Medical Education

Medical Education is a concern of every medical student as it shapes not only the quality future doctors, but also the quality of healthcare received by future patients. More over it is the life of every medical student whilst living the life as a student.  The aim of SCOME – the Standing Committee on Medical Education – within MMSA and IFMSA is to implement an optimal learning environment for all medical students in Malta and around the world and has thus been existent since the foundation of IFMSA in 1951.

We question whether students educated in a so-called traditional curriculum are able to face the needs of healthcare in a modern society. Scientific data show that modern medical curricula are a lot more likely to teach students in an appropriate way in order to create doctors equipped with various skills and knowledge. Improvements in the curriculum take place from year to year, and we strive to continuously push for change in the right direction.  This has been reflected especially in the last two years, as the Faculty of Medicine has shifted to an integrated curriculum.  SCOME has always been there to provide student feedback and push the faculty to make the learning environment optimal for every medical student.

In recognition of students being one of the most important stakeholders of education, SCOME strives to give a chance for students to have an active role, rather than to be the passive recipients of our education. This is done by giving the students a voice, via class representatives for every year who collaborate with the NOME and Faculty Representative to represent the student with the concerned authorities.

Changes take time however, and thus SCOME takes another approach as to improve student capabilities here and now by working on various projects and organizing diverse activities.  This gives a chance for the future doctors to discover and develop their skills further, as part of a holistic approach to learning.

If you would like to give us some feedback on how to improve SCOME , simply fill in the Evaluation Form by clicking here.

Robert Cachia
National Officer on Medical Education ‘11-’12
scome@mmsa.org.mt