1
Congratulations A message from a Current International student. Congratulations, you are now an International medical student at the University of Malta. I remember receiving my letter of acceptance and feeling ecstatic! You are in for 5 years of living in a beautiful Mediterranean island, making new friends and adapting to a new way of life. I had never been to Malta before I arrived at the beginning of term. I had booked a room at the University Residence in Lija and I saw my first glimpses of the island from what I could make out during my short taxi journey. Malta is a small island and because of this, the Maltese don’t move out into halls but commute from their family homes. It was a contrast to the campus life I was used to at the university I was at previously, with everyone living in halls. Despite this, I really started to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the island, how friendly the Maltese were, and the beaches! Once I settled into Maltese life, I moved out of Lija to an area called Msida next to the University campus. I started bar-hopping in Paceville, a cheap and fun way to spend your weekends. Malta is very well -known for its beaches, particularly during the summer. In fact, you can look forward to spending the summer months by getting a tan or having a beach BBQ. We medical students also form part of an important group: MMSA (Malta Medical Students Association.) It has been a great way for me to meet more students in different course years. Overall, you should look forward to a well taught and structured course, a great island lifestyle and summer in Malta. I hope you have a great first year settling in and learning a bit of Maltese! Anna-Sophia Zafar - International MD 4th year and Booklet Coordinator.
2
How to survive first year modules Hints and tips A message from an outgoing 1st year student. After clearing the first hurdle of getting an offer, you are all now at the second hurdle of facing year one! Well, there is no secret but hard and consistent work as well as having fun.
The thing to get right from the start is organisation. You’ll need to keep track of all the lectures that you have had, a simple excel sheet with the subject title and the lecturer you had. Make sure that you’ve saved the presentations somewhere. Also, making notes in lectures is very useful because the lecturers often say things that are not in the slides and may give hints. Others use the slides as a prompt for you to do further background reading. Do not be afraid to ask questions or send emails to lecturers, they are happy to clarify points which you may have misunderstood. Also during exam periods, it will be useful to get the class representatives to send emails enquiring about the format of the exams in case anything changes from the previous year. The most important thing to remember is to not panic or get bogged down with the work. It is doable, and there have been many students who have gone through it. You’ll have to balance work and fun to help you to get through the year, and on your way to becoming a doctor. Vidya Sundara - International MD 2nd year.
Credits Writers: Anna-Sophia Zafar, Jonathan Warren, Vidya Sundara, Erika Babatunde, Awais Ehsan. Editors: Anna-Sophia Zafar, Erika Babatunde, Sarah Catania
3
Semester 1 and 2 (22 ECTS) These units start in first semester and continue into second semester.
MDS 1004 Cardiovascular System Weighting: 10 ECTS Coordinator: Prof G Di Giovanni This module is a two semester module, which means consistency throughout the year is the key to success! For this module you definitely need to have a book to refer to, as his notes aren’t always clear. A book you can consult is “An Introduction to Cardiovascular Physiology” by Rodney J. Levick. I would also recommend reading ‘Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts’ by Richard E Klabunde. Although not a recommended textbook, it does follow the topics covered in the lectures well. It is simple to understand and has diagrams to accompany.
MDS1008 Musculoskeletal and Integumentary system Weighting: 10 ECTS Coordinator: Jean Calleija Agius This module cannot be left to the last minute! It is a very dense module, so it is essential to keep on top of the work. As it runs for two semesters, again it is important to have consistency throughout the year. In regards to anatomy, Prof. Stabile’s lectures are very good. You may also find it useful to read the recommended anatomy books (Gray’s Anatomy or Snell’s clinical anatomy by regions) as well as other aids such as Acland’s Atlas (videos) to help visualize. You’ll also need to attend the CTSs and the clinical skills sessions to understand the clinical aspects, as they are given importance in the exam.
MDS1011 Communication Skills Weighting: 2 ECTS This module consists of 2 ‘Behavioural Sciences’ weekends; the first focuses on communication skills and the second tackles teamwork. During each weekend, you will be split into small groups each lead by
4
a tutor, where you will participate in a variety of exercises relevant to the topic you are covering. After each weekend, you will be required to write an essay and process notes. I would strongly suggest making good set of notes/bullet points regarding each session, because once the weekend has finished it is very easy to forget what has happened. Thus making it hard to write your process notes/essay! These weekends (especially the first) also help to break the ice between your Kuwaiti and Maltese peers, allowing you to know each other better.
