Tel: 23401830 Fax: 23401211; E-mail: healthsciences@um.edu.mt; Website: http://www.um.edu.mt/healthsciences
FHS Monthly Newsletter – November 2010
PAST EVENTS
Blessing of FHS Faculty – 4th November, 2010
His Grace the Archbishop of Malta Mons Paul Cremona blessing the Faculty on Thursday, 4th November 2010.
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University Careers Convention – Nov 2010
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Date:
Organisers:
Venue:
Presentation:
15-19 November, 2010 from 9:00 to 15:00 hours
University Students Council and AIESEC
University Quadrangle
Dr Michelle Camilleri, Nursing Department gave a presentation on:
`NURSING: A GATEWAY TO THE WORLD`.
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Career Convention, 15th - 19th November, 2010
DATE
Participation by FHS Academic Staff
Mon, 15th Nov
Ms J Attard (Midwifery), Dr C Formosa (Podiatry), Mr A Gatt (Podiatry), Ms J Bellia (Occ
Therapy); Dr P Bezzina (Radiography), Mr J Portelli (Radiography), Mr M Ward (Mental
Health Nursing), Dr D Gatt (Communication Therapy)
Tue, 16th Nov
Ms K Borg Grima (Radiography), Ms S Mercieca (Radiography), Dr C Formosa (Podiatry),
Mr A Gatt (Podiatry), Mr R Mifsud (Occ Therapy), Ms J Bellia (Occ Therapy), Dr R Borg
Xuereb (Midwifery), Mr Josef Trapani (Nursing), Dr J Agius (Communication Therapy),
Wed, 17th Nov
Dr N Calleja (Communication Therapy), Mr Anthony Scerri (Nursing), Mr F Zarb
(Radiography), Ms K Agius (Communication Therapy)
Thu, 18th Nov
Ms K Borg Grima (Radiography), Ms S Mercieca (Radiography), Dr
J Agius
(Communication Therapy), Ms J Attard (Midwifery), Dr C Formosa (Podiatry), Mr A Gatt
(Podiatry), Ms J Bellia (Occ Therapy), Dr J Agius (Communication Therapy), Dr D Gatt
(Communication Therapy), Dr C Formosa ( Podiatry), Mr A Gatt (Podiatry), Ms R Agius
(Communication Therapy), Mr R Mifsud (Occ Therapy)
Fri, 19th Nov
Dr N Calleja (Communication Therapy), Mr R Mifsud (Occ Therapy)
Live-in Weekend organised by Malta Health Students` Association – November 2010.
Message from the President of MHSA: “....tired, exhausted and pleased to say that the live-in
organised by the MHSA was a great success. It all started
Friday evening with some ice-breakers which helped to mix
all the years and departments. A big thanks goes to the
members of staff from the FHS that dedicated a couple of
hours from their weekend to deliver very interesting
workshops to the attending students. Both days ended up
with themed parties starting off with a relaxed Black &
White Friday with a massive Glow in the Dark party to
finish off Saturday’s long day of workshops, with all the
students scribbled with designs that glowed under the UV light, whilst dancing the night away!
We finished off the 3 day venture with an evaluation of both the event and one’s feelings after
such an intensive seminar. Professor Angela Xuereb, Dean FHS, honoured us with her presence
giving us a short speech which closed off these memorable 3 days before leaving us to continue
cooking her Sunday lunch. Such an event could not be a success without the help of all the
executive board members, which helped out in the different sectors from planning to the handing
out the successful product....”, said Mr Clinton Sschembri Francalanza, MHSA President.
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NEW RECRUITS
Mrs Karen Borg Grima, B.Sc (Hons) Radiography, M.Sc Nuc. Med. was
previously working as a full-time, Principal Radiographer in the Nuclear Medicine
unit, Medical Imaging Department, Mater Dei Hospital and since September 2010,
has been employed as an Assistant Lecturer, University of Malta. Ms Borg Grima
graduated in 1997 from the University of Malta, after attending a four year course
in B.Sc. (Hons) Radiography. In 2000, she commenced a Masters degree in
Nuclear Medicine, Hatfield University, U.K. At the beginning of May 2002, she worked for six
weeks in the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the Royal Free Hospital in London, under the
supervision of Dr J. Buscombe and successfully completed her studies.
In February 2004, Karen started lecturing undergraduate radiography 3rd year and 4th year
students in Clinical Nuclear Medicine at the then Institute of Health Care. Currently Ms Borg
Grima is a member of both the European Association of Nuclear Medicine and the British
Nuclear Medicine Society.
In 1998, Karen became a full-time radiographer, working in several placements such as A&E,
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasound, Mammography, CT. and Nuclear Medicine. At the
beginning of 2001, she became an Assistant Principal Radiographer. In February 2002, she
helped in the organisation of the first Nuclear Medicine conference held in Malta. In 2006, she
was given the licenses to practice both as a Qualified Expert in Nuclear Medicine and in
Unsealed Radiation Sources by the OHSA, after which she was appointed to act as the QE of the
Nuclear Medicine unit.
