Physiotherapy at UM

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Physiotherapy at UM

Welcome to the official page of the Department of Physiotherapy - University of Malta Essentially, physiotherapists are experts in movement.

Physiotherapy is defined by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) as “providing services to individuals and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan”. “This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by ageing, injury, pain, diseases, disorders, conditions or environmental factors. Functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy.” Physiotherapy is indeed a clinical health science and profession that aims to rehabilitate and improve a person’s ability to move and function. Physiotherapists utilise their expertise in anatomy and physiology to assess and treat people with a variety of health conditions. They use objective assessments to develop an evidence based treatment programme tailored to individual clients. All physiotherapists in Malta hold a university degree in Physiotherapy and must be registered by law with the Council for Professions Complementary to Medicine (CPCM). The Department of Physiotherapy has long offered eligible students structured education leading to an honours degree in Physiotherapy. It is a lynchpin of the national public health services in that it provides the Maltese Islands with most of its young and entrepreneurial physiotherapists, while it strives to develop into a postgraduate and research facility.

12/10/2026

🌍 🤝 Strengthening International Connections in Physiotherapy! 🇲🇹 🇭🇷

Physiotherapy at UM was delighted to welcome Prof. Iva Sklempe Kokic, Associate Professor at the University of Osijek, Croatia.

During her visit, Prof. Sklempe Kokic engaged in discussions on our academic programmes, research activities and opportunities for future collaboration through Erasmus+.

The visit also included a tour of the Physiotherapy Department at Mater Dei Hospital, offering insights into physiotherapy practice across Malta's healthcare services.

🌱 Connecting institutions, exchanging ideas and building partnerships - another step in our continued commitment to internationalisation and advancing physiotherapy education, research and practice!

University of Malta
Faculty of Health Sciences - University of Malta

10/10/2026

🇪🇺 Strengthening European Connections in Physiotherapy Education! 🤝

Physiotherapy at UM was represented by Dr John Xerri de Caro and Dr Nadine Spiteri Gingell at the ENPHE Forum 2026 in Tartu, Estonia. 🇪🇪

Under the theme “Community-Centered Physiotherapy: Bridging Research, Practice, Policy, and Health Technologies in Europe”, the Forum provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships, reconnect with European colleagues and forge new collaborations in academic development and student exchange.

🌍 This was particularly significant for Dr Spiteri Gingell in her new role as Department Coordinator for Erasmus+ and Clinical Placements, supporting further international opportunities for our students and staff.

🚀 Our continued engagement reflects the Department's commitment to keeping UM Physiotherapy at the forefront of European higher education, fostering collaboration, innovation and international mobility.

Connecting people. Creating opportunities. Advancing physiotherapy.

Faculty of Health Sciences - University of Malta
University of Malta

22/09/2026

🚀 Looking Ahead: Building the Next Chapter of Physiotherapy at the University of Malta

As we begin a new Academic Year, Physiotherapy at UM is pleased to announce a restructuring of key roles, strengthening our leadership across undergraduate, postgraduate, clinical and international activity.

🎓 Dr Tonio Agius will coordinate Postgraduate Studies
📘 Dr Anabel Sciriha will coordinate the Undergraduate Programme
🩺 Dr Nadine Spiteri Gingell will coordinate Clinical Education and ERASMUS+

These changes are part of a wider direction for the Department over the coming 3 to 5 years, guided by our vision:

✨ “To be a Department that builds strong foundations, inspires inquiry and develops adaptable physiotherapists who improve health, shape practice and advance the profession.”

Dr John Xerri de Caro continues as Head of Department, with overall responsibility for the performance and strategic direction of the Department, while Prof. Stephen Lungaro Mifsud continues to lead the Faculty as Dean.

Behind everything we do, Ms Romana Mrackova continues as Department Administrator and Ms Soumiya Rehan as Department Laboratory Officer. 🙌

This is about more than changing roles. It is about building capacity, sharing leadership and creating the structures that will support where we want to go next.

