Editorial [Malta Medical Journal, Vol.24(3)]

Abstract

2012 has been an eventful year. Ongoing efforts to broaden the research profile of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Malta, as well as the increasing numbers of both Maltese and international students enrolled at the Medical School mandated an increasing level of commitment of both human and financial resources. We have also seen the implementation of a number of curriculum changes aiming to further streamline course content and delivery. The impact of these changes on students’ knowledge base and on the acquisition of core skills and competences as well as the longterm social and economic impact of these developments on graduates and the community remains to be seen. Ultimately the aim of change is to continue to improve standards in healthcare and patient-centred medical practice. Audit and research are essential to this process as is the eventual dissemination of the data and outcomes of such audits and studies.