FHS Monthly Newsletter November 2010

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 4 th November, 2010 His Grace the Archbishop of Malta Mons Paul Cremona blessing the Faculty on Thursday, 4th November 2010. 1

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University Careers Convention Nov 2010 Date: 15-19 November, 2010 from 9:00 to 15:00 hours Organisers: University Students Council and AIESEC Venue: University Quadrangle Presentation: Dr Michelle Camilleri, Nursing Department gave a presentation on: `NURSING: A GATEWAY TO THE WORLD`. 4

Career Convention, 15th - 19th November, 2010 DATE Mon, 15th Nov Participation by FHS Academic Staff 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 Thu, 18th Nov Dr N Calleja (Communication Therapy), Mr Anthony Scerri (Nursing), Mr F Zarb (Radiography), Ms K Agius (Communication Therapy) 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. 5

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 6

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. 7

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 1 st Dec 2010 Dr Rosienne Farrugia PhD Applied Biomedical Sciences 2 15 th Dec 2010 Dr Joseph Borg PhD Applied Biomedical Sciences 3 12 th Jan 2011 Dr Michelle Camilleri PhD Nursing 4 26 th Jan 2011 Mr Frank Zarb PhD Radiography (in progress) 5 2 nd Feb 2011 Dr Daniela Gatt PhD Communication Therapy 6 9 th Feb 2011 Dr Roberta Sammut PhD Nursing 7 23 rd Feb 2011 Dr Cynthia Formosa PhD Podiatry 8 9 th Mar 2011 Dr Anna McElhatton PhD Food Studies & Environmental Health 9 23 rd Mar 2011 Mr Tonio Agius PhD Physiotherapy (in progress) 10 6 th Apr 2011 Ms Josephine Attard PhD Midwifery (in progress) 11 4 th May 2011 Ms Claire Sillato Copperstone PhD (in progress) Food Studies & Environmental Health 12 18 th May 2011 Mr Anthony Scerri MSc Nursing/ Health Services Management Stephen and Paulann gave excellent presentations on the 3 rd and 17 th 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 19 th and 26 th 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. 8

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: 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, 7 th January, 2011. ANNOUNCEMENTS Dr Daniela Gatt, Communication Therapy Department Ms Daniela Gatt was awarded her doctorate degree on the 24 th 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. 9

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 COURSE NO OF GRADUATES % Diploma Environmental Health 5 2.48 Diploma Nursing 25 12.38 B.Sc. (Hons) Communication Therapy 12 5.94 B.Sc. (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science 10 4.95 B.Sc. (Hons) Midwifery 22 10.89 B.Sc. (Hons) Nursing 54 26.73 B.Sc. (Hons) Physiotherapy 16 7.92 B.Sc. (Hons) Podiatry 11 5.45 B.Sc. (Hons) Radiography 12 5.94 BSc (Hons) Community Midwifery 1 0.50 BSc (Hons) Community Nursing 15 7.43 M.Sc. (Hons) Nursing 2 0.99 MSc Health Services Management 10 4.95 Post Graduate Diploma Nutrition and Dietetics 6 2.97 PhD 1 0.50 Total 202 100.00 10

FHS Student Population 2010/2011 FHS Student Population 2010-2011 1200 1123 1000 800 2007/2008 = 733 2008/2009 = 802 2009/2010 = 888 600 550 400 304 200 125 144 0 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Total 8 Christmas Staff Lunch: Friday 17 th 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 11