MMSA – Rachel Gatt

B eing a fresher myself, I had no idea what to expect during the Training & Resource Development weekend (TRD) which was held between October 31st and November 2nd at Hotel San Antonio, Bugibba.

I was surprised to see a range of insightful training sessions given by the standing committees of MMSA which include the Standing Committee on Medical Education (SCOME), Standing Committee on Public Health (SCOPH), Standing Committee on Reproductive Health including Aids (SCORA) and Standing Committee on Human Rights and Peace (SCORP). Each committee had a chance to express what they do for the medical student body.

The SCOPH training session caught my attention immediately as it gave us first years the opportunity to learn how to use a sphygmomanometer. I was very eager to acquire this new skill which I then found useful for the World Diabetes Day event held on Saturday 15th November in Valletta. Another training session explored the technique of suturing, where students practiced their sutures on oranges and pig’s feet – a unique experience!

Training sessions were not only about the actual techniques needed in the medical career but they were also related to interpersonal skills. Such skills were introduced through teamwork, leadership, public speaking and advocacy sessions. Furthermore, sessions on handling stress and different studying methods were given. TRD caters not only for first year students but also for more advanced students, e.g. a talk on how to present and prepare the portfolio needed for the end of 5th year was held.

One cannot forget the leisure and social side to the live-in. The Board of Directors hotseat had the scope to introduce the directors of MMSA to the students in a friendly and personal manner. There was also the chance to play laser tag and zorb football. The famous themed parties were not to be missed with the themes being ‘Twisted Disney’ and ‘I shouldn’t be here’.

The TRD weekend turned out to be an informative yet interesting experience which helped medical students to get accustomed to