Freshers' Booklet 2021 by Malta Medical Students' Association

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Message from the President ..............................................................................................1 Message from the Head of Anatomy ............................................................................3 Message from the Head of Physiology & Biochemistry ...................................5 Board of Directors ....................................................................................................................7 Understanding MMSA's Structure .................................................................................8 Executive Board ........................................................................................................................9 Team of Officials + SUPCO .................................................................................................18 Introducing the Standing Committees ...................................................................27 Register Now! ...........................................................................................................................43 Medical Student Life from a Gozitan's Perspective ........................................44 Medical Student Life from an International's Point of View .....................46 MMSA Bucket List ..................................................................................................................49 First Year Module List .........................................................................................................50

I can’t wait to introduce you all to MMSA! MMSA has given me so much throughout my University experience, and I can’t imagine med school without it!

Welcome to Medical School! Congratulations on making it to the course of your dreams: those sleepless nights of studies have finally paid off. We’re so excited to welcome you on this 5 year long journey to become doctors; I can assure they will fly by! I can still remember sitting at the back row in nALR on my first day, and today I’m in fourth year and MMSA President - who would have thought!

It has helped me grow as a person and also equipped me with the necessary skills to become a better doctor once I graduate, be it practical skills such as suturing, as well as soft skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership. Within MMSA, I have also met new people which have now become my second family. MMSA will present you with loads of opportunities!

During our Freshers’ Week you’ll be introduced to our Standing Committees in Medical Education, Public Health, Sexual & Reproductive Health, Human Rights and Peace, and Peer Education & Training. You’ll also be introduced to the possibility of going on an exchange or elective in any country around the world, and we’ll hopefully see you at one of our leisure events! With such a wide range of activities, MMSA has something for everyone.

As MMSA President, I aim to lead an organisation that revolves around the student. What we do is by students, for students, and I hope you will join us in our journey! Myself and my friends in the MMSA Board of Directors are always there to help you, so don’t hesitate to contact us at any time! Looking forward to meeting you all!

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, in spite 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. 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 MMSA parties!

MMSA is one of the most active student organizations which, even in my time, was very ‘avant garde’.

ASo your actions (or lack of) will have consequences (good or bad) on how society regards the medical community.

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.

Be responsible and lead by example: stay safe!!!

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! nd 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.

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 same time rewarding & 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.

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.

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.

The structure and function theme and that of systems is the integral framework for all of your modules throughout the two preclinical years together with the underlying scientific knowledge that gives rise to such.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

TEAM OF OFFICIALS

WHAT DO I DO? As President, my role is to safeguard MMSA's statute and policy, while being the main organ of prosperity in professionalism, representation and efficacy. As the front person and main representative of MMSA, I must ensure good relationship with entities within and outside of MMSA, leading an organisation by students, for students.

WHY I LOVE DOING IT MMSA is addicting! As President, I get to be at the heart of the work of the Executive Board and Board of Directors, working closely with Officers and the student body. It's always an honour to be able to represent over 700 medical and bring about tangible change!

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OUR OFFICE Within MMSA, there's something to look forward to every week! Make sure to register through our website www.mmsa.org.mt and join the MMSA Active Members Facebook group to stay updated with all that's going on!

FUN FACT h

WHAT DO I DO? My role as VPi mainly consists of coordinating the internal workings of MMSA which included event scheduling, collecting all event documentation and compiling the RAR report at the start of my term! Apart from that, as part of the Executive Board, I help guide officers in the planning of their events with the rest of the executive board members.

WHY I LOVE DOING IT I love this role because it gives me an insight into all the different Standing Committees that there are in MMSA. I get to see all the hard work each officer puts into their events, it’s quite rewarding!

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OUR OFFICE My Team mainly deals also with feedback collection from all MMSA members. Look out for any feedback events that will take place in the coming months in order to voice your opinion on the workings of our organization!

FUN FACT Previously, I had the role of Sexual and Reproductive Health Officer! I love animals, and have many pets at home.

WHAT DO I DO? The Vice President for External Affairs is responsible for liaising with external entities with the aim of improving MMSA's professional relations and offering new opportunities for our members both locally and internationally. This office is the main point of contact and bridge between MMSA and the international organisations we form part of which include the International Federation of Medical Students (IFMSA) and the European Medical Students' Association (EMSA). Policy is another major pilar of the office and the policy team takes care of writing new policy papers on the most relevant topics. I am also responsible for various events including Freshers' week and Science in the City.

