The Faculty of Health Sciences in collaboration with the Malta Health Students’ Association (MHSA) hosted the second edition of the student-led conference on 8 April 2024. The conference was aimed at addressing critical issues in healthcare.
Titled ‘The healthcare student and society’, the conference served as a platform for dialogue, learning and student-centred collaboration.
Things kicked off with a thought provoking panel discussion focusing on the visibility of health professions in the public sphere and the need for enhancing knowledge about the diverse roles within healthcare systems. The panel consisted of several class representatives from the departments within the Faculty of Health Sciences. The discussion not only shed light on the challenges that students face but also the importance of bridging the gap between professions, students and society at large.
A second panel discussion focused on student activism at the University of Malta, through the participation of MHSA and KSU, this discussion highlighted the participation of students in University activities, beyond academic pursuits and the importance of holistic student development.
Following the panel discussions, all conference participants engaged in small group workshops designed to delve into issues influencing healthcare today. These workshops tackled topics that students deemed to be important, from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Topics ranged from inclusivity, burnout, staff retention, health literacy and cultural diversity. The workshops sought to find a tangible action plan for addressing these identified issues, which were later reviewed for feasibility and potential impact by a team of interdisciplinary academics.
This active participation during the conference highlighted the collaborative focus of the conference, wherein every voice, irrespective of profession, background or expertise could discuss. The conference’s emphasis on collaboration, innovation and pragmatic solutions supports a proactive approach towards student-learning and networking.
