On 15 May 2023, The and Faculty of Health Sciences organised a student-led conference entitled "Interprofessional Collaboration: Achieving Common Goals in Future Healthcare Environments”. This conference was the first of its kind at the FHS, and it aimed at promoting better collaboration and student-centred learning among future healthcare professionals.
The event was driven by the passion and enthusiasm of the students, who recognised the significance of interprofessional collaboration in the evolving landscape of healthcare. The event kicked off with keynote speeches by FHS students Ms Kirstin Buhagiar, Ms Deborah Ellul and Ms Emily Agius, highlighting the importance of interprofessional collaboration and fostering a positive work environment, with the ultimate aim of providing improved patient care. The speakers shared their personal experiences and insights regarding interprofessional collaboration within the faculty and as part of an interdisciplinary student organisation.
The program continued with a series of interactive student-led workshops organised by each department, promoting transferable skills between one profession and the other. Academics from the Faculty supported students in the development and implementation of such workshops. These sessions provided students with a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, enhance their understanding of different roles within the healthcare team, and explore ways to work together effectively. The interactive workshops allowed students to actively participate and contribute to discussions.
In addition to the academic aspect, the event also provided a platform for networking and forging lasting connections among students from various healthcare disciplines. The event concluded with a closing ceremony, where certificates of participation and prizes for best workshops and posters were distributed. The organisers reiterated their commitment to continuing such initiatives in the future, with the aim of fostering a culture of collaboration and student-centred learning within the Faculty of Health Sciences. The Interprofessional Collaboration event organised by the Malta Health Students Association and the Faculty of Health Sciences was a resounding success.