Karen`s interest in the field of Nuclear Medicine has prompted her to attend several work
projects organised by the IAEA, the last one of which aided the introduction of Sentinel Node
technique in Malta – a procedure carried out on breast cancer patients in conjunction with the
Department of Surgery. She also had a week training with the Civil Protection on the emergency
procedures involved in a chemical terrorist attack and following this, attended the advanced
training course on protection against chemical weapons, organised in May 2007 in Malta by the
Swedish government. In May 2009, she became a Principal Radiographer.
RESEARCH, PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
Article by Dr Cynthia Formosa, Head Podiatry Department, in Practical Diabetes
International
An article by Dr Cynthia Formosa Ph.D.,M.Sc.Pod.(UK)D.Pod.,S.R.Pod., entitled
"Identifying Changes in Diabetes Care" has been accepted for publication in
Practical Diabetes International. The article has been scheduled for publication in
the Jan / Feb issue of the journal.
This paper explores the effects of culture, religion and government organization on the
management of patients with diabetes. The cultures of patients, healthcare professionals and the
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Maltese government were examined in terms of their influence on the potential to deliver
culturally relevant competent care. Results of this research indicate that national culture and
local practices may have a detrimental influence on the management of diabetes in Malta.
Findings highlight the need for change if effective diabetes care is to be offered to the Maltese
population. These changes are related to a highly complex, poorly understood healthcare system,
and the way in which it is structured and the way healthcare processes are managed in this highly
specific national and ethnic culture.
Research by Dr Cynthia Formosa, Head, Podiatry Department
Dr Cynthia Formosa has now commenced a research project entitled 'Prevalence of Risk Factors
for Diabetic Foot Complications in Malta' in collaboration with Professor Chockalingam
Nachiappan from the University of Staffordshire, U.K.
Brief Summary of Research Project: Foot complications are common in diabetic patients and
are considered to be one of the most expensive diabetes complications to treat. Evidence in the
literature suggests that early detection and treatment of diabetes foot complications could reduce
the prevalence of ulceration by 44% to 85%. The purpose of this research is to determine the
prevalence and risk factors for foot complications and lower limb amputations in people living
with Type-2 diabetes in Malta. A retrospective cross-sectional epidemiological research is being
conducted to estimate the nature and prevalence of risk factors for diabetic foot complications.
This research is the first of its kind to be conducted in Malta.
Data is being retrieved from a data base set up within the Primary Health Care following the
First National Diabetes Foot Screening Programme, being offered by the Podiatry Department,
Floriana Health Centre, Department of Health. Patients` data which were screened will be
evaluated and analysed. Ethical approval has been granted by the University of Malta Research
Ethics Committee.
It is hoped that data from this research could provide valuable information to all stakeholders in
diabetes care. Improved foot health status through the early identification of foot disease and
complications would mean a better quality of life for patients living with diabetes in Malta, less
long-term diabetes foot-related complications and less expenditure from the Maltese Health
budget.
Ms Marjorie Bonello, Occupational Therapy department, poster presentation
Ms Marjorie Bonello from the Occupational Therapy Department was recently
invited to present a poster at the CAIPE’s (Centre for the Advancement of
Interprofessional Education) Chair event held at King’s College, London.
CAIPE aims to promote and develop interprofessional education and
collaboration with like minded organisations in the UK and overseas. This
annual event brought together proponents and researchers in the field such as
WHO and EIPEN (European Inter Professional Education Network)
representatives. Marjorie’s poster presentation which concerned her IPE research interest in
Malta was well received.
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FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Reminder - Research Seminars for Faculty lecturing staff and students undertaking a
doctoral degree
Please find an updated schedule of the Research Seminar to be held in the Staff room between 1
and 2 pm.
No
Date
Presenter
Study
Department
1
1st Dec 2010
Dr Rosienne Farrugia
PhD
Applied Biomedical Sciences
2
15th Dec 2010
Dr Joseph Borg
PhD
3
12th Jan 2011
Dr Michelle Camilleri
PhD
Applied Biomedical
Sciences
Nursing
4
26th Jan 2011
Mr Frank Zarb
Radiography
5
2nd Feb 2011
Dr Daniela Gatt
PhD
(in progress)
PhD
6
9th Feb 2011
Dr Roberta Sammut
PhD
Nursing
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23rd Feb 2011
Dr Cynthia Formosa
PhD
Podiatry
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9th Mar 2011
Dr Anna McElhatton
PhD
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23rd Mar 2011
Mr Tonio Agius
10
6th Apr 2011
Ms Josephine Attard
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4th May 2011
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18th May 2011
Ms Claire Sillato
Copperstone
Mr Anthony Scerri
PhD
(in progress)
PhD
(in progress)
PhD
(in progress)
MSc
Food Studies &
Environmental Health
Physiotherapy
Communication Therapy
Midwifery
Food Studies &
Environmental Health
Nursing/ Health
Services Management
Stephen and Paulann gave excellent presentations on the 3rd and 17th November, 2010
respectively.
