Medical students will undergo practical training in their field of study in hospitals in Malta.
An agreement was signed today which allows University of Malta students to be assigned to a period of practical training at the San Vincent de Paul Hospital and other facilities around Malta, to gain practical experience related to their studies. The agreement also provides these students access to clinical training at the highest level.
The agreement was signed by Permanent Secretary Ms Christine Schembri on behalf of the Ministry for Active Ageing, and Prof. Alfred J. Vella, Rector of the University of Malta, in the presence of the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Hon. Clifton Grima and the Minister for Active Ageing Hon. Dr Jo Etienne Abela.
During a press conference, the importance of students having these opportunities to practice what they are learning through periods of work experience was explained.
Minister Grima praised the work that led to the agreement, saying, "This is the second agreement of its kind that the University is signing in one week, which shows its commitment to the education sector to provide students with all the opportunities they need to achieve their aspirations at every possible level."
On his part, Minister Abela said that from his past experience as a medical student, and now as a surgeon and lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, he knows how essential "bedside teaching" is. "This type of learning helps to shape dedicated and proficient doctors. Today, this is not enough. It is also essential that we focus on good governance in medicine and modern research."
"The University is proud to be engaging in this agreement with the Ministry for Active Ageing,” expressed University of Malta Rector Prof. Alfred J. Vella. He continued, “It will see our medical students getting due exposure of real-world scenarios through various on-site placements. This collaboration provides University students the opportunity to be involved at places such as St Vincent de Paule Long Term Care Facility and other facilities around the Maltese Islands which will prove pivotal in their formation as Malta's upcoming medical professionals. We look forward to strengthening this legacy between the two parties going forward."
