University launches Master's in Family Medicine

The Department of Family Medicine has launched a Master's Degree in Family Medicine, which will be available as from October.

This is a new initiative and another landmark for the University of Malta and the development of Family Medicine in Malta.

The rationale behind this initiative revolves around the increasing importance of family doctors in the health care system and in the community. This has been widely acknowledged internationally and now also locally by the University of Malta's Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

Equally important is the quality aspect of the practice of this discipline. All health care systems are now converging on the intent of harnessing the dual attributes of personal care delivered within the wider community context.

This master's degree strives to develop further the practice of Family Medicine by developing the knowledge and skills required to deliver quality care to patients.

The community aspect of the discipline requires the development of leaders, managers and policy makers who have a sound knowledge of Family Medicine.

The programme is a part-time afternoon course spread over two years and consists of 12 taught modules and a research-based Master's dissertation.

The modules cover different aspects of the practice and the management and leadership skills required to deliver the service. There are also modules which seek to enhance the research skills and the lifelong learning required in general practice.

Students will undertake a supervised 15,000 to 20,000-word research project relevant to the discipline. The dissertation will form part of the credits required for the completion of the programme. The dissertation will be assessed by the supervisor and an independent reader appointed by the University.

Students will have access to the library facilities and the other medical school facilities. They will be supported by teaching staff, the secretarial office staff and be able to work in groups, exchange ideas and share experiences in a person-to- person environment. Taught modules are assessed by means of one or more of the following: course work, assignments, presentations, seminars or written examinations.

Medical practitioners with at least two years of practice experience post-MD qualification are eligible.

Applicants are expected to come from a wide variety of professional backgrounds. These include newly qualified doctors who are interested in Family Medicine or Public Health Medicine with a community orientation. Practitioners may like to re-invigorate their career by having a fresh look at Family Medicine. Doctors may be interested because they need a postgraduate qualification to take opportunities where research, policy, management and leadership are important aspects of the work.

Many doctors may simply want to be prepared for the future by being able to take the challenges that Family Medicine will certainly be offering in the next few years.

An information meeting will be held at the Medical School on Wednesday at noon at the main conference hall. Course details are available for download from www.the synapse.net/download/MScFamMed.pdf. Applications must reach the registrar's office between Thursday and July 23.

Further information can be obtained from Elizabeth Cassar, secretary, Department of Family Medicine, tel: 2122-6209; e-mail: elizabeth.cassar@um.edu.mt