Meet the Board

Vice President for Internal Affairs 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.

Fun Fact: I can’t walk past a dog without falling in love

Treasurer 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.

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.

Secretary General 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.

18 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!

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!

Public Relations Officer 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

Fun Fact: I have an unhealthy dependency on coffee

Peer Education and Training Officer 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.

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

Fun Fact: I am an avid ring collector - I buy one from every country I visit!

S exual and Reproduc tive Health Officer 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!

Upcoming events: The LGBTIQ+ Lockdown , The World AIDS Day campaign

Fun Fact: Tall boys… hello!

Medical Education Officer 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

Public Health Officer 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!

Human R ights and Peace Officer 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.

25 Upcoming events: Mental health peer-education sessions, Defending Your Rights Campaign, Local volunteering opportunities

Fun Fact: I form part of the Malta Paralympic Committee

Exchange O fficer – Incomings 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!

Fun Fact:

I have never taken acting classes but I got the lead role in a play

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 Exchange O fficer – Outgoings Rebecca Bugeja

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.

Upcoming Events: Globetrotters International Opportunities session,Pre-departure training,Presentation of Research Exchange Projects as part of Research Week 2020

Electives Officer 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!

28 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 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.

Leisure Officer 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

Supervising Council 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.

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.

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.

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.