Semester 1 (18 ECTS) MDS 1005 Respiratory System Weighting: 6 ECTS Coordinator: Dr. R Cauchi This lecturer is really good with his notes. He expresses complicated information in a clear way. He gives you the PowerPoint used in the lecture, as well as a document with more detailed notes. Some of the concepts in this module can be difficult to get your head around, but thoroughly notes and this module shouldn’t be a problem. A textbook is not needed for this module. However for anatomy, I would definitely recommend reading the clinical boxes in ‘Clinical anatomy by regions’ (Richard S. Snell)
MDS 1021 Cell Biology and Biochemistry Weighting: 5 ECTS Coordinator: Prof. G Hunter I would not rely solely on his lectures for this module; in fact you would struggle if you did. Follow/use his slides but read up more in the textbooks to have a good understanding. He knows his subject very well, but he does speak fast! Don’t worry if he mentions something as though you should know it already – listen well, make notes, and review them regularly. I would suggest buying or having access to both the recommended
5
textbooks, as you may find yourself hopping in and out of both.
MDS 1022 Organisation of the Body Weighting: 5 ECTS Coordinator: Pierre Schembri-Wismayer This module is an amalgamation of a few topics, namely: histology, pathology, embryology and neurology. This module introduces you slowly to a range of topics; hence I don’t think that a textbook would be necessary at this stage. But a bit of extra reading never does any harm!
MDS 1023 Introduction to Clinical Practice 1 Weighting: 2 ECTS Coordinator: Pierre Mallia This module is a brief introduction to the world of medical ethics. Our year had 2 lectures, and they contained sufficient detail, so no textbooks are necessary, nevertheless the number of lectures may change. This module is more to do with your ability to reason and your understanding of the different ethical terminology and concepts.
Semester 2 (20 ECTS) MDS1007 Renal System Weighting: 6 ECTS Coordinator: Neville Vassallo The lecture slides here are sufficient but for those topics you find difficult, I would suggest reading the chapter in ‘Physiology’ by Constanzo as It covers the necessary topics, and is easy to read. In regards to anatomy, Prof. Stabile provides quite comprehensive notes and these are good enough. There is also a small amount of pharmacology in the module. Again, understanding the slides given by the lecturer is enough. The CTSs are good as they help put some of the theory in perspective.
6
MDS1010 Blood and Body Defense Mechanisms Weighting: 4 ECTS Coordinator: Alex E. Felice You’ll need to do more reading than just attending his lectures. Attending the CTSs is good for this module, as they are often given by other lecturers and help you to understand from different perspectives. Reading ‘http://www.mechanismsinhematology.ca/home.aspx’ is the recommended textbook, and it does help, but it is also good to watch YouTube videos or find other sources to help you understand the more difficult concepts (but always make sure the information is correct). Our exam was multiple choice with not negative marking, but they asked questions which were quite detailed and specific. Nevertheless the format of exam may change in your year (as it did in ours), so always confirm.
MDS1026 Molecular Biology and Genetics Weighting: 6 ECTS Coordinator: Therese Hunter For this module the lecture slides are excellent and are sufficient for the exam. I would also recommend attending all the CTSs. They provide you with the chance to ask questions and clarify problem topics with the module lead. Understanding the various mechanisms is essential because you may not be able to answer the exams questions effectively if you blind recite them.
MDS1029 Reproduction Weighting: 4 ECTS Coordinator: Isabel Stabile This is a very clinically oriented module, which provides a nice break from all the theory oriented modules. The lecturers and their lecture slides are good. But for this module, you will need to give importance to the anatomy and its clinical implications, hence going to the CTSs and reading the clinical boxes in Snell’s is key to do well. The exam questions are often clinical cases/scenarios.
7
Book list It is important to stress that many of the books below may be made available to you in PDF form through Google drive for your year. This allows you to have a look at some of the books before buying hard copies.