🌱 Strong foundations.
💡 Inspired inquiry.
🌍 Adaptable professionals.
➡️ A Department moving forward, together.

University of Malta
Faculty of Health Sciences - University of Malta
Allied Health Services Malta
Malta Association of Physiotherapists

10/09/2026

🌍 World Physiotherapy Day 2026

This year’s theme, Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease, was marked locally through an excellent seminar at the Neurological Out-Patients Services at Karen Grech Rehabilitation Hospital.

The event brought together clinicians, researchers and physiotherapists to share current developments in stroke services, rehabilitation and research, including contributions from local and international experts.

We are especially proud that Dr Nadine Spiteri Gingell from Physiotherapy at UM, actively contributed to the workshops, working alongside fellow physiotherapists to discuss and brainstorm ways of further improving stroke care pathways in Malta.

A great example of collaboration between academia and clinical practice, with physiotherapists continuing to play an important role in shaping better rehabilitation services.

👏 Well done to all those involved in organising such a meaningful World Physiotherapy Day event!

University of Malta
Faculty of Health Sciences - University of Malta

03/07/2026

🏆 Dean's Awards 2026 🏆

Physiotherapy at UM is immensely proud to congratulate two outstanding members of our community who have been recognised at the Dean's Awards 2026.

👏 Dr Anabel Sciriha has been awarded the Dean's Award for Student-Nominated Academic Member of Staff. This recognition is especially meaningful as it reflects the appreciation and respect of our students. Anabel's unwavering commitment to teaching, mentorship, and student support continues to inspire those around her, and this award is a fitting acknowledgement of the positive impact she has on the next generation of physiotherapists.

🏅 Ms Jessica Vella has received the Dean's Award – Special Mention in recognition of her outstanding achievements in Sport. Jessica's dedication, determination, and ability to excel both academically and athletically embody the values we strive to nurture within our Department. We are incredibly proud of all that she has accomplished.

These achievements are a reflection of the excellence, passion, and commitment that define our Department. Congratulations, Anabel and Jessica! Thank you for being such inspiring ambassadors for Physiotherapy and for the Faculty of Health Sciences.

💙 We celebrate your success and wish you continued achievement in all that lies ahead.

Faculty of Health Sciences - University of Malta
University of Malta
Anabel Sciriha
Jessica Vella

02/07/2026

As we end the Academic Year, we honour and thank Victoria Massalha as she retires from her part-time academic post within the Department of Physiotherapy.

Victoria has been part of our Department since 2005, contributing with dedication, professionalism, and generosity across many areas of academic life. Over the years, she has lectured, led practical sessions and tutorials, coordinated clinical placements, supervised dissertations, examined students, and contributed to both the Board of Studies and Board of Examiners.

Her teaching has spanned several important areas, including Surgery, Dermatology, Preclinical Skills, Gynaecology, Moving and Handling, and Ergonomics, reaching not only physiotherapy students but also students from other health professions. She also played a central role in coordinating and developing the module in Professional Practice and Management, an initiative that was innovative in the European context and which reflected her forward-looking approach to the physiotherapy profession.

Victoria’s contribution has helped shape generations of students and has strengthened the Department in ways that are both visible and deeply embedded in its history. Her work has always reflected commitment to the profession, care for students, and a strong sense of responsibility towards academic and clinical formation.

Although this marks her retirement from her part-time academic post, we are very pleased that Victoria will continue to remain connected with us in a reduced capacity as a Casual Lecturer. This makes today not a goodbye, but rather an opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation for all that she has given to the Department over so many years.

On behalf of the Department of Physiotherapy, thank you, Victoria, for your service, dedication, and lasting contribution. We wish you every happiness in this next chapter. 💙

Victoria Massalha

25/06/2026

Today marks an important annual / quadrennial milestone for our Physiotherapy Department. Today we held the final examinations for our 4th year students - a symbolic and important oral presentation with defence of their dissertations. Although the official results are still pending it is fair and just to honour these fine young men and women for their efforts and commitment.

