MCFD annual general meeting 2016 : president’s report

Abstract

The conclusion of the 25th anniversary of the MCFD with the graduation of the first fellows of the college was a tribute to the hard work that the college has done over the years. It is important to stress that Fellows are those who have spent at least five years of service to the College. With this dinner we have launched the cooperation with patient groups. In this regard we should view patients as partners, as sister colleges do abroad. If there is an advocate for patients it is the family doctor and therefore it is only natural that a College representing the Family Doctors collaborate with patient groups and their mother organisation (the Malta Health Network) which represents patients. How this will come more to life depends on a lot of factors but certainly we can use the opinions of patient groups to plan research, the part of the website in which we can give information to patients, and indeed collaboration in organising joint meetings, especially to disseminate information. Fostering mutual understanding of issues, including political, will diffuse any ‘us’ and ‘them’ ideas which may go around.