General Gross Anatomy (Recommend both purchases)
i. Gray’s Anatomy for Students ISBN-13: 978-0443069529 Author: Richard L.Drake, Wayne Vogl, Adam W.M Mitchell, Henry Gray. Description: Better Images but less clinical guidance then Snell’s. ii. Clinical Anatomy Regions ISBN-13: 978-0781764049 Author: Richard S. Snell Description: Multiple choice and other questions for self-assessment are included. Clinical boxes are very useful.
Anatomy Atlas (Buy one only.)
i. Mc’Minn’s Clinical Atlas of Human Anatomy ISBN-13: 978-0323036054 Author: Peter H. Abrahams, Jonathan D. Spratt, Johannes Boon ii. Colour Atlas of Anatomy - Rohen ISBN-13: 978-1582558561 Authors: Johannes Wilhelm Rohen, Chihiro Yokochi, Elke LütjenDrecoll Description: Full-colour photographs of cadaver dissections, with accompanying schematic drawings and diagnostic images.
8
Embryology Langman’s Medical Embryology ISBN-13: 978-0781790697 Author: Jan Langman, Thomas W. Sadler Description: It features full-colour clinical images and photographs. There are plenty of copies in the medical library.
Histology Wheather’s Functional Histology ISBN-10: 044306850X Author: Barbara Young, Alan Stevens, John W. Heath, James s. Lowe Description: This book is very useful for identifying slides. It is written well and easy to understand. However, it is not essential to buy as there are many practice histology websites, and the slides given by the teacher are also good.
Physiology 1. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology ISBN-13: 978-1416045748 Author: John E. Hall PhD 2. Physiology 5th edition – Linda S. Costanzo ISBN-13: 978-1416062165 Author: Linda S. Costanzo Description: It is easy to read, user-friendly and provides information on the underlying principles of cellular physiology, the autonomic nervous system, and neurophysiology, as well as the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, acid-base, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive organ systems. 3. An Introduction to CV Physiology ISBN-13: 978-0340942048 Author: J Rodney Levick Description: Many useful line diagrams and tables that support the text and provide proof of concepts.
9
Haematology Mechanisms in Haematology – Israels This book is unavailable as a hard copy, but the latest edition is available on this website: http://www.mechanismsinhematology.ca/ home.aspx
Neuroscience Neuroscience ISBN-13: 978-0878936472 Authors: George J Augustine, George Fitzpatrick, Dale Purves Description: This may be good for additional reading, but at this stage the lecture slides are sufficient.
Biochemistry Years 1 and 2: 1. Marks' Basic Medical Biochemistry: A Clinical Approach ISBN-13: 978-1608315727 Author: Michael A. Lieberman and Allan Marks Description: This book does have a lot of detail, so it may look scary at first! Follow the lecture slides and read the relevant pages/chapters, as sometimes you didn’t need to read the whole chapter. 2. Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry ISBN-10: 160831412X ISBN-13: 978-1608314126 Author: Richard A. Harvey, Denise R. Ferrier Description: I would definitely say this is a good purchase. It is very visual and pictorial, and helps you to get the overall understanding of a topic. It is however still a review, so for more detail Marks’ Basic Medical Biochemistry is good to read.
Pathology Muir's Textbook of Pathology ISBN-13: 978-0340740620 Description: Although a good book, I wouldn’t recommend buying one at this stage, as there are not many pathology lectures during the first year. By the second year, where you will have a pathology module, it may become more useful.
10
Malta Medical Student Association MMSA is one of the largest and most active societies on campus. Being a medical student automatically makes you a member. Check out their website at the link above for more information. Get as involved as you possibly can, it is a great way for international students to socialise and integrate. If you haven’t got involved in extracurricular activities before, it is a great way to learn new skills. MMSA organises many educational seminars and awareness campaigns. The social events are not to be missed – particularly TRD, a weekend seminar that includes themed parties. It's one of the best events of the year for medical students and a great learning and socialising opportunity. Early bookings are important to secure a desired reservation with your preferred roommates, hand in your deposit early to avoid disappointment during fresher’s week. There is also the annual medical school ball just before Easter, so come prepared with your suit/dress after Christmas. Along with these there are many nights out arranged on specific dates including World Diabetes day, Aids day, Christmas party and post exam celebrations. MMSA also organise a large variety of clinical and research exchanges with countries all over the world. It is one of the best ways to try out learning abroad elsewhere.
