Volume 14 • Issue 01 • November 2002
Editorial
After a quiescent period, the Malta Medical Journal returns
into circulation. The Journal aims to serve the needs of the
medical community in the broadest sense by encouraging
continuing professional development and enabling the
publication of articles relevant to the practice of medicine in
Malta.
Our profession faces an ever-increasing number of
challenges. Rapid advances in both scientific and medical
research place an additional burden on demanding work
schedules by obliging us to dedicate time and resources to what
is effectively a continuous learning process. Patient education
programs and empowerment together with widespread internet
access also mean that we now encounter a patient population
that is knowledgeable about health matters and to a certain
extent more demanding. Since there is a wealth of renowned
international medical publications to choose from, the question
as to whether we need to have a local Journal may be raised.
The optimal management of disease processes in different
populations is influenced by cultural, environmental, and
genetic factors specific to the individuals concerned. We hope
that the Journal will provide a medium through which local
scientists and medical professionals can present data related in
particular but not solely to the practice of medicine in Malta.
Political decisions, both locally and internationally, impact
on the legal and administrative framework within which we all
work. Malta’s dialogue with the European Union has raised a
number of questions in the minds of both healthcare providers
and consumers. This issue of the Journal includes two invited
articles from traditionally diverse camps. The articles should
answer some of these questions at a time that is both challenging
and interesting for our nation. As healthcare professionals, we
have an obligation to participate actively in ongoing discussions
in order to safeguard patient interests in a system burdened by
ever-increasing costs incurred in the provision of state-of-theart patient-oriented healthcare.
The medical profession now has to expand its horizons
beyond the time-honoured confines of clinical medicine and
grapple with administrative and management issues related to
the delivery of healthcare. The article on hospital management
in this issue of the Journal highlights the available options. One
pre-requisite is that all stakeholders must be trained, competent
and responsible individuals. These same individuals however
must be capable of interacting effectively with other healthcare
professionals to produce teams or units capable of overcoming
obstacles and attaining specific goals. The ability to listen to
suggestions, and to analyse data and situations critically and
constructively prior to implementing change is essential. The
involvement of frontline staff is crucial to the process. I find
Malta Medical Journal Volume 14 Issue 01 November 2002
this to be one of the greatest challenges that the profession has
to face in the coming years.
Whilst looking to the future, we do not wish to forget our
heritage as Maltese citizens and clinicians. Therefore, we feel it
appropriate to include a series of historical perspectives in the
Journal. Our Medical School boasts of a long history spanning
centuries with eminent graduates who have distinguished
themselves both locally and overseas. The tradition of excellence
established by our predecessors needs to be propagated in the
coming years The philosophy these scientists and clinicians
adhered to was possibly best described by Albert S Lyons in his
introduction to the book entitled Medicine - An Illustrated
History. In 1978, he who wrote “ To what erroneous doctrines
do we in the 20th century still cling? If we knew with certainty
that they were wrong, we would discard them. Instead we search
and wait and hope.” In the 21st century, we continue to research
disease processes and look to evidence-based medicine to
optimise medical treatment and prevent system errors.
Meanwhile the complex tapestry that constitutes the art and
science of medicine is enriched by the creativity of individuals
within the profession, a creativity which extends beyond their
areas of professional competence. The front cover of this issue
attests to these additional skills.
In this spirit of innovation and creativity, the Journal has
been re-designed to include original and special interest articles,
case reports, invited articles and personal opinions from experts
in both general and hospital practice. An unbiased peer review
of submitted articles will ensure that publications are of a high
standard. The instructions to authors have been included in this
issue for ease of reference. Some of the contributions in this
and forthcoming issues may be controversial. This is intentional
as it is hoped that a healthy, thought-provoking discussion will
ensue in such instances. Suggestions, comments and letters to
the Editor may be submitted electronically at mmjeditor@um.edu.mt and will be considered for publication.
Finally, on behalf of the newly appointed Editorial Board, I
wish to thank the members of the outgoing Board for their
sterling work and dedication over the years. A word of thanks is
also due to our sponsors for their support and to Mr Hilary
Caruana of Outlook Coop for his invaluable advice regarding
production of this issue. Last, but certainly not least, a special
word of thanks from myself to the Chairman and members of
the Editorial Board for their unstinting help and advice over
the last few months. It has been a great pleasure and a privilege
to work with them on this issue of the Journal,
Josanne Vassallo
Editor
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