On Tuesday, 9 July, 35 students graduated from the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme in Gozo - the third class of graduates in Malta and the largest ever.
Queen Mary’s Malta campus, which continues to grow in popularity, is the first ever medical school located on Gozo. They are not only looking to educate the best doctors, but also take a lead in advancing healthcare provision in Malta, helping accelerate the country’s development into a centre for both EdTech and MedTech development in Europe and beyond. Last year, Queen Mary’s medical education - which is based on a progressive curriculum and implementation of the latest technologies - was recognised with the ‘Excellence in Digital Health Education’ Award at the Med-Tech awards, held in Malta.
The MBBS programme, now in its seventh year on the Maltese islands, attracts students from around the world who are looking to study a London curriculum whilst enjoying a Mediterranean lifestyle. There are currently 259 students with 55 nationalities and from 6 continents enrolled at the campus.
Alongside Professor Sir Mark Caulfield, Vice Principal for Health for Queen Mary’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, and other senior Queen Mary staff, the graduation ceremony was attended by the Honourable Prime Minister of Malta, Dr Robert Abela and the Honourable Dr Clifton Grima, Malta’s Minister for Education.
Commenting on the ceremony and the programme’s success, Professor Sir Mark Caulfield, Vice Principal for Health for Queen Mary’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, said: “I am so excited and immensely proud to see so many students graduating today – our biggest Queen Mary Malta cohort ever! Medicine is a really challenging degree and studying during the pandemic has made this journey even more challenging for our 2024 graduates. Thankfully, you have triumphed and are now doctors who will take your new skill sets forward into healthcare for the benefit of humanity. I wish you every success wherever your future takes you”
Vital role of education in Malta
Highlighting the vital role of education, Prime Minister Robert Abela reaffirmed the government’s commitment to invest in the talents of students. Future plans include a new anatomy centre and research facility at Gozo General Hospital, enhancing the educational experience and supporting the local healthcare sector.
“This graduation marks a collective success, promising brighter opportunities for graduates and the community”, Prime Minister Abela stated, congratulating the 35 graduates who are about to embark on careers that will see them entrusted with the lives and well-being of many.
Dr Abela noted ongoing positive discussions between the Health Ministry and the Malta Medical Council regarding the registration process for the university’s graduates. “The integration of Foundation Year Doctors into our hospitals will be mutually advantageous, benefiting both your university and our national health service,” Prime Minister Abela remarked.
Graduates Armita Azar and Manteneh Marah, who were involved in organising the event, gave a joint speech at the ceremony. In it, Armita said: “Through our years as medical students in Malta, we have integrated ourselves into the wonderful Gozo community, whether it be volunteering with the Emergency Response and Rescue Corps, playing with Gozo Youth Orchestra or simply saying hello to a familiar face on the way to university. I’m proud of our growing collaboration with the University of Malta and their medical students, as I am often reminded of late nights in the Malta library or at Campus Hub where we would revise together, share our knowledge and ultimately help each other become better doctors.”
Only last year, Queen Mary’s medical education - which is based on a progressive curriculum and implementation of the latest technologies - was recognised with the ‘Excellence in Digital Health Education’ Award.
Minister for Education Dr Clifton Grima emphasised that the government is committed to shaping an ecosystem where everyone can realise their ambitions, and where each student is empowered to unlock their fullest potential. “It is this spirit of empowerment, growth, and ambition that I see radiating from Queen Mary University. This graduation today is not just an individual achievement but a shared success for us all. With each graduate, we are adding a new chapter to our story of progress”, said Dr Grima.
Academic Achievement Awards
The ceremony also saw two Academic Achievement Awards, both nominated by students, be presented to teaching staff. The 'Bedside Teaching Award' went to Dr Philip Tancred Paris for a number of exceptional qualities including highly engaging clinical teaching, impeccable lectures and a very supportive demeanour on the wards, while the 'GP Tutor of the Year Award' went to Dr Julian Grima for the exceptional learning experience he provided.
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