11
General information
Time difference = +1hour GMT (An hour ahead of the UK) Be aware that shops and services are rarely open late, on nonworking days and on public holidays. Always check opening times, this includes banks and university services also. Malta has British 3 pin plugs for chargers and electrical devises. Malta is a member of the EU, and as such EU international law and human rights apply. EU students don’t pay tuition fees. The University is situated in the middle of the island of Malta, in an area called Msida (pronounced em-see-dah.) The University Residence in Lija (pronounced lee-ah) is situated further from the University– approximately a 15 minute drive. If you live in residence there's free bus service starting from 7am-6pm. Otherwise public transport (buses : 106, 37,38) come every half hour and bus stops are a close to university residence. Air Malta, Easy Jet and Ryan Air all fly regularly to and from Malta all year round. Use skyscanner.net to get good deals. Register as a frequent flyer – build up your air miles with Air Malta, for example. Book returns journeys and flights to the UK far in advance for the best deals and to avoid disappointment, especially summer flights. There’s an iCentre on campus, for Mac users. The University of Malta provides two wireless services; a browser based connection and Eduroam. Go on their website to see how to configure Eduroam. University WiFi does not support Facetime, but does support Viber and Whatssap for free international messaging. On campus facilities: health food shop, copy shops, cafeteria, book shop and post office. International call code for Malta is ++356/00356. The general price of food is similar to that of food prices in the UK. Local vegetables and fruit may be cheaper, along with Italian goods. Ready meals are less popular and more expensive in Malta so you may have to learn how to cook!
12
Before you come to Malta
Join the MMSA and ERASMUS groups on Facebook. Try and change/cancel your UK phone contract to pay-as-yougo. If you're in middle of a contract try to get your phone unlocked by your service provider which will be really convenient in UK. Notify your current banks you are going abroad to Malta. Vaccinations – you need to make sure you are specifically vaccinated against Hepatitis B by a certain time frame. You will need to prove that you are vaccinated, have started a course or have never had Hep B (In this case a course can be started in Malta). There is an occupational health form which needs to be filled thoroughly before you start the course. Check other vaccinations that you should already have had – BCG, tetanus etc ask your GP for details. Insurance for possessions – if you have expensive electronics this may be an option. Medical Insurance – the university recommends you obtain medical insurance, mostly for emergencies. UK students – you must apply for the EHIC card which you can do online – it takes a few weeks to arrive so do this well in advance. Buy appropriate shoes – the ground is rough in places and can ruin soft soled shoes. Don’t just bring flip flops! It may also be usefull to bring a pair of waterproof boots or wellingtons for when it rains, as it can flood in some areas.
Accommodation options Once you’ve settled in you can choose to live wherever you feel like, if you are totally lost, here are a few ideas: 1. 2. 3.
University Residence Lija Msida/Gzira San Gwann
13
1. University Residence Lija This is many people’s first option. Most of the students residing in Lija are ERASMUS students. There is no international student organization, but there is an ERASMUS one that organizes trips and nights out (Tuesdays) from the residence. The University Residence in Lija provides a useful starting point to meet friends, benefiting from a good social scene during fresher’s week. Weekly events also include hikes to various landmarks and beaches. While paying a lump sum in advance for each semester or year is cheaper, it can cause unwanted complications should you wish to move out into your own (or your friend’s) apartment. It is possible to pay on a monthly basis to avoid contractual complications with the University Residence. Tennis and Basket Ball courts are available to book free of charge. 5-a-side Football/Soccer pitch (Astroturf) can be booked and paid for, because they are not owned by the University Residence. Football pitches are also available to book and pay for at the University Campus in Msida. This is also 5-a-side. Their website is http://universityresidence.com/ I would recommend a standard room (non-sharing). You will end up studying a lot more than the ERASMUS students you will be housed with and it isn’t ideal to share a room as there is not study space in the residence. If you wish to use the library to study during the exam period, there is a complimentary shuttle service from the university to the residence. It operates once an hour and it doesn’t run late. There is also a taxi service called ECabs and it is very really reliable with online booking options. Be warned, the residence can be very noisy and many past students end up leaving after first semester or by January after making all their friends.