Talks by FHS Academic Staff at Junior College, Msida – January 2011
The Faculty of Health Sciences has been invited by the Counselling Service Department of the
Junior College, Msida to give presentation to the college students on the 19th and 26th January,
2011 between 14:00 and 15:00. Those who wish to take part are kindly requested to send an
email to the undersigned as soon and possible.
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The above is being coordinated by Ms Pauline Bartolo, BA (Hon), Dip.Sch. Counselling, MA
Educ (Guidance Studies) (Derby).
Medical Databases Training Workshops : 27-28 Jan 2011
The University Library Services will be organising two training workshops for the academics at
the Faculty of Health Sciences that will cover the use of the library`s subscribed online medical
databases. The venue of the workshops will be at the Faculty of Health Sciences I.T. Lab and
will be held on the following days:
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Thursday, 27 January, 2011 from 15:00 to 16:00 hours
Friday, 28 January, 2011 from 15:00 to 16:00 hours
Those of you who would like to participate are kindly requested to send an email asap to Mr
Silvio Cortis (silvio.cortis@um.edu.mt), Head of Reader Services, University Library Services,
by not later than Friday, 7th January, 2011.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dr Daniela Gatt, Communication Therapy Department
Ms Daniela Gatt was awarded her doctorate degree on the 24th November, 2010.
Daniela is the first Ph.D to graduate from the Faculty of Health Sciences. She was promoted to
lecturer during last Council meeting held on the 11th November, 2010. Well done Daniela!
Counselling Service at FHS
Few are aware that the Faculty of Health Sciences offers counselling service to its students. This
service is provided by Fr John Vella, who has been with the Faculty since 1992.
Profile: Fr. John Vella OFM Cap. S.Th.Lic. (Pastoral Theology in Health Care). After finishing the
secondary school, Fr John worked in a factory as a diamond cutter. He then entered as a friar with the
Franciscan Capuchin Province of Malta and was ordained priest in 1986. Fr John obtained a Diploma in
Pastoral Work at The Faculty of Theology. Later on, he went to Rome where he obtained a degree in
Health Care from the International Institute of Pastoral Theology. During his studies Fr John had to
practise as a counsellor at the Umberto Primo Hospital in Rome. He also had the experience of working at
one of three Therapeutic Communities of HIV and AIDS patients. In Malta, he has wide experience in all
the hospitals settings as well as residences for the elderly and the Malta Hospice Movement. In 2005, Fr
John was appointed by the Archbishop of Malta as one of the six exorcists in Malta.
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Fr John can be contacted on: Tel: 23401836 or jo_hanin@yahoo.com
Seminar and Lecture rooms at FHS/MDH - laptop for lecturing
With effect from 1st January, 2011, and after consultation with University IT Services, it has
been agreed that all lecturers will have to provide their own laptop for lecturing. This is in line
with University practice on campus.
However, to facilitate this transition, the Faculty is prepared to provide a limited number of net
books on LOAN which can be availed of from our IT Office provided that a request has to be
submitted at least one day prior to lecture date. Net books will have to be returned after the
lecture for use by other lecturers.
As from 1 February, 2011, all current computers in Seminar/Lecture rooms will be removed.
Discussions with University IT Services for the installation of a Wi-Fi System is also in
progress.
It is envisaged that in the near future, all seminar/lecture rooms at FHS will also have the facility
to use an LCD 42`/52 ` televisions in addition to the current projectors. More information on this
will be given in due time
FHS Graduates 2010 – Analysis by Degree
NO OF
GRADUATES
5
25
12
10
22
54
16
11
12
1
15
2
10
6
1
COURSE
Diploma Environmental Health
Diploma Nursing
B.Sc. (Hons) Communication Therapy
B.Sc. (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science
B.Sc. (Hons) Midwifery
B.Sc. (Hons) Nursing
B.Sc. (Hons) Physiotherapy
B.Sc. (Hons) Podiatry
B.Sc. (Hons) Radiography
BSc (Hons) Community Midwifery
BSc (Hons) Community Nursing
M.Sc. (Hons) Nursing
MSc Health Services Management
Post Graduate Diploma Nutrition and Dietetics
PhD
202
Total
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%
2.48
12.38
5.94
4.95
10.89
26.73
7.92
5.45
5.94
0.50
7.43
0.99
4.95
2.97
0.50
100.00
FHS Student Population 2010/2011
FHS Student Population
2010-2011
1200
1123
1000
2007/2008 = 733
2008/2009 = 802
2009/2010 = 888
800
600
550
400
304
125
200
144
0
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Total
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Christmas Staff Lunch: Friday 17th December 2010 at 13:00 hours
This year's Christmas Staff Lunch is going to be held on Friday 17th December at 13:00hrs at the
Kon Tiki Restaurant, Radisson BLU Resort, St. Julian’s.
Merry Christmas and the very best wishes for the New Year
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