🎓 From Cohort 2022 to the Class of 2026 heartfelt congratulations! 🎉

What a journey it has been. Over the past four years, we have watched you grow not only in knowledge and clinical skill, but also in resilience, compassion, empathy, professionalism and strength of character. 💙

Your journey has not always been easy, but you have faced its challenges with determination, maturity and courage - and today, you should feel incredibly proud of what you have achieved. 🌟

As a Department, we have had the privilege of nurturing you, guiding you and walking alongside you during your professional formation. Now, it is time for you to step forward and face the world, making your mark in whichever path you choose. 🌍✨

Remember, you will always remain part of our Department community. Our door will always be open. 🚪💙

We are proud of you, we believe in you, and we cannot wait to see all that you will become.

22/06/2026

This week, our 4th year Physiotherapy students begin their final clinical examinations.

This is an important moment in their journey - one that brings together years of learning, practice, reflection, challenge, resilience, and growth. These exams are not simply about demonstrating knowledge or clinical skills; they are also about showing the professionalism, compassion, communication, responsibility, and presence that define who they are becoming as future physiotherapists.

To our final year students: be proud of how far you have come. Trust the work you have put in, the experiences that have shaped you, and the people who have guided you along the way. Walk into this week with confidence, humility, and belief in yourselves.

The Department is proud of you and stands with you as you take this final step in your undergraduate journey. We wish you strength, clarity, courage, and calm throughout the days ahead.

You have earned your place here. Now go and show what you are capable of.

Good luck to all our final year students .. we are behind you all the way.

31/05/2026

Dear Students,

As you begin your examination period tomorrow, I would like to wish each and every one of you the very best. A special thought goes to our 4th year students, who are approaching the final examinations of their undergraduate journey and an important milestone on the path towards becoming physiotherapists.

Examinations are important, but they do not define you. They are only one part of a much bigger picture. What truly matters is the knowledge you have gained, the skills you have developed, the resilience you have shown, and the person and professional you are becoming. Throughout this year, you have invested countless hours of study, made personal sacrifices, overcome challenges, and continued to move forward with determination. Take a moment to recognise and be proud of what you have already achieved.

As you enter the examination hall, carry with you the values that brought you to higher education: curiosity, commitment, integrity, perseverance, and respect for others. Trust in the work you have done and in the effort you have invested.

I also encourage you to reflect on and thank those who have supported you throughout the year - your families, friends, classmates, clinical educators, lecturers, and all those who have guided and encouraged you along the way. Success is rarely achieved alone.

Stay calm, stay focused, and give your best. Whatever the outcome of any individual examination, remember that it is your sustained effort, character, and commitment to learning that will ultimately shape your future.

Good luck to you all.

John Xerri de Caro
Head, Department of Physiotherapy

18/05/2026

Warmest congratulations to Prof. Stephen Lungaro Mifsud on his promotion to Associate Professor.

This is a richly deserved recognition of his long-standing contribution to physiotherapy education, clinical education, rehabilitation, ageing, digital health, and the continued development of the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Department of Physiotherapy.

Prof. Lungaro Mifsud’s academic and professional journey reflects quiet leadership, commitment to collaboration, and a deep investment in the growth of others - colleagues, students, practitioners, and the profession itself. His work has contributed significantly to the development of physiotherapy in Malta, particularly in relation to older persons, community and home rehabilitation, clinical mentorship, and health innovation.

On behalf of the Department of Physiotherapy, we extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes as he continues to contribute to the University, the Faculty, and the wider profession in this new academic role.

Well done, Stephen. A proud moment for the Department and Faculty. 👏

Stephen Lungaro-Mifsud

Address

University Of Malta, Faculty Of Health Sciences, Room 16
Msida
MSD2080

Website

http://www.um.edu.mt/healthsciences/physiotherapy

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