2. Msida/Gzira This is where most of international medical students end up living, due to the reasonable rent costs which can be as low as €150 a month.
14
It is also a 2-15minute walk (depending on where you live) to the university, library and hospital and therefore quite convenient. It can be a lonelier option during the fresher period as it may take you longer to make friends with the other international students that may choose the residence. However it has many advantages. Most buses pass through Msida circus to practically anywhere on the island. There are plenty of restaurants and supermarkets nearby. Most students sublet initially before finding a permanent place with a longer contract, but it is fairly easy to find a room and adjust as there are always apartments to rent.
3. San Gwann This is 10-15mins away from the university by foot. It has a bustling main road that is busier than that in Msida which is comparatively quieter with less shops/restaurants/supermarkets. It has its own post office among other conveniences – butcher, grocery store, HSBC etc. Many buses pass the main road of San Gwann.
Moving into a flat A few things you may have to adjust to when living in a flat on your own:
Gas does not run via pipes, rather you have to buy gas canisters to supply your stoves.
Ask your landlord for assistance with this when you move in and check that it is working at the stove. Gas can be bought from trucks that sound their horn early in the morning – it becomes recognizable after a few months. It costs about €40 for a brand new medium canister whereas if you swap for an empty one the price should be €1618. They tend to last 3 months, longer if you don’t cook that much and if your oven is electric.
15
There is no central heating in most flats, however, the residence in Lija does have heating. It does get very cold in the winter months, especially for those used to central heating.
It costs to run air conditioners as a source of heat. You may want to ask your landlord to supply a portable gas heater, although the carbon monoxide produced isn’t very safe in bedrooms. Bring a quilts or warmer clothes to wear in the colder months if you prefer. The water supply runs on a meter.
Ensure your windows have mosquito screens.
In July the temperature soars to almost 40ᵒC. You may want to think about fans/air conditioning. This depends on personal preference.
Bread and grocery vans may sound a horn on specific days and sell local produce. They can be quite useful as they come outside your door. (In the same way ice cream trucks may circulate.)
Some flats don’t come with a toaster and kettle, they aren’t that cheap to buy, so try and negotiate them.
Noise – try not to make noise/have parties that last after 11pm. Your Maltese neighbours may call the police – even at weekends. I would recommend buttering up your neighbours from the start. They can be friendly if you knock on their doors.
As you'll be living here at least for the duration of your course (5 years) making friends with the Maltese students is very important if you want to get well settled soon.
You need to buy separate grey/clear marked rubbish bags for recycling taken out on specific days—ask your landlord for more information.
Buy plastic sealed containers for sugary items/wheat items to prevent insects—keep your apartment clean to ensure this.
16
Luggage Checklist
Lab coat Surgical gloves (for the dissection room) University transcripts + Exam Certificates + photocopies Acceptance letter Passport photos x 6 – bring extra just in case Photocopy of Passport and/or Driving License Driving License – both parts! (For car hire.) EHIC card Bank cards- use as emergency cash supply as they charge you to use abroad/pay in a different currency Camera, batteries, memory and chargers Mosquito repellent – plug in Sun cream (s.p.f. 30+) Beach Towel Stethoscope - not essential, but may need it for MMSA events. Swimming items Trainers/gym equipment Sturdy shoes – the ground is quite rough in areas and can ruin many shoes. Winter clothes – coat, jumpers, socks etc. as it gets cold in winter! Umbrella and Waterproofs/Wellies; when it rains it pours/ floods! Bring an unlocked phone (and charger) to use with Maltese SIM card/provider. Phones are cheaper to buy in the UK. Condoms! The morning-after pill is illegal in Malta and its use is taken very seriously. Medications – I would recommend anti histamines – many people have reactions to the dust in Malta in the first month; stock up on the contraceptive pill, it isn’t free in Malta. Toiletries – are all more expensive in Malta as they are imported, so stock up. I would recommend you make a list and buy them at the airport due to the strict luggage allowances on most airlines. Cash – for UK students exchange money at a post office as it is free, but look around for the best rates at other places just in case. Take a good wad and then when you open your Maltese bank account, deposit the cash there.
