University Staff will be happy to lend in a helping hand, to ease the transition into Medical School. I sincerely wish you all Good Luck in your studies and in the First Year of Medical School! Luke Galea 2nd year Medical Student
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M o du l e L i st Exams in Semester 1: MDS1005: Respiratory System (6 ECTS) MDS1021: Cell biology and Biochemistry (5 ECTS) MDS1022: Organisation of the Body (5 ECTS) MDS1023: Introduction to Clinical practice 1 (2 ECTS) Exams in Semester 2: MDS1007: Renal System (6 ECTS) MDS1010: Blood and Body Defence Mechanisms (4 ECTS) MDS1026: Molecular Biology and Genetics (6 ECTS) MDS1029: Reproduction (4 ECTS) Exams in both Semesters: MDS1004: Cardiovascular System (10 ECTS) MDS1008: Musculoskeletal and Integumentary System (10 ECTS) MDS1011: Medical Leadership Seminar (2 ECTS)
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M ar k yo u r Ca l en da r! 30th Sep – 4th October: Fresher’s Week 28th – 30th November: Medical Leadership Seminar 1 * 21st December: Start of Christmas Holidays 6th January: Start of University 15th January - 4th February: Semester 1 exams 5th February: Start of 2nd Semester 27th – 29th February: Medical Leadership Seminar 2 * 6th April: Start of Easter Holidays 20th April: Start of University 1st - 30th June: Semester 2 exams 1st - 15th September: Supplementary exams
*MLS seminars form part of the compulsory module MDS1011
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www.mmsa.org.mt
