Medical school from a Gozitan point of view

M edical S chool from a Gozitan’s point of view 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!

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