https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19579 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 05:51:38 GMT 2026-04-11T05:51:38Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19598 Title: Giovanni Francesco Buonamico (1639-1680) Abstract: The Environment and Resources Authority has set up the Buonamico Award on the occasion of the World Wildlife Day in recognition of contribution by enthusiasts to our knowledge on the environment. The first Buonamico Award winners were Mr Hubert Spiteri and Mr Michael Briffa. The award-giving ceremony was on 9th March 2017 under the auspices of Her Excellency President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca. This award is inspired by Giovanni Francesco Buonamico, also known as Ġan Franġisk Bonamico. Sat, 01 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19598 2017-04-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19597 Title: Journal of the Malta College of Family Doctors : volume 6 : issue 1 Authors: Mallia, Pierre Abstract: ABELA, M., GALEA, G., & MALLIA, P. - Handling of third party information in the context of blood donation -- AXIAQ, M. C., & BUGEJA, A. - Assessing the use of the Ottawa ankle rules when investigating traumatic pathology of the foot and ankle in a Maltese primary care setting -- DE BATTISTA, N. A. - A study of general practitioners’ awareness of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines regarding the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- XUEREB, M. - Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in Malta : a revolutionary therapy for psychiatric and neurological disorders -- GALEA, M. - Applying leadership styles to the healthcare sector -- BONNICI, J. J. - Giovanni Francesco Buonamico (1639-1680). Sat, 01 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19597 2017-04-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19596 Title: Applying leadership styles to the healthcare sector Authors: Galea, Marthese Abstract: Introduction Leadership can have a different meaning to different individuals. The way a person defines a leader depends on many aspects, such as cultural background, beliefs and experiences. Leaders are not in short supply but leaders that truly make a positive difference are not easy to come by. Leadership styles There are many leadership styles that are mentioned in the literature. In this review, four models are discussed which the author thinks best apply to the healthcare sector. The leadership styles that will be described are the Situational Leadership Model, the Exemplary Leadership Model, the Authentic Leadership Model and Goleman’s Leadership Styles. Examples of how these styles can best be adapted to the healthcare system will be discussed. Conclusion A leader can only be successful if there is a proper communication system in place. Leaders of a healthcare system have to capitalize on the fact that the healthcare system is a learning organisation. This will ease the implementation of the strategies since the employees will be more willing to learn new things related to these strategies. Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19596 2017-03-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19595 Title: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in Malta : a revolutionary therapy for psychiatric and neurological disorders Authors: Xuereb, Mark Abstract: Severe depression is one of the most common psychological disabilities, with a global point prevalence of 4.7%. The World Health Organisation predicts it to be the leading cause of disease burden by 2030. With 350 million depressed people, depression is a debilitating condition where only a third of treated patients achieve remission after the first antidepressant treatment. Up to 34% of the patients are treatment resistant, whereas another 15% respond partially, following standard doses of antidepressants for 6 weeks or more. Failure to respond to two consecutive antidepressants leads to greater reductions in remission rates. Recurrence rates, despite specialised care, are 60% and 85% after 5 and 15 years post-recovery respectively. Inadequate efficacy, adverse effects, and sensitivity to current treatments call for more effective and tolerable treatment options. With over 20 years of research, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive treatment that alters brain activity and cortical excitability permanently, making it an effective antidepressant treatment beyond the conventional ones, including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in some studies. Furthermore, rTMS is safe, natural, painless, fast acting and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). It has virtually no side effects and only one absolute contraindication (epilepsy). Experience of its use in Malta has shown improvement in diminishing the key symptoms of depression, decreased suicidal ideation and a decrease in other psychiatric and neurological symptoms within hours of the first sessions. Besides providing immediate relief and hope for patients and relatives, this improvement has many clinical and future management implications. Research is now underway to apply this novel technology and its variants to other physical and psychological disorders. Sat, 01 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19595 2017-04-01T00:00:00Z