The MCFD at 35 years : looking to the future, supported by the past

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Malta College of Family Doctors (MCFD) was founded in April 1990 with Dr. Denis Soler as President. In tandem, the newsletter ‘It-Tabib tal-Familja’ was set up, which along the years became the Journal of the Malta College of Family Doctors (JMCFD). In April 2025, a new MCFD Council was elected, with a significant milestone being achieved: the election of the first female president in MCFD history.

OBJECTIVE: To trace the contribution of women in MCFD Councils over the past 35 years.

METHOD: Historical review divided in a section on past female MCFD Council members and a section on equity and equality.

RESULTS: It is clear that the election of a female president was not a fluke. It was the result of talented people who over time proved that talent and capability do not depend on gender. Apart from that, it also depends on having a culture that fosters recognition of talent above all. It depends on mutual support and on measures that promote participation with flexibility. It is important to recognise that women in leadership roles in medicine and academia are disproportionately low compared to the ratio of women to men in medicine and healthcare professions. Thus, it is important to pay tribute to all the women who paved the way for this milestone to be reached.

CONCLUSION: Whilst auguring the MCFD and the JMCFD a happy 35th anniversary, the Council will keep looking forward to propelling the MCFD forward in excellence.