WHY I LOVE DOING IT The role gives me endless opportunities to meet and work with new people from other organisations both locally and internationally which I find quite exciting.

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OUR OFFICE IFMSA & EMSA General Assemblies.

FUN FACT MMSA took me to Rwanda, Greece and Germany for IFMSA and EMSA meetings - that's 3 General Assemblies that happened in person and so many memories! Looking forward for the next March Meeting in North Macedonia.

WHAT DO I DO? I make sure that MMSA's board meetings move smoothly. Moreover I also serve as the point of contact between the student body and the board of directors. I also organise MMSA's biggest event, the Training and Resource Development weekend (TRD) which serves as the introduction of the people making up the organisation to freshers.

WHY I LOVE DOING IT It's an amazing opportunity to be responsible for freshers' introduction to MMSA. Moreover it's an essential during meetings, where a lot of brainstorming happens and great ideas are born.

FUN FACT I really enjoy cooking!

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OUR OFFICE TRD !!!

WHAT DO I DO?

WHY I LOVE DOING IT

As Treasurer I am in charge of everything related to money in MMSA! I deal with the day to day running of our finances, and keep track of every cent coming in or going out - approving spending, sorting out finance reports, looking for external funding and creating budgets. I also am in charge of MMSA's sponsors: finding them, and communicating with them throughout the year together with my assistant! Another aspect of my work is that of merchandise, such as our famous red polos!

Even though the work of treasurer is completely different from science/medicine, I always had a soft spot for finances, and love keeping everything organised! My favourite part of my job however has to be my merchandise division as I love coming up with new designs and new forms of merch to further promote our organisation!

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OUR OFFICE *hoodies*

FUN FACT My favourite type of chair is the Barcelona chair!

WHY I LOVE DOING IT WHAT DO I DO?

Along with the 2 other members of SupCo, I oversee the inner workings of MMSA to ensure fairness, promote communication and ensure that all decisions abide by the MMSA Bylaws and are in the best interest of the student. Some of our main roles include anonymising team applications and ensuring that the coordinator teams are built fairly and according to merit, overseeing the handover process, aiding in conflict resolution amongst the TO itself, MMSA teams or MMSA members, and investigating any issues reported. We also take care of the MMSA anonymous complaint system accessible through the MMSA website, however we encourage members to approach us personally as I believe healthy discussion is the key to conflict resolution.

I love carrying out my role because it allows me to contribute to all SC's/offices within MMSA. Being a member of SupCo allows me to be there for the officers at trying times, provide advice when in sticky situations and aid in conflict resolution. I believe the role of SupCo is essential especially since MMSA has over 700 members and it is both an honour and a pleasure to be entrusted with this role. I look forward to keep on working to ensure that MMSA continues striving for the best interest of the student.

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OUR OFFICE Posts regarding team applications for co-ordinators & assistants, TRD & many more!

FUN FACT

I've been a dancer ever since I was 3yrs old ... maybe a fun(er) fact: I learned how to forward roll before I learnt how to walk lol

WHAT DO I DO?

Together with the rest of the team we help supervise and assist the BD, assist both in conflict resolution and in the application process as required. We also server as a point of contact between the student body and the rest of the Board of Directors to ensure that even anonymous suggestions can be followed up on.

WHY I LOVE DOING IT

It gives a more general perspective than a specific officer role and it's quite satisfying to be able to be there for the Board when needed.

FUN FACT I took a gap year before entering medicine and spent it travelling all over Eastern Europe!

WHAT DO I DO?

I work in a team, together with the other members of SupCo, to ensure that the organisation is running smoothly, and that medical students’ interests are prioritised during decision making. We aim to maintain transparency, impartiality and fairness in many aspects within MMSA such as anonymising applications and assisting MMSA’s board in working in line with MMSA’s bylaws. Please feel free to contact us on supco@mmsa.org.mt, through the complaint form on MMSA’s website, or personally whenever needed.

WHY I LOVE DOING IT Being part of SupCo gives me the opportunity to work with MMSA’s board, help in resolving any arising conflicts within our organisation, and ensuring constant communication between the board and members. Certainly, this role enables me to give more to the organisation!

FUN FACT

I love watching Turkish series!

WHAT DO I DO?

The PR team is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of MMSA’s image and brand, that is, how we are seen and perceived as an organisation by the general public. As a team, we are in charge of keeping all our social media accounts, including - MMSA Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mmsa_malta/), - MMSA Scholar on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mmsa_scholar/), - MMSA Leisure on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mmsa_leisure/), - MMSA Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/user/mmsamalta), - all our MMSA Facebook pages (https://www.facebook.com/mmsa.malta/), - and soon (!), MMSA TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@mmsa_tiktok?), up to date with all the activities our organisation is getting up to!

WHY I LOVE DOING IT I love being able to see all the work we put into our office translate into beautiful posters and engaging videos! Seeing our social media pages grow with every post instils a really big sense of pride in all of us <3

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OUR OFFICE

Look out for future giveaways, MMSA hoodies, PR workshop, and our very own MMSA TikTok; all in the upcoming weeks!

FUN FACT

Forever searching for unconventional food combinations to obsess over (before you judge, please try these for me: caramel and cheese on toast and peanut butter and honey on crackers).

WHAT DO I DO?

My role within MMSA is to host entertaining events for our students ranging from parties to quizzes and a variety of other events.

WHY I LOVE DOING IT Making people happy & seeing people enjoying themselves is something that drives me. Despite the stresses of hosting an event, the indescribable feeling of seeing people having fun & making new friends is something that makes it all worth it.

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OUR OFFICE We have a variety of events coming up including Sportsfest, TRD parties & some more to be announced soon.

FUN FACT

I'm always listening to music!

WHAT DO I DO?

I help local students go on an elective abroad to any country and any university they want. I am also responsible for processing all the electives students applications that come from abroad to do attachments in Malta. This being the main source of income for MMSA. I also arrange social programs for the incoming students so they enjoy their stay here. I arrange accommodation for the electives student to stay in during their elective.

WHY I LOVE DOING IT It helps me meet students coming from abroad and learn about their course and make new friends. I also get to help my colleagues and friends fulfil their dream of going abroad and study in hospitals of their choice, be it Cambridge or Harvard or Mayo Clinic.

FUN FACT

I have represented Malta at the national level in a sport called cricket.

SCOME

MMSA works on its campaigns via its 6 standing committees each focusing on major health-related topics and medical student related interests.

SCOPH SCORP

These abbreviations are used frequently in the organisation. They all start with ‘SCO’ (Standing Committee of) and end with the abbreviation of the standing committee itself.

SCORA SCOPET SCOPRE

Each Standing committee is headed by an officer, their assistant & coordinators. 27

Professional & Research Exchange SCOPRE

SCOPET

Peer Education & Training

SCOME Medical Education

Public Health SCOPH

Human Rights & Peace SCORP

SCORA Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights including HIV & 28 AIDS

WHAT DO I DO?

As Medical Education Officer, my job is split into two. The first of which is to organise interesting and education events, such as our well known Suturing and Phlebotomy Workshops, History Taking Workshops, Easy A and many more! These aim to give you the opportunity to improve upon your medical knowledge and skills in a practical and safe environment, empowering you to be the best medical student and doctor you can be! My second role is to advocate on behalf of the students' needs. Anytime an issue crops up that affects the student body, it is my job to advocate on your behalf and make sure it is sorted as quickly as possible while listening to the wishes of all students from across the course. Feel free to speak to me if you have any issues! I'm always available for a chat :)

WHY I LOVE DOING IT

I fell in love with SCOME's workshops from the very first suturing workshop I attended in my first year. Being able to practice essential medical skills in a safe environment while being coached by medical professionals is something that all medical students should treasure. I also love speaking with students and am proud and humbled to be trusted to advocate on their behalf!

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OUR OFFICE Keep a look out for our Suturing and Phlebotomy Workshops, as well as the well known SCOME Weekend!

FUN FACT

I am a huge fan of musical theatre! Don't be alarmed if I burst out singing (off-key) at any point in time :)

WHAT DO I DO?

As Public Health Officer, alongside the Public Health team, we tackle the general well-being of the population. We do this through organising health checks for the general public, outreaching to the public, and organising exercise sessions we like to call Boost your own Body (BYOB).

WHY I LOVE DOING IT

The role is very busy with many people contacting us to collaborate with them through holding health checks, vaccination drives and many other events. I love being able to help reach out to so many people through these events, and to be of service to the general public while aiding the health sector in Malta. I find it's very worthwhile and would not have it any other way!

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OUR OFFICE Diabetes Awareness Month - will consist of a workshop where we will teach you how to take blood pressure and blood glucose readings, as well as health checks for the general public throughout the month of November. Lots of BYOB sessions coming up throughout the year - stay tuned!

FUN FACT I'm a twin!

WHAT DO I DO?

As the name implies, SCOPET has two main pillars, peer education and training! Our highly sought-after peer education sessions will give you with the opportunity to teach children about the full range of health topics offered by SCOPET, including first aid, nutrition, organ systems and our teddy bear hospital sessions! You and your peers can interact and engage with children of all ages by educating them on these health issues, all while improving your public speaking skills! SCOPET's training element is specially intended for medical students. We want to create sessions that will help us become better doctors by constantly improving our soft skills, also giving you the opportunity to become trainers, training the next set of medical students!

WHY I LOVE DOING IT

I have a passion for educating, whether it’s for medical students or children, I love to push myself to find innovative ways to deliver peer ed sessions and new training workshops. The sense of accomplishment that comes from successfully delivering a peer education session, or delivering a training workshop is so rewarding, that I want every medical student to have the opportunity to attend as many of these sessions as possible!

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OUR OFFICE There are loads of peer education events in store for you to choose from throughout the term, ranging from the widely popular Teddy Bear Hospital sessions, and all the new Health Sessions! Be sure to look out for our training workshops and of course, our live-in that we have coming up, Training New Trainers! A weekend full of interactive sessions, group activities, all whilst bonding with your fellow peers and the SCOPET Team <3

FUN FACT

Skydiving or bungee jumping are on my bucket list!

WHAT DO I DO?

As the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Officer within MMSA, I strive in being part of the change within our society when it comes to comprehensive sexual education, sexuality, STIs, gender-based violence and maternal health. SCORA aims to break taboos and stigmas, eliminate misconceptions, and start changing the mentality of our community when it comes to sexual and reproductive health.

WHY I LOVE DOING IT

SCORA gives me the platform to bring to light highly stigmatised, yet important, topics. I'm very passionate about educating the public and breaking the stigma about topics discussed by SCORA. It is something that I find extremely rewarding.

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OUR OFFICE Breast Examination Workshop, Prostate Examination Workshop and World AIDS' Day!

FUN FACT

I am kind of obsessed with my dog, Cleo <3

WHAT DO I DO?

We advocate for human rights and make sure that these are adequately respected while also raising awareness on how inclusion can be a very simple thing which we should implement into our daily lives. We speak up when we see corruption and abuse of power; human rights are important for the respect of peace! We make sure that people's basic needs are met!

WHY I LOVE DOING IT

I love doing it because I believe that injustices are done in front of our faces and that it doesn't take much to do an act of kindness a day to change the world into a better place. I love doing it because we speak for the voiceless; for the ones that might be taken for granted. In Malta there has been a passive approach for these things for a while but it's time to change that and I love being part of that change/encouraging that alongside other passionate people!

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OUR OFFICE Look out for out Aware in Care sessions, peer education sessions, clean-ups & hikes, and mental health awareness!

FUN FACT

M'hemmx soz

WHAT DO I DO?

Organize exchanges for incoming students from all around the world & tasked with maintaining MMSA's reputation as a high ranking medical exchange destination!

WHY I LOVE DOING IT

I get to meet medical students coming from a variety of cultures & get to organize a special month that will live on in their memories for a while. Ultimate perk - free accommodation & tour guides around the world x

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OUR OFFICE We're one SCOPRE, so look out for our Globetrotters event and our exciting list of available medical exchange destinations!

FUN FACT

Find me at a cinema any day of the week & I'll tell you...

WHAT DO I DO?

As SCOPRE-Out Officer I organize medical student exchanges in a large variety of countries all around the world. I also take care of points assigned to MMSA members to ensure these exchanges are allocated fairly.

WHY I LOVE DOING IT

I love giving medical students the opportunity to travel to amazing countries, live abroad and further their medical education in an exciting way.

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OUR OFFICE Globetrotters talk on international opportunities within MMSA which is especially important to get to understand more about how to go on an exchange. Exchanges booklet release which will happen a few weeks after globetrotters and announces the longawaited list of countries available for next summers’ exchanges!

FUN FACT

I love travelling all around the world yet I found out that Mr Worldwide and Pitbull are the same person last year (don’t judge)

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Going into first year of Medical School two years ago, I was both excited to embark on this new journey, but also nervous seeing so many new students that I didn’t know. At first, you might feel overwhelmed just by the thought of being away from your family most of the time, and having to live independently, doing chores and cooking, whilst also keeping up with your studies. These are all normal feelings that all Gozitan students have felt. At first it might feel a bit difficult, however this experience molds you into a more independent individual with a better capacity for time management.

Rest assured that if you plan out your time well, you can definitely keep up with everything, whilst of course having some time for yourselves to enjoy your University experience. If I had to only give you one piece of advice, it would be to get involved in MMSA! Throughout the whole year, MMSA is constantly organizing events and workshops tailored for us medical students, which offer great opportunities to meet students and build new friendships. Throughout these 5 years in medical school, you’ll face many different challenges.

Luckily, MMSA is made up of numerous dedicated medical students that are always ready to help. MMSA constantly works on facilitating your journey in medical school whilst also equipping you with new skills that you’ll make use of as future doctors.

If you’re ever unsure about something or else need any advice, do not hesitate to talk to any MMSA member. It’s normal to feel confused and they’ll be more than happy to help you.

The Good: Due to Malta’s history as a former British colony, 90% of the island’s population speaks English. Therefore, most of the locals are bilingual. This has made Malta a study destination for international students. Malta is primarily crime-free and is known as being one of the safest destinations in Europe. So you can be rest-assured. All the little things that might not grab the attention of a Maltese; make an international student wonder. From the beautiful, ancient landscapes to the architectural highlights, there is something for everyone to discover here.

We are lucky to be international students in this day and age. Social media and video-calling have made the distance from family less complicated, and the fear of missing out is not much of a problem anymore. In Malta, people generally value family over individualism, which makes your homesickness understandable to most. When living alone, time becomes more under one’s control, which helps one to find a sense of independence and transform along the way. Being adaptable is essential; it can mean the difference between failure and success.

Adaptation means changing to increase your chances of survival in a specific environment. And the simple fact that you are urged to adapt allows you to grow and be the student of life. This is where one may connect to their essence. Although this sounds amazing, things can go wrong. The bad: Traveling is good for both the body and the mind, but settling down and resetting the biological hour in every home visit can be tiring. It is challenging to deal with life and medical school issues when lacking experience, which is why the University of Malta offers free counseling for students dealing with difficult emotions, in addition to various international students associations that will do all in their power to aid.

Beginnings are the hardest, different faces, a different language, a different culture. Everything around is strange to you, but in reality, you are the “stranger,” which is difficult to explain. The meaning of diversity is less understood but more felt. The pressure of feeling different empowers the demand to change, and it takes a while to walk away from this mindset. It takes learning and taking steps forwards and backward, the process is slow and steady, but it can cause unnecessary stress. Living on your own gives you the ultimate liberty, but with it comes a vast responsibility. There is a constant struggle to focus on yourself, your environment, education, and friends in the first few months. Recognizing who or what is right for you and figuring out how to build a balanced life are all matters which require your immediate attention.

If you don’t figure it out quickly enough, something will fall. And to tell you the truth, most of us did not figure it all out, so then how did we survive? The crazy: When you’re an international student, you will feel more encouraged to approach people of all kinds and have small talks with strangers. After all, you have nothing to lose. Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with a population of 440,000. So it would be crazy if you don’t find a companion. All you need to do is stay open and be present.

Whether you are the type that likes to take a leap and jump into new experiences or simply learning how to enjoy quality time with yourself, you will eventually find yourself in wild circumstances that reinforce you and build you up. Attending talks and seminars, discussing matters which are different from your beliefs, living amongst those who do not reflect an image similar to you will not nullify your perspective. Still, it will give sufficient exposure and increase awareness. Being an international student does not put you in a vulnerable position but gives you enough drive to choose growth over comfort.