Doctor Of Medicine And Surgery in University of Malta, Malta

Doctor Of Medicine And Surgery in University of Malta

The Doctor of Medicine and Surgery is a five year degree course. The content is delivered as modules which are largely based on systems. The course is divided into preclinical and clinical phases which are spread out over several semesters. The teaching and learning is a mix of traditional didactic teaching, such as lectures, tutorials and small group teaching) as well as problem based learning where appropriate. In the preclinical years it also includes practicals(e.g. anatomy dissection) and in the clinical years bedside teaching, shadowing, observation, skills training, theatre and ward attendance.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes/competences for the MD Degree

Level 1

At the end of their course of studies graduates will have the ability to:

- carry out a consultation with a patient;
- assess clinical presentations, order investigations, make differential diagnoses, and negotiate a management plan
- provide immediate care of medical emergencies, including First Aid and resuscitation
- prescribe drugs;
- carry out practical procedures;
- communicate effectively in a medical context;
- apply ethical and legal principles in medical practice;
- assess psychological and social aspects of a patient's illness;
- apply the principles, skills and knowledge of evidence-based medicine;
- use information and information technology effectively in a medical context;
- apply scientific principles, method and knowledge to medical practice and research;
- promote health, engage with population health issues and work effectively in a health care system;

Level 2

Carry out a consultation with a patient

- take a history;
- carry out physical examination;
- assess the patient's mental state;
- make clinical judgements and decisions;
- provide explanation and advice;
- provide reassurance and support;

Assess clinical presentations, order investigations, make differential diagnoses, and negotiate a management plan

- recognise and assess the severity of clinical presentations;
- order appropriate investigations and interpret the results;
- make differential diagnoses;
- negotiate an appropriate management plan with patients and carers;

Provide immediate care of medical emergencies, including First Aid and resuscitation

- recognise and assess acute medical emergencies;
- provide basic First Aid;
- provide Basic Life Support and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation according to current European guidelines;
- treat acute medical emergencies;

Prescribe drugs

- prescribe clearly and accurately
- match appropriate drugs to the clinical context
- review the appropriateness of medication and evaluate the potential benefits and risks;

Carry out practical procedures

- administer oxygen;
- measure accurately basic physiological variables (e.g., temperature, blood pressure);
- venepuncture and cannulation of veins;
- administer IV therapy and use infusion devices;
- subcutaneous and intramuscular injection;
- move and handle patients;
- suturing;
- blood transfusion;
- bladder catheterisation;
- urinalysis;
- electrocardiography;
- basic respiratory function tests;

Communicate effectively in a medical context

- communicate with patients;
- communicate with colleagues;
- communicate with relatives and carers;
- develop effective strategies for breaking bad news;
- communicate with disabled people;
- communicate in seeking informed consent;
- communicate in writing;
- develop effective strategies to deal with aggression;
- communicate by telephone;
- communicate with those who require an interpreter;

Apply ethical and legal principles in medical practice

- maintain confidentiality and ensure protection of sensitive data;
- apply ethical principles to clinical care;
- obtain and record informed consent;
- certify death;
- request autopsy;
- apply Maltese and European Union law to clinical care;
- notify specified conditions as required by Maltese law;

Assess psychological and social aspects of a patient's illness

- assess psychological factors in presentations and impact of illness;
- assess social factors in presentations and impact of illness;
- detect stress in relation to illness;
- detect alcohol and substance abuse, dependency;

Apply the principles, skills and knowledge of evidence-based medicine

- apply evidence to practice;
- define and carry out an appropriate literature search;
- critically appraise published medical literature;

Use information and information technology effectively in a medical context

- keep accurate and complete clinical records;
- use information technology;
- access information sources;
- store and retrieve information;

Ability to apply scientific principles, method and knowledge to medical practice and research

to be designed specifically for each objective within all teaching programmes

Promote health, engage with population health issues and work effectively in a health care system

- provide patient care which minimises the risk of harm to patients;
- apply measures to prevent the spread of infection;
- recognise own health needs and ensure own health does not interfere with professional responsibilities;
- conform with professional regulation and certification to practise;
- receive and provide professional appraisal; and
- make informed career choices.

Course intended for

Primarily the course is intended for students who completed their higher secondary education and satisfy both the General and the Special Entry Requirements and who would like to pursue a career in Medicine. The course however could also be followed by any graduates in other health professions as detailed in the Regulations of the MD Course.

Career opportunites and access to further studies

The degree awarded after successful completion of the programme entitles graduates to apply for limited registration with the Malta Medical Council and makes them eligible to apply for foundation doctor posts. The qualification is also mandatory for eventual full registration with the Medical Council. The degree is also required for postgraduate training in any of the medical specialties both locally and overseas. The degree also allows graduates to apply for higher degrees such as M Phil and PhD with the University of Malta and other universities. Successful completion of the programme is a pre requisite for embarking on a career in any of the various specialties.