By Mr Gerard Zammit Young
In response to student feedback and a recognised need for more practical preparation ahead of Foundation Training, the (MMSA), in collaboration with the and the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Malta, recently organised FY For You - a hands-on workshop specifically designed for final-year medical students.
Held on the 5 April at the Post Graduate Simulation Centre at Mater Dei Hospital, this event represented an excellent example of partnership between students, academics, and professional associations working together to address gaps identified within the current curriculum relating to practical and professional skills .
The event was supported by the Malta Cardiac Society, and the Maltese Association of Radiologists and Nuclear Medicine Physicians, with additional contributions from Foundation year doctors. The workshop provided students with the opportunity to strengthen essential clinical skills and build confidence ahead of their transition to practice.
Students rotated through five practical stations, covering:
- Basic surgical skills and local anaesthetic infiltration
- ECG interpretation
- Phlebotomy
- X-ray interpretation
- Managing patient files, treatment charts, and medications
The event opened with an engaging talk on professional behaviour by Dr Mary Rose Cassar, an A&E Consultant, helping to set the tone for a day focused not only on technical skills but also on professionalism in clinical settings.
This initiative highlights how student-led ideas, supported by collaboration across the university and professional bodies, can meaningfully contribute to enhancing the student learning experience. It also reflects a strong responsiveness to student voice, with content tailored directly to their expressed needs.
Congratulations to MMSA and all collaborators involved for this excellent example of partnership in action.