17
Arriving in Malta It is best to book taxis/transfers in advance through University Residence Lija. Call the reception desk and inform them of your flight so they can organize a pick-up – much cheaper than white taxis that you will find at the airport. It costs €15 from the Airport to the University Halls in Lija and vice-versa if booked through Residence. For non Lija residents, there are many transfer services from the airport, have a search online. You can use google maps to find out where your apartment is. Make sure you have the contact details for your landlord so you don’t have trouble getting to your new home when you arrive. There are several buses that travel frequently from the airport that are easy to use. The X2 and X1 (bus stops outside the airport) travel to Msida Skate Park right next to the university. The bus costs between €1.30 for a single and €1.50 for a day pass. Monthly Arriva bus tickets can be obtained from Arriva stand on fresher’s fair and can be topped up at the machines located on university bus stops.
Once you are in Malta Phone/Mobile Cancel old mobile contracts – unless you’re pay as you go. It is cheaper for your family/friends to call a British phone, but cheaper for you to call them on a Maltese phone. GO mobile, Vodafone and Melita are the available networks in Malta. Vodafone have a student plan for €15 a month for internet and free calls to other Vodafone customers which is quite popular with most students. GO mobile also offers student plans costing for €10 a month, while Melita is a good service provider if you live in a flat and want to get an internet connection as well. All networks have their stands at the fresher’s fair on campus where you can sort this out at.
18
Water Don’t drink tap water – bottled water is better. Be prepared: the Maltese don’t drink a lot of juices/squashes!
Maltese Bank account There are two main banks, Bank of Valletta and HSBC which both have a branch on campus. To open a Maltese bank account you will require:
Proof of address (rental agreement contract) Proof of Acceptance to University (could be requested from international office in administration building) Passport Application form (which you can get at fresher fair) Bring details of your current bank account just in case Note – these details may change so ask the bank – you have to have €200 in your account/average over 6months to avoid €10 admin fee/ month. It costs €5/year for Internet banking with HSBC. This is all for a standard current account, you don’t get a VISA or MASTERCARD, just a cashcard which is accepted everywhere.
Food – Supermarket shopping Local super market to University Residence Lija is ‘Smart’ and they deliver, if you spend over €30. There's also a small convenient shop in residence bar for emergencies. There are less shops around Msida and you may have to walk a bit but there is Gala, Maypole (specialize in bread) and AD supermarkets. In San Gwann there is a Lidl, Maypole, grocers and a butcher. Lidl is the cheapest supermarket.
Residence permit and ID You have to travel to Valletta for this and have to do it soon after your arrival. The university will give you more information on this when you arrive for orientation. http://www.foreign.gov.mt/Default.aspx? MDIS=539
19
The University There is a main library that is central on campus, the opening hours aren’t as extensive as the ones you’re probably used to from you previous degrees. So you will have to learn to study at home a lot more. The library hours change depending on what time of year it is; they close earlier out of term time (holidays) and on Saturday, and are closed on Sundays and on public holidays. http://www.um.edu.mt/ library/ The library (main and medical) hours extend to 11pm on weekdays and 4.45 on Saturdays only during the exam period. There are computers in the library from where you can print. There is a medical library in the adjacent Mater Dei Hospital with a better medical book collection. You need to apply for a library card in order to borrow which can be applied for in the international office with a passport photo. There is a student union - the KSU. http://www.ksu.org.mt/ There is also an IT services building, which is full of computers, air conditioned and brand new. You can top up printer credits online. Printing can also be done at Papier copy shops which give discount to medical students, there are 3 based around campus. You can also print at the post office on campus in the morning.
Nightlife There aren’t bars or clubs on campus, but there is a main strip of clubs called Paceville (pronounced pah-che-vil) that is relatively central. Most clubs are free entry and the drinks are very reasonable. Most people bar/club hop. The most popular clubs that students go to are Havana, Sabor, Bar Native and Footloose, the latter for the Erasmus students. There are many buses that go to Paceville but the buses don’t run very late (except during the summer months) so you may need a taxi number. If you live in university residence there's a bar called Zmerc among some other local bars where Erasmus students hangout on